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Board hears update on who maintains Bay City's rail trail and winter plowing
Summary
Parks staff told the board the city plows and maintains its rail-trail section (one cleared path width) while neighboring townships often leave theirs unplowed; attempts to coordinate full-loop plowing met liability concerns from other jurisdictions.
The Bay City parks director (presenting staff) briefed the board on rail-trail maintenance and winter-plowing responsibilities across jurisdictions. Staff said the city is responsible for plowing and maintaining its section of the rail trail and generally clears a single path width using a small loader, while neighboring townships often do not plow their sections due to liability concerns.
Staff described historical efforts to coordinate continuous loop plowing across township boundaries, but said some townships were hesitant, citing insurance or liability issues. The city’s maintenance priorities remain emergency routes, downtown alleys and parking lots, and dead ends; rail-trail plowing is performed when staffing allows and crews can be redirected.
Board members discussed whether a cooperative arrangement might be possible in the future so all jurisdictions share plowing responsibilities, and staff said they would reach out again to neighboring townships to explore interest. The board did not take formal action but asked staff to follow up if circumstances change.
