Council members debated the role and scope of the Urban Trails Committee (UTC) during the Sept. 18 workshop after one council member reported concerns about a recent committee meeting recording and several items discussed there that she judged to fall outside the committee’s advisory remit.

Council member Cody (first name only in transcript) said she reviewed the UTC meeting recording and minutes and urged that the committee “pause” while staff prepare clarifying guidance because she heard discussion about environmental grants, street‑design advocacy and other topics she said exceed the committee’s charge. She asked that staff prepare a letter directing the UTC to follow its resolution and bylaws and requested that committee meetings be recorded and made available to the public.

Other council members disagreed with disbanding or pausing the UTC. Some members said a trails advisory group naturally discusses broader topics that affect active‑transportation planning and that the committee’s input has helped with connectivity and safety issues. Several council members said it would be better to clarify expectations than to immediately disband the committee.

City Attorney John Shaver told council the UTC is an advisory, non‑authoritative body and suggested council clarify what information it wants from the committee (for example, minutes, recordings or scope priorities). Staff said they would draft a letter from council that (1) references the current resolution/bylaws and (2) outlines council expectations for the UTC’s focus; staff proposed circulating that draft to council for review before sending it to the committee. Council members also recommended staff ask all standing advisory committees to review and reaffirm their bylaws annually.

Council direction / next steps: staff will draft a council letter clarifying the Urban Trails Committee’s advisory role, focusing on trail planning and connectivity, attach the governing resolution/bylaws for reference, and circulate the draft to council for review before sending it to the committee. Staff will also evaluate options for recording committee meetings and ask committees to review bylaws on an annual basis.

Ending: Council did not take disciplinary action against the committee. Staff will prepare the draft letter and report back; council liaisons will convey the message at upcoming committee meetings.