Consultant outlines trail priorities; public meeting likely Nov. 12, commission told

At the meeting a planning commission member summarized a recent consultant review and committee deliberations, saying the consultant had identified five initial initiatives and “the plan is at least the lehi recommendation was to have a public meeting” with sufficient notice; staff later said Nov. 12 was the likely date. Commissioners and staff described the consultant’s work as identifying priority areas and connections, with a continuing emphasis on a Creek Trail and a so‑called Baker Trail.

The consultant’s draft favors accessibility where practicable; one commissioner noted the consultant “erred on the side of accessibility, and not all trails are accessible,” adding that planning should show “a path to someday” make steeper segments accessible. Commissioners highlighted several steep segments and crossings where slope and sidewalk conditions would need further engineering review; staff said the consultant’s report will list “hot spots” and “priority areas” and that the draft will be circulated ahead of the public meeting so residents can review recommendations in advance.

Staff and commissioners agreed the Nov. 12 date is not locked but likely; the plan’s next steps are additional public outreach, publication of the consultant’s draft, and incorporation of public comments into a final action plan. Commissioners said more work will be required for long, capital‑intensive items such as trail connections down steep slopes, which were described as “a multimillion dollar project” by a participant in the discussion.

The commission asked staff to provide the consultant’s draft report to the public in advance of the meeting and to confirm the date; no formal action was taken at the meeting.