Utility board directs staff to advance Phase 1 of Lake Weatherford trail; Phase 1 estimated at about $1.5 million

The Municipal Utility Board reviewed 30% design plans for a proposed Lake Weatherford trail and directed staff to advance design for Phase 1, which staff estimated would cost about $1.5 million.

Project staff (Matt Leffler) described a two‑phase approach: Phase 1 would connect nearby neighborhoods to the marina and make safety and drainage adjustments at crossings; Phase 2 would be timed to follow completion of planned raw‑water intake improvements (the intake work is projected to finish around 2028). Leffler said Phase 1 is the simpler alignment and staff would continue in‑house design to refine grading and ADA compliance requirements.

Board members raised safety questions (a pedestrian crossing near a blind curve) and asked whether the dam area is a restricted/secure zone; staff said fencing and other mitigations can address security around the intake facility and that some trail alignment across the old roadway is feasible. Members asked about timing and funding; staff said design could be complete in 2026 and construction could follow with FY28 a reasonable target for portions that depend on the intake work. The city’s general utility fund could be used for Phase 1 now via a budget amendment or the board could wait to bundle phases later.

The board expressed support for moving forward with design and phasing planning; no formal appropriation vote appears in the transcript and staff said funding would require the board’s recommendation to council.

Provenance: trail presentation and direction to proceed (topic introduced SEG 659; board direction SEG 949).