Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Trails topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission seeks clarity on Empire trail project, restroom MOU and grant timing
Summary
Staff said the proposed restroom building and trail donations from Empire remain on hold pending legal review of whether donated land must be removed from the PUD; commissioners discussed bond financing for infrastructure, grant reimbursement timing and asked staff to invite Empire representatives to a workshop to clarify timelines.
City staff told the commission that discussions with Empire and consultant David Bartow about a trail system and a restroom building are temporarily paused while the city attorney reviews whether the portion of land in question must be removed from the PUD before donation.
A staff update said Sam (the city attorney) is reviewing MTAS legal guidance to determine whether a PUD amendment or removal is required for the proposed donation. Commissioners raised practical concerns about project timelines and financing: one commissioner asked whether Empire had acquired all parcels and whether stormwater and sewer infrastructure were in place, while another suggested a special bond similar to a prior Barry Payne arrangement to finance infrastructure such as a pump station and bridge.
Commissioners also raised a timing concern for Hamilton County reimbursable grants, which can be awarded up to roughly $250,000 per year; if the restroom construction will wait multiple years, the commission said it may lose the opportunity to use those grant funds within useful timelines. Staff agreed to put the matter on a future workshop agenda and to see whether a representative from Empire could attend to explain intentions and expected timelines.
Next steps: schedule a workshop that includes legal staff and, if feasible, an Empire representative to clarify whether donated land requires changes to the PUD and to iron out timing for grant reimbursement and potential bond financing.
