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Request by Greg Pappas of the Blue Mound Golf and Country Club for an encroachment within a public water main easement at 10122 W. North Avenue
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Submitted by:
Jennifer Stilling
Department
Public Works (Engineering Services Division)
A. Issue
The applicant is requesting encroachments to be installed within a 20 feet wide public water main easement located at 10122 W. North Avenue.
B. Background/Options
The easement area is highlighted on the attached plan.
An existing 24-inch transmission water main is located within a 20 feet wide easement on the property. The water main easement was recorded on December 17, 1977 and the pipe was installed in 1978.
Existing landscaping and parking lot lighting is currently located within the easement, but Staff was unable to confirm if an encroachment agreement was previously approved for these items. The proposed improvements to the site include updating the landscaping, adding a pedestrian lighted bollard, updating the parking lot lighting, adding a decorative median with a planting urn near the main entrance to the Club House, and updating a landscaped parking lot island. The parking lot lighting is located near the north edge of the 20 feet wide easement and is not directly on top of the water main pipe.
The Water Department is generally hesitant to allow any encroachments within a public water main easement. No water main line valves are located in the proposed encroachment area, but Water Department staff will need to access the main for maintenance and emergency purposes. Because the existing 24-inch transmission water main will need a large trench for any repairs, the proposed light pole bases will likely be compromised. The applicant has been made aware that if the Board of Public Works and Common Council approves of the encroachment, any private property that needs to be moved or is damaged is not the City’s responsibility.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area One: Economic Development and Financial Resilience
D. Fiscal Impact
No impact to the City of Wauwatosa. Proposed improvements will be done at the Owner’s expense.
E. Recommendation
The proposed encroachments are generally similar in nature to what is already located within the easement. If the applicant understands the risks of placing the encroachments within the easement, the Board of Public Works could allow the encroachment at 10122 W. North Avenue subject to execution of a hold harmless agreement.