Park board subcommittee aims to merge trail plan with Public Works' thoroughfare projects

Jay, speaking for the trail subcommittee, summarized a meeting with Public Works (Alonzo attended) and said Public Works “wholeheartedly agrees” with merging the major thoroughfare plan with trail expansion efforts. The subcommittee will edit its document to reflect Public Works' vernacular and to address laws, funding mechanisms and code implications.

Members discussed the practical implications: some trails are true off‑street connections (utility easements, paths behind houses) important for safe pedestrian circulation and should be preserved, while other trail segments would be constructed alongside street improvement projects. Board members stressed the need to flag potential updates to the Unified Development Code (UDC), fee structures, and legal or budget processes that would follow a merged map.

Staff said Public Works budgets sidewalks under a sidewalk line item rather than a separate 'trails' budget, so the board will need to clarify whether to seek a separate trails line in future budgets or categorize trails as pedestrian enhancement funding for council consideration. The subcommittee intends to craft a clear presentation for council during the next budget cycle so recommended trail work can be reflected in the FY27 budget process.

Next steps: the subcommittee will incorporate feedback from Public Works, preserve off‑street trail opportunities, and prepare a council briefing and budget request well ahead of the FY27 budget schedule.