2013-10-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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The speaker questioned which body would make a decision on whether or not a pathway along County Road B would happen: the Parks Department, the PWETC, the City Council; or who they should speak to. Chair Vanderwall advised that the City Council is the final authorizing body for any decisions; and reviewed the process for the work of the PWETC in submitting its recommendations to the City Council based on their charge to the Commission in its advisory capacity appointed by the City Council for matters pertaining to public works, environment, and transportation. Specific to the speaker's question related to Parks, Chair Vanderwall advised that they also served in an advisory capacity as appointed by the City Council; and opined that the City Council would consider the recommendations of all their advisors in making their decisions. Chair Vanderwall noted that the City Council, as elected officials, were the final decision-makers for the municipality. At the request of the speaker as to whether or not the County would also be involved, Chair Vanderwall clarified that if the pathway was under City jurisdiction, the County would have no need to be involved, other than their staff working with City staff, but not providing any funding. If the City eventually owns the road, Chair Vanderwall stated that it makes it easier for the City to set up pedestrian facilities on-road versus off-road; perhaps by simply widening the road by 3'. However, Chair Vanderwall noted that it all required a process that proceeded through many small steps. Chair Vanderwall reiterated that this would be from a different perspective from that of the Parks Department. For instance, Chair Vanderwall noted that, with few exceptions, the draft priority list did not look at any pathways through Central Park, but the majority traveling through the community. The speaker thanked the PWETC for their help. Mr. Grefenberg Mr. Grefenberg requested that any comments heard tonight; and the written comments and attachments be incorporated into the meeting minutes and any other information sent to the City Council. Chair Vanderwall concluded public comments at this time for discussion by the PWETC; and thanked the audience for their attendance and their feedback. Member DeBenedet suggested that the body take the information from tonight's meeting; and agree to return to the next regular meeting to continue this discussion. Member DeBenedet further suggested that the neighborhood heard from tonight select a representative to attend that next meeting to ensure that whatever final recommendation the PWETC made was clearly heard by the neighborhood, to avoid any allegations that anything was decided in secret. Page 21 of 22