Resident tells commission ‘broken city processes’ delayed trails and pump-track projects

Michael Barnes, a Brisbane resident, used public comment at the July 8 Park and Rec Commission meeting to press for faster action on trails and bike-skill amenities and to criticize what he called “broken city processes.”

Barnes told commissioners he has repeatedly requested that the commission restart trails discussions and that prior public survey data favoring bicycle features was set aside. He said the Sierra Point Park master plan originally included bicycle-skill features but that a council member met privately with a consultant (CMG) and removed bicycling features from the plan. Barnes asked whether a categorical exemption was filed with the state or whether the city would need to pay for a negative declaration or EIR for Crocker Trail — noting the Crocker Trail master plan cannot be built until environmental review and filings are complete.

He urged the commission to plan pump-track and bike-skill features now so that cost estimates and project scopes can be provided to the City Council once environmental review is finished. Barnes said he had previously donated $600 toward a pump track and cited the skate park’s sustained use as evidence of community demand; he also referenced a reported $3,000,000 city revenue surplus and argued the city should use available funds for active-recreation infrastructure.

Commissioners and staff responded that they would check the status of the Crocker Trail EIR, consider agendizing Sierra Point Park features, and look into opportunities to advance pump-track ideas as Parcel R and other master plans develop. Staff agreed to follow up and report back to the commission.

Claims and responses summarized: Barnes alleged that a council member removed bicycling features from a master plan after a private meeting with a consultant; commissioners pledged to verify the EIR status and re-examine relevant plans.