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2 <br /> 1 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) <br /> 2 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda <br /> 3 Don O'Leary said that he started an observation that took place on September <br /> 4 18th at the last meeting. He said that the way in which the County Commissioners <br /> 5 conduct meetings is appalling. He said that the County Commissioners waste time <br /> 6 constantly repeating themselves. He said that many people wanted to speak about their <br /> 7 property and not enough time was given for them to speak but plenty of time was given to <br /> 8 the presentation. He spoke about the County's involvement in ICLEI and stated that it <br /> 9 was evil. <br /> 10 Ann Charles read a prepared statement: <br /> 11 "I'm Ann Charles. I own the property adjacent to Cane Creek Reservoir and <br /> 12 OWASA property at the top of Mt. Mitchell Road. Cane Creek community is disappointed <br /> 13 with our neighbor, OWASA, who failed to notify us of flagging their property lines in the <br /> 14 interest of working with MST staff in placing trails. We had NO IDEA. <br /> 15 I personally knew the creator of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MTST), Dr. Allen <br /> 16 DeHart. An amazing naturalist, Allen DeHart surely wanted this state to be seen for all its <br /> 17 beauty. However, it would not be his intention for any part of the MTST to be inflicted on <br /> 18 anyone nor on their community. <br /> 19 Having been raised in the Quaker tradition, I try to see things from a broad <br /> 20 perspective. I can fairly state: I have two minds about this issue: <br /> 21 1) First, I would like to see the MTST totally eliminated from every passing <br /> 22 through the Cane Creek Watershed and its surrounding rural neighborhoods. <br /> 23 <br /> 24 Why, because we purchased our property in this location for the quiet and <br /> 25 remoteness it affords. We pay our property taxes and feel no obligation to <br /> 26 provide those who do not live here with the very thing which hastened us to <br /> 27 choose this location and lifestyle. <br /> 28 <br /> 29 But then my other mind says.... <br /> 30 <br /> 31 2) I believe in a win-win solution being found for the MTST as I too think the trail <br /> 32 is `good' in the proper location. I suggest the County work with Bingham <br /> 33 Township to create a rural park to allow for an outdoor/rural experience versus <br /> 34 putting trails through a PRIVATE COMMUNITY with its own covenants for <br /> 35 care. <br /> 36 <br /> 37 My deepest concern is for safety and privacy. There'll be increased threats and <br /> 38 increased insurance fees from fire with no `real' way to manage fire out on the trail when <br /> 39 hikers decide to start a little fire for fun/ambiance or goodness knows maybe smoking a <br /> 40 cigarette. There'll be increased threats from break-ins to homes and vehicles because of <br /> 41 its easy access from the trail. Cane Creek, Thunder Mountain homeowners won't know <br /> 42 who has just wandered off the trail or who's scoping their place out to hit now or later. <br /> 43 Homeowners' schedules can be determined more easily. Having the trail near homes <br /> 44 presents a problem or folks' privacy due to `peeping' into homes through uncovered <br /> 45 windows because we have no reason to block them. Goodness knows, I wouldn't let my <br /> 46 grandson play in the yard unsupervised with a trail there. Problems arise for hikers when <br /> 47 injury, robbery, personal assault and/or rape occur on the trail...who's responsible? This <br /> 48 is a secluded area that takes time for police, fire, or rescue officials to reach much less <br /> 49 do something about it when they respond to a call. How can they police a trail? How can <br />