2026-0428 PWETC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Member Brokaw Palalay brought a more experiential, safety -oriented perspective, often referencing how people actually use the area today. She highlighted situations where the current infrastructure is lacking, such as unsafe or incomplete walking routes. She encouraged thinking beyond street classifications to consider real -world behavior, safety risks, and broader connectivity, including system -level issues such as crossing major roads. Mr. Freihammer provided technical context throughout, explaining the origins of segments, existing right-of-way constraints, historical planning decisions, and feasibility challenges. He frequently pointed out that many segments are conceptual, may require significant engineering or property acquisition, and would undergo additional public engagement before implementation. He also emphasized prioritization, noting that lower -ranked segments are less likely to be built and should be evaluated carefully to avoid unrealistic expectations. Across the discussion, the group consistently weighed whether segments should remain as long-term concepts or be removed to maintain a clear, realistic, and defensible plan. The overall approach reflected a balance between preserving future opportunities for connectivity, especially where a right-of-way exists, and ensuring the plan remains consistent, practical, and aligned with actual community needs. 7. Commission Direction on Member -Initiated Agenda Items Mr. Freihammer outlined the upcoming schedule, noting that the May PWETC meeting has been moved up to May 19, 2026, and will focus on a waste management and recycling update and a stormwater presentation. He added that June will include preparation for a joint council meeting, a review of the climate equity action plan for recommendations, and a discussion of leaf site recommendations, to bring key items to the council and inform residents ahead of the fall cleanup season. Chair Ficek noted that the packet includes future agenda topics and encouraged members to suggest additional items for consideration. Member Brokaw Palalay asked whether the City has had any recent discussions about implementing a citywide organized trash collection program, similar to the unified recycling system, and suggested it might be worth considering as a future agenda topic. Mr. Freihammer explained that a citywide organized trash collection program is ultimately a council -directed initiative and is typically revisited every year or two. He noted that the commission does not begin exploring it without council authorization to avoid unnecessary work or public concern. Still, he suggested it could be a good topic to raise at the joint council meeting. Page 10 of 11