Council raises fiscal and liability concerns, tables trail/UTA corridor agreement

Council members paused consideration of a proposed pathway/trail agreement involving the UTA corridor and asked staff to secure stronger contractual language and financial clarity before returning the item.

Staff noted several material concerns: Willard’s available cash match is limited, and current project scoping could require more city funding than is affordable; the draft agreement left open language that could be interpreted to obligate the city to perform ongoing maintenance, enforcement, and security activities without adequate funding. The draft also contained a provision that UTA may terminate corridor access if a higher‑priority use arises, which council members said increases long‑term risk for any assets placed in the corridor. Engineering and legal staff had previously reviewed the draft but council asked for additional protective verbiage that would limit the city’s cash exposure and clarify which jurisdiction is responsible for policing and snow removal along sections in Willard.

Council voted to table the agreement and tasked staff and the city attorney to negotiate clearer limitations on Willard’s financial obligation, to confirm the in‑kind value of easements versus cash match, and to map maintenance and liability responsibilities across jurisdictions. Several councilmembers said they were supportive of the trail concept but warned the city should not commit open‑ended funds without explicit cost caps and enforcement expectations. The item will return after the legal/financial refinements are drafted.