BROKEN BOW—Discussion on the proposed Trail Master Plan continues as Park Board members listen to public feedback. Chairperson Lindsay Divan told meeting attendees on Monday evening that the draft has again been updated after reviewing comments made at previous Park Board meetings.
A new cost estimate of the project—only the second estimate completed at this time—was handed out along with images of the updated trail destinations and project phasing. Divan was surprised at some of the cost changes and asked City Administrator Brent Clark to discuss with JEO why some costs went up and why some went down. As stated in the updated plan, “these projected costs are based on 2017 estimates, and it is suggested such estimates will inflate by nearly 3% each year.”
(Click here to view the updated plan.)
The current estimate for five phases comes to $10,161,370 with funding ideally coming from grants, donations, and fundraising, according to the proposal.
The meeting was opened for public comment. Barb Jensen expressed concerns with the proposed Memorial Drive Connection (Phase C). She said Memorial Drive has seen increased traffic and that many gas lines and water lines are of concern. Barb Adams and Phyllis Bigby discussed North 9th Avenue ditches and water runoff. Both suggested removing the proposed trail around 17th, North N Street, and North 9th Avenue.
On the other hand, Linda Jacobsen said a trail would be safer on 9th. She stated that we are “waiting for someone to get killed on 9th” because it is a busy street that many choose to walk along. There are currently no sidewalks on North 9th Avenue north of H Street.
Steve Payne said he uses the Melham Park trails often but is against trails going in front of personal property and infringing on privacy.
“I think that’s the bottom line: nobody wants it through their front yard,” Payne said.
Linda Miller said she has seen park goers disrespect Melham Park by leaving behind their personal trash and she fears a trail will invite more of that behavior.
Divan said the grant cycle relevant to this project does not begin until 2020 and at that time, at the very least, the board would attempt to move forward with the Muddy Creek Connection (Phase A) because it affects the smallest number of people.
Moving on to other business, the Park Board has received two new applications for membership and voted to recommend Paul Holland to join the board.
Park Superintendent Darren Marten reported Indian Hills Park is coming along well and that storm damage repairs to park restrooms and the pool are still in progress. City Clerk Stephanie Wright completed a ReTree Nebraska mini-grant and the city will receive 10 free trees to plant throughout town.
The board also discussed current RV rates and the discussion will be made an agenda item for the next Park Board meeting on November 6.
