Council supports concept for short equestrian trail; volunteer contractor offers to build at low material cost

Councilmembers discussed a proposal to construct a short equestrian trail that would connect the west end of the Hacienda crosswalk to park access, resolving a safety issue where the existing crosswalk presently ends on a steep embankment.

Jim Dyker (resident and contractor) volunteered to provide labor and equipment at no charge and described a simple regrade and trail surfacing approach using DG or recycled class-2 base. Council members and the city attorney discussed protections for volunteers: the attorney said volunteer services may be acceptable but recommended signed-off designs, inspections and use of design-immunity where appropriate to limit liability. Estimates in the discussion placed material costs in a range the volunteer described (staff and volunteers later gave varying estimates; one exchange referenced about $6,700 for materials and another referenced amounts under $2,500).

Councilmembers supported the concept, asked staff to review design, permitting and insurance/indemnity provisions, and directed staff to return with more detailed specifications and an implementation plan. The council did not award funds at the meeting; the action was conceptual approval and direction to staff to formalize the approach so volunteers can be protected and the trail meet applicable requirements.

Next steps: staff will evaluate design options, scope and ADA/design-immunity considerations, prepare specifications and insurance/indemnity language, and return to council with final recommendations for approval and any budget requests.