Open Space advisory board flags trail connections, MLK covenant and Roundhouse water‑tower concerns; reorders agenda

The Open Space Advisory Board of El Paso City met and discussed a range of field observations and future agenda items, including a missing connector from Mary Frances Kiesling to the Rio Grande Trail, vandalism and maintenance needs on the Paso Del Norte Trail, a proposed water‑tower easement above the Roundhouse on State Park land, ongoing negotiations over the MLK property conservation covenant, and the status of Mountain‑to‑River (phases 2 and 3). Dr. Bonhart, a board member, requested that item 9 be moved to the top of the agenda; the board accepted the agenda changes by motion and voice vote.

Board members said the Mary Frances Kiesling parking area lacks an ADA‑accessible connector to the Rio Grande Trail even though a recent city council presentation listed that portion as complete. "I would like to see ADA accessibility from Mary Frances Kiesling to the Rio Grande," board member Mark said, noting he had ridden several urban trails and observed the gap. Board members asked staff to investigate and report back.

Members also reported vandalism and broken lights on newer sections of the Paso Del Norte Trail and localized dumping near the Lost Dog Trailhead. Board members asked staff to check maintenance responsibility (parks or other agencies) and to provide locations so crews can inspect and repair problem spots.

The board discussed a newly approved Pinnacle Subdivision (grading and replat approved in January) and asked for periodic subdivision reports, saying they have not received a regular update in many years. "We haven't seen any subdivision reports in a long time," one member said, and requested a standing update so the board and public are informed about visible work on hillsides and other open‑space–adjacent development.

On the MLK property, members said negotiations over a conservation covenant and the property's pending sale require updates. The board asked staff to provide written updates when negotiations change; staff said it will work with property holders and, when appropriate, present information (open or closed session) consistent with legal requirements. The board also asked that the item be placed on a future agenda for discussion or a closed‑session update if the city attorney determines that criteria for executive session are met.

Board members raised an apparent plan to site a water tower above the Roundhouse area that would require an easement or land swap and substantial service infrastructure down Roundhouse Road. Members asked staff to confirm ownership (the board was told the tower site is on State Park land and that El Paso Water may manage some nearby properties) and to provide clear information about timing and impacts. "If you put a water tower up there, you're gonna need to get the water down to the community," a board member said, urging early public notice.

Mountain‑to‑River phase 2 and phase 3 (including Avispa Canyon) were discussed; city staff said updates would be presented in closed session when available. Ibad Hernandez, representing staff, said: "With mountain to river, that would be presented in closed session once there are updates. So to date, there's no updates on Avispa Canyon." Members asked for at least quarterly confirmation that projects remain active or for notification when there is a substantive change.

Members noted staffing changes in open‑space management: the board said Frontera Rocio (listed in the meeting as the Lost Dog/NAPLAN open‑space manager) appears to have left the post and that a vacancy remains; staff said they would confirm current assignments and report back. The board also reviewed logistics for National Trail Day on June 7 and discussed whether the Roundhouse site can be used for a trail cleanup and celebration; staff said use depends on landowner authority (city, El Paso Water or State Parkland) and that coordination will be required.

The board voted to postpone approval of last meeting's minutes until the next meeting so item 8 could be clarified. At the end of the meeting members moved and seconded adjournment.

The meeting was primarily an advisory discussion; staff said where matters require confidential deliberation or negotiation (for example in property sales or pending contract terms), the city attorney will determine whether an item must be handled in closed session. Board members asked for clearer, periodic communications (email updates or short status notes) when long projects show no visible change so the board and public do not assume items have been dropped.