County examines Sarban right‑of‑way after landowner reports blocking and equipment parking

County staff updated the commission Feb. 26 about a dispute over an apparent county right‑of‑way in the Sarban neighborhood after a local landowner complained that a neighbor was parking equipment and trenching in the path, which could block a parcel's access if the right‑of‑way is closed.

Highway staff said the highlighted map area appears to show an east‑west and north‑south right‑of‑way historically recorded as part of Sarban but that some portions had been vacated in prior replats. Staff said the county has maintained roadway up to a corner for decades and can find records of maintenance, but land records and replatting by a private owner (Wenger / Weingart replat noted in the file) raise questions about whether the county still owns the full easement across certain parcels.

Staff told the board the practical problem is that a property owner at 3100 is parking trailers and equipment in the right‑of‑way, and a separate owner of an adjacent parcel has a well house and fenced area that could be affected if access is blocked. Highway staff recommended notifying all landowners near the disputed right‑of‑way, asking the county surveyor and county attorney to research recorded plats and easements, and conducting a field visit with landowner outreach. The board asked staff to prepare notices and bring the matter back for further action; commissioners did not take enforcement at the meeting.

A staff member suggested contacting assessor records to find owner contact information and using prior surveys (including work by Ryan Dickinson and Tim Ryan) to clarify the record. Commissioners emphasized handling the issue promptly to protect access and avoid future adverse‑possession claims against the government right‑of‑way.