2023-10-23-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2023 STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: October 23, 2023 TOPIC: Towns to Teanaway Request for Support Extending Paul's Trail ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • The Towns to Teanaway (TtoT) implementation committee desires extending Paul's Trail to the east end of TNC managed Cle Elum Ridge property. • Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting that a cultural resources study be undertaken prior to trail extension. • TtoT is requesting that Public Works (PW) lead the effort by issuing a Statement of Qualifications securing a qualified archaeologist firm conducting the required study. • DNR is also asking that the study be conducted pursuant to DNR study requirements. BACKGROUND: The ultimate ownership of TNC Cle Elum Ridge property remains undecided at this time. It is presumed that TNC will sell the ridge property to DNR and that DNR expects to be the fixture owner. Insisting that TtoT conduct the cultural resources study to DNR standards underscores confidence in the pending land sale. DISCUSSION: Investing recreation fund reserves conducting a cultural resources study pursuant to DNR requirements seems premature at this time. There is no guarantee that the land sale will close nor that DNR will be the eventual owner. There is no easement for the desired trail extension held by TtoT conveyed from TNC at this time. Providing TtoT secures an easement across TNC ridge land, PW would likely not conduct a cultural resources study pursuant to DNR requirements — in the absence of DNR ownership. While PW is supportive of TtoT trail expansion initiatives, the request seems premature pending a final land decision from TNC. Page 1 of 3 Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2023