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Midway staff sets winter trail‑clearing priorities; committee discusses HOAs and indemnification
Summary
City trail maintenance staff outlined winter-priority routes (Center Street, Homestead and River Road) and described equipment limits and wear. Committee members discussed which trails are city responsibility versus HOA or county, and proposed indemnification letters for private entities near schools.
Preston, the city staff member who described trail maintenance operations at the Jan. 27 Midway Parks, Trails & Tree Committee meeting, outlined a winter clearing plan that prioritizes Center Street, Homestead and River Road for plowing and sweeping. Preston described current operational constraints — a single operator for many routes, wear on plow/blower equipment, and the impact of repeated storms on clearing times.
Committee members discussed how to categorize trails as city‑owned, county‑owned or HOA/private so maintenance responsibility is transparent. Several members proposed sending letters to HOA boards reminding them of responsibilities; others suggested the city could accept indemnification agreements from private schools or HOAs (for example, to maintain a safe route near Horizon Heights Academy) if those entities agreed to sign a hold‑harmless form.
Why it matters: Clear ownership and maintenance expectations affect safety for pedestrians and children near schools, and drive budgeting decisions for plowing, sweeping and equipment replacement. Preston noted major wear on broom and blower components from winter work and asked the committee to prioritize which asphalt/school‑route trails should be cleared first when snowfalls occur.
Trail signage: The committee also reviewed an initial set of directional signs with QR codes that link to the city’s master trail plan; signs were installed at several Homestead/Cary Lane intersections and at Main Street. Friends of Wasatch offered to coordinate sign funding and volunteer help to assemble and install signs.
Next steps: Staff will map trail ownership and return to the committee with a recommended priority list and proposed outreach letters to HOAs and private property owners; staff also will follow up on an indemnification approach for non‑city trail segments that are important for school access.
