Urbana Park District reviews easements with city for multi-use (High-Tech) trail; lighting responsibility clarified

District staff presented a package of easements negotiated with the City of Urbana for the High‑Tech trail project, describing temporary construction easements, permanent construction easements and a lighting easement that runs along portions of Bakers Lane and into Weaver Park. Staff said the permanent construction easement would allow the city to own and maintain the concrete trail and that the park district would maintain lighting and perform ‘functional’ tasks such as snow removal for the district’s portions. Staff noted the city owns Bakers Lane in the sections covered by the easement and that the district received approval from the lighting vendor and HID authority for a darker-sky fixture the city would permit. Schedule and maintenance: Staff said easement approvals were the first step before the city could bid the construction contract; they expected tree removal this winter and trail construction in spring, pending easement approvals by the district, the school and other partners. Staff also said the district would maintain snow removal on the district’s portion of sidewalk/trail they already clear. Why it matters: The easements are necessary for a continuous multi-use route that staff said will connect Elkmont Center and Prairie Park to the KRT (regional trail) and improve crossings at Main Street and other intersections. Commissioners asked about ownership, maintenance responsibilities and the project timeline; staff answered that the city will maintain the concrete and the district will maintain lighting and routine clearing for its areas. What’s next: Staff asked the board for any questions and said the documents had been reviewed by legal (Matt Herring referenced) and the easement language had been adjusted per legal suggestions; the transcript does not record a formal vote or final approval.