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Resident raises access, safety and communication concerns over Schuler Creek Trail extension work
Summary
A Republic resident told council contractors poured a farm-entry slab and curb that she says block access to a shared lane for tractors and posed safety hazards to children and trail users; staff said they will review the easement alignment and may make post-construction changes.
A Republic resident told the city council on May 18 that recent construction for the Schuler Creek Trail extension near West Farm Road 182 has left a new concrete slab and curb in a position that reduces a field entrance to about 14 feet and created a curb intrusion that may impede farm equipment access.
The matter is significant to the resident because the lane provides access to a shared 10-acre parcel used for farm equipment, and she said the opening as poured will not accommodate balers and 24-foot trailers.
Lisa Roller, who said she lives at 6618 West Farm Road 182, described an opening "that measures out to 14 foot, 1 and a half inch opening" and said she had expected a 16-foot field entrance and an apron. She also said she had not been notified before the pour and that multiple project staff turnovers had complicated communications with Republic Builds and the contractors.
Angel, a project representative on site, told council staff had visited the property that afternoon and that the city is "aware of the access easement to the east of her property that we are trying to provide access to." Angel said some items present in the field were not on the design plan and that the project team would look more closely at the situation.
City staff said grant restrictions limited some in-field deviations during construction but that the city street crew could make later adjustments if a turning-radius or access issue remained after project closeout. "Because it was a grant, we cannot deviate from the plans. However, when we close out the project, if there's a turning radius issue out there, our street crew could go out there then and... saw cut it and make improvements after the fact," a city staff member said.
Roller also raised safety concerns about people and children using parts of the trail while construction is still underway, and about unleashed dogs near free-range chickens on neighboring property. City staff confirmed they had told Roller that dog leash rules apply in the city but did not provide an immediate resolution at the meeting.
No council action was taken that evening. Staff asked to continue investigating and to keep council informed; Angel agreed to share information with Stephanie (a staff member) and to coordinate a memo.
