City Council Faces Backlash Over Trail Planning Secrecy

In a recent government meeting, concerns over transparency and public engagement regarding local trail management were at the forefront of discussions. A council member expressed frustration over the lack of public awareness about plans and discussions related to the Wagner Street Trail, which has been altered from its traditional path due to property owner interventions and vegetation issues. The member emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed about developments, particularly as the trail is set to reopen this year.

The conversation shifted to the activities of the Tri Management Team (TMT), which has been meeting without council involvement. The city manager clarified that these meetings were intended to facilitate progress on culturally significant issues, and he acknowledged requests for greater transparency. He confirmed that plans discussed in these meetings had not been made public until recently, raising concerns about potential decisions being made behind closed doors.

Additionally, the Sarah Ancestral Society was mentioned as having received a grant aimed at developing a long-term plan for the trail. The city manager noted that the society's intention was to ensure community input in the planning process, despite initial delays in sharing information with the public. The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve communication and transparency moving forward, particularly regarding the management of the trail and related cultural assets.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a critical need for better public engagement and clarity in decision-making processes within the local government, especially concerning projects that directly impact the community.