Council continues consideration of Rose Creek/Bridal trail vacation after petition from adjacent residents

Staff (Speaker 8) returned to a continuation of a previously discussed petition to vacate an asphalt trail near Rose Creek/Bridal. Staff said the petition, submitted by Adam Jacobson, was signed by most neighbors immediately adjacent to the trail and listed primary reasons: safety, security, improper use (loitering) and limited legitimate trail use. Staff noted the trail was originally dedicated with the subdivision and had been paved after originally being intended for equestrian use.

City counsel and staff told council that state law gives the council flexibility on how to allocate vacated trail property: it can be split down the middle between adjacent parcels or conveyed entirely to one side. Staff outlined two practical options and cost considerations: a plat amendment (cleaner for future record searches but more expensive and requiring signatures of all affected parties) or splitting the trail into deeds (quitclaim deeds to each parcel), which is less expensive but messier on public records. Staff also noted the minimum public‑notice radius is 300 feet but advised council it could expand that notice area to gather broader neighborhood comment.

Residents and staff described localized uses of the trail (some informal use, children hanging out, maintenance problems) and concerns about connectivity to other trails. Council members expressed divergent views on equity of splitting the trail, long‑term maintenance burdens and the value of connectivity. Several council members and staff recommended holding a public open house, posting notices at the trailheads, and providing an online comment option so that the broader neighborhood (beyond the immediate 300‑foot radius) can weigh in before council moves forward. Council did not adopt a final decision but directed staff to proceed with broader public outreach and to present options that include a likely plat amendment approach for clarity.