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Council tables request to spend city funds on disputed right‑of‑way title search; residents press for clarity
Summary
Neighbors and staff presented competing surveys and title excerpts about a 33-foot lane east of Alpine Highway; council voted to table a staff proposal to spend limited funds on a title search and asked staff to pursue additional records and Metro Water coordination first.
Staff briefed council on a dispute over a 33-foot strip of land east of Alpine Highway near Allegheny Way where ownership appears in multiple recorded deeds and two historical surveys. The strip contains a sewer line installed c.1995; staff noted a recorded prescriptive use may exist for the utility but that fee ownership is unclear.
Nearby property owners and residents gave mixed testimony. Laredo Warby said his family’s title shows ownership of the north 16.539 feet and noted overlapping surveys; he said, "Our title shows we own that land." Philip Williams described long-term family ownership and a historical pattern of conveyances through local owners and developers. April Cooper (Desert Livestock LLC) said part of the strip sits in her parcel and asked the city not to spend public money to deprive private owners of access.
After debate the council considered a motion to authorize up to $2,500 for a title search and parallel outreach to Metropolitan Water for alternative access; a substitute motion to table the request passed on roll call so staff can gather additional evidence and coordinate further outreach before expending city funds.
Next steps: staff to follow up on county-record searches beyond 1979, consult tax-record exemptions, check recorded plats, contact Metropolitan Water for permission pathways and return with a consolidated recommendation.
