Hello,
This is my contribution to Citizen's Discussion at Tuesday's City Council meeting:
Good morning,
The city admits that Rocky Mountain Field Institute has told them that the section of the Barr Trail that we acquired in the land swap needs "$40,000 in annual maintenance."
What else have they told the city about the condition of the trail and the cost of the needed repairs?
$40,000 a year of trail work is not normal, that is a red flag, a sign that the trail is not sustainable in its present condition.
The fact that the President of Friends of the Peak suggested that the trail be replaced is another red flag.
Is the city considering closing the section of the Barr Trail that we own and building a reroute?
Has the city decided that it is better to repair the existing trail?
How much would it cost to improve the drainage on the existing trail?
The land that we acquired in the land swap is public land, and I am the public.
I have a right to contribute to the considerations on the fate of this trail.
Does RMFI agree with me that if we close this trail and build a reroute, we will still have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to "put it to bed".
How much would it cost to build a reroute?
How much would it cost to make the existing trail sustainable?
City Officials are my employees.
When you collect information about the land in question you are acting as my agent.
Your boss would like to know what RMFI has told you about the cost to make the existing trail sustainable.
You do not decide the fate of the trail, the people do, you are required to act in the people's interests, and the people have a right to the relevant facts, and to have input on the considerations.
The Gazette ran an article suggesting a reroute over a year ago.
You may not suppress the cost of the different options going forward.
A public process is necessary before a decision is made on the fate of the Barr Trail. That process demands that you disclose all requested financial information.
I am waiting for your reply.
Thank you, Carl Strow