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Council chooses longer 'blue' bike-path alignment near cemetery after resident debate
Summary
After an extended public discussion and competing proposals from residents, golf/cemetery staff and Parks, the Mitchell City Council voted 5‑3 to adopt the longer 'blue' bike-path alignment with a 60‑foot setback from adjacent properties, citing separation from cemetery operations and long‑term planning needs.
The Mitchell City Council voted 5–3 to adopt the blue alignment for a new bike path that will run near the cemetery and golf course, deciding after a lengthy public exchange about privacy, maintenance access and future cemetery staging.
Staff presented two alternatives: a longer “blue” route that follows the existing planned corridor and keeps a wider buffer from nearby homes, and a shorter “red” route that would skirt the cemetery and reduce construction cost and distance. Golf and cemetery staff argued for the blue line to reduce visible equipment and staging inside the cemetery area; some nearby residents favored the red alignment to minimize impact on their yards and to save construction cost.
Council discussed concerns about mud tracking from cemetery equipment, safety for path users when maintenance vehicles cross shared corridors, and the possibility that a temporary route could later be relocated if cemetery plans require it. Residents asked staff to consider planting additional buffers and to confirm seasonal flooding conditions along segments of the blue alignment.
Council's formal action: by roll call the council approved the blue line with a 60‑foot setback from the closest property line. The vote was 5 in favor and 3 opposed. Councilors who opposed raised concerns about cost, construction timing and resident impacts; supporters cited long‑term cemetery planning and public‑safety separation from maintenance operations.
What happens next: staff will refine design details, incorporate the 60‑foot setback into bid documents and prepare a construction schedule; staff said they will likely bid the work with a spring completion window but may accept an earlier window if a contractor is available.
Representative public comments: Ron Freeman urged the council to prefer the short route to reduce homeowner impacts and cost; cemetery staff stressed the need to mask maintenance debris from public view.
Ending: The decision gives staff direction to proceed with designs and a procurement plan for the blue alignment as drawn.
