2022-03-14-minutes-public-works-study-session

Home Browse Search

KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: March 14, 2022 TOPIC: Towns to Teanaway Implementation ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECOMMENDATION: Affirm Public Works commitment implementing the Towns to Teanaway Trail network. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Public Works (PW) has agreed to accept the Towns to Teanaway trail network into our asset management system. • Public Works will assist maintaining the trail system once easements are executed on an as needed basis and in cooperation with volunteers. • PW is also budgeting for 2022 development of trailhead parking supporting the trail network. • PW will serve as the legal and fiscal sponsor of the project. • PW will provide necessary liability insurance deemed appropriate by the County's Risk Manger beyond those required at Revised Code of Washington 4.24.210. BACKGROUND: During 2021, PW assisted the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) revising the county's recreation and tourism plan. The revised plan recognizes the county's desire to lead development of a countywide trail system. Supporting that plan element, PW budgeted the construction of trailhead parking (Towns to Teanaway) and accepting the trail network into PW asset portfolio. DISCUSSION: Acquiring the Towns to Teanaway trail system is consistent with County recreation plan Objectives. PW has committed resources to build trailhead parking and take on ongoing maintenance of the trail system. Supplemental efforts towards trail maintenance, acting as the fiscal and legal sponsor of the trail network, holding easements, sponsoring grant applications, and tracking any legal expenditures through our fiscal division are all activities that we are ready to accept on behalf of the Board. FISCAL IMPACTS: Trailhead parking is budgeted in the 2022 PW road maintenance budget. Page 1 of 2 Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022