Minutes - Public Works Committee - 08/20/2024

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5.01: Trail Maintenance Policy – Status Update Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood reviewed the staff report and stated that staff requests feedback on the content, scope and tone of the Trail Maintenance Policy language. Councilmember Olson commented that he likes the direction/style of the policy thus far. Chairperson Musgrove stated that she would have preferred to have the draft policy in the case to review before the meeting. She believed that it is a bit wordy for a policy and suggested that the introduction be reduced with some of that information placed within the policy. She stated that while this would be helpful information for residents, it does not seem similar to other City policies. She asked that the full policy be drafted for the September meeting, noting that there has already been delay in this process. Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that he spoke with administration staff to find out if there was a standard format for policies and was told that there was none. He stated that if that is the desire, perhaps that policy format should be developed. Councilmember Howell commented that she felt that this would be helpful if it was instructional, which lets the public know what is going on but is not something necessarily just for the public. She also agreed that it would have been helpful to have the draft prior to the meeting. She agreed that the full policy should be prepared for the September meeting. Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood agreed that if the intent is to be instructional, the policy can then be more concise. Councilmember Howell asked if there was a table discussed at the last meeting showing the trail maintenance schedule. Chairperson Musgrove commented that she did make the statement that she likes that element for tracking, but did not think that would need to be part of the policy itself. Councilmember Olson stated that he is not exactly clear who the audience is intended to be. He stated that if this is meant to be posted on the website for public consumption, then this style seems to be good as it clearly communicates the information. He stated that if it is intended to be procedures, that would be directed at the staff. He stated that for a policy and narrative for the public, he thinks this is good. Chairperson Musgrove commented that type of communication may be something that is communicated to residents in a newsletter. She stated that a policy should be more concise as it is an internal document. Councilmember Howell agreed that a policy is intended for internal use and is meant to communicate the process, although the public may be interested in reading it and could still be informed. Public Works Committee / August 20, 2024 Page 2 of 5