Item 3: Murray Hill Land Transfer

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ECC DR UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Action: Murray Hill Land Transfer Meeting Date: September 27, 2010 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Neil Björklund www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-4909 ISSUE STATEMENT This session is for the City Council to take action to authorize the City Manager to execute a small land exchange in the Murray Hill area of the ridgeline park system, as requested by the Friends of the Ridgeline (a program of the Eugene Parks Foundation). BACKGROUND In February 2010, the Parks and Open Space Division received a written request from Friends of the Ridgeline to execute a three-acre land exchange of mutual interest to the Friends of the Ridgeline and to the affected adjacent private property owner. The Parks and Open Space Division has reviewed the request, and has found it to be consistent with the vision, plans and goals for the Ridgeline Park system. From 1999 to 2007, primarily using funds from the 1998 Parks Bond Measure, 78 acres of Ridgeline parkland were acquired in the vicinity of Willow Creek and Gimpl Hill roads in six separate transactions. The acquisitions provide for a future ridgeline trail connection between Gimpl Hill Road and Willow Creek Road. This portion of the ridgeline park system is generally referred to as Murray Hill. Conceptual plans for the Ridgeline Trail system contained in the Ridgeline Area Open Space Vision and Action Plan call for an additional trail connection in this area heading due west from the Murray Hill area. The preferred route for this trail would cross property currently owned by Gordon Dorn. The route is preferred because it:  is the most direct,  avoids significant obstacles such as nearby Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) towers and private driveways,  borders a priority habitat area (Oregon oak woodland), and  facilitates a connection to adjacent land owned by the Reynolds family, from whom the City has purchased land previously, and who have indicated willingness to work with us on ridgeline acquisitions in the future. In 2003, the City closed on a bargain sale of a 2.3 acre parcel owned by Lane County, which was adjacent to existing parkland and adjacent to Gordon Dorn’s property. Members of Friends of the Ridgeline discussed with Mr. Dorn the desired future trail route, and he has indicated a willingness to exchange the area desired for the future trail connection for City-owned land Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M100927\S1009273.doc