Neighbor access trail prompts dispute; parks director says project permitted and funded from REET 2 account

A dispute over a small trail extension near Davenhill Lane drew heated discussion at Tuesday’s advisory board meeting after some members said the work was not communicated to the full board. Why it matters: Board members worried that projects drawing on parks funds should be transparent to the advisory board; staff said the work was within the director’s authority and covered by environmental permitting. Board member Don (name as in transcript) said the trail built for a neighbor’s access appeared to have been “kept secret” and suggested the advisory board had not been told that staff was proceeding. A parks staff member who identified themself as the department director pushed back: “There was no trickery. There was no secret meetings. There were no secret projects,” the director said. The director added they had an environmental permit for the area, that the location was not a wetland and that some of the trail connected existing tread rather than being entirely new. Board members also quoted a prior staff report in which a staffer (Tom Mix) had said about 80% of the trail was new. The director said she used REET 2 funds earmarked for park trails, repair and development and that the department’s established authority permits such work without prior board approval; she said she had coordinated with neighbors to secure rocks and access for the project. Several board members requested clearer communication and suggested routine notice to the advisory board when staff initiates capital projects or uses REET 2 funds so members can provide input. Staff agreed to improve notice and to share permits and project summaries with the board going forward. No formal policy change or vote on the project occurred at the meeting.