Hello Trail Lovers!
A quick update and announcement on the Yamhelas-Westsider Trail. I've been hearing through the grapevine (wine country pun intended) that your letters are making a big impact, and even though two of our commissioners seem determined to ignore their constituents it's so powerful that we make it clear that the majority of Yamhill County citizens want this trail!
The Yamhelas Westsider Trail is back on the County Commission agenda this Thursday, March 25th at 10:00 a.m.
Let's keep up the pressure and keep those letters flowing. You can find our template and talking points here.
One Item of note. On her personal Facebook page, Commissioner Lindsay Berschauer, despite repeatedly stating that she's against investing more money into the Yamhelas Westsider Trail project, has called for an audit of the bridge construction under the Connect VI Grant. She's recommended an outside forensic auditor that could cost the county between $300- $500 per hour. Keep in mind, invoices related to this grant are reviewed by both the state agency and local government. Apparently, for Commissioner Bershauer, manufacturing political outrage is always a good investment, infrastructure for Yamhill County? Not so much.
Additionally, discussion from last week is continuing with these two items on the agenda:
One is a continuation of last week’s discussion about the unfinished bridge and master plan projects and associated grants.
The second item is “Consideration of approval of Chehalem Park and Recreation District’s proposal to acquire the Yamhelas Westsider Trail tax lot from Yamhill County.”
Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a robust system of parks and trails and a lot of experience in developing public spaces. They have an inspiring vision for a connected network of trails and open spaces. Their proposal to acquire the right-of-way is an intriguing one worth exploration.
Tune into the County Board of Commissioners meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKfoZQSvH1V2JrpU3nFCgIA
If you’d like to provide comment to commissioners ahead of the meeting, send emails to bocinfo@co.yamhill.or.us
Happy Trails, and don't forget to stop and smell all those lovely spring daffodils!
Erin