Discussion:
In November 2020, the city entered into a License Agreement with Xcel Energy to construct, use and maintain mountain bike trails on Xcel Energy's property adjacent to Quarry Lake Park. The new Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park is now substantially complete and the ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for August 24, 2021.
A term of the License Agreement included Xcel Energy and the city agreeing "to work together to establish a new permanent access to the Blue Lake Generating Facility." A portion of the new driveway will be constructed on city property and will connect to the future city park road that is planned to be constructed in 2022 along the west side of Quarry Lake (see attached map). The driveway is planned as a 10-ft wide asphalt pavement. The driveway will only be used by Xcel Energy on a minimal basis (e.g. when the UP railway is blocked by trains) and is limited to passenger vehicles only. The driveway is not to be used by park patrons and will be gated off at the connection with the proposed park road.
As part of this partnership, it should also be noted that Xcel Energy has indicated their intention of donating for the future construction of the park road. Tentatively, they have committed to $10,000 in 2021.
This agreement is necessary to document the encroachment should the city require the temporary or permanent removal of the driveway in the future, understanding that the removal and replacement costs would be borne by the Xcel Energy.