Minutes 05-15-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 positive working relationship. A couple of days before the session, we were notified that due to an administrative glitch, the materials would not be available to undertake the planned work and the work session was cancelled. That was the last communication we've had with DEAPR. According to your 2018 Capital Investment Plan, “"The second phase of the [MST] project is proposed for Year 2 and would address the segment of the MST from Buckhorn Road around and on the OWASA-owned lands at Cane Creek Reservoir, continuing to the Alamance County line." However, we did not find any specific action items laid out for meeting this goal. We did, however, find the following in the Parks and Recreation Council plan of action for 2018, • "Continue to participate in the Mountains to the Sea project as way station and trailhead locations are identified in the coming at Seven Mile Creek and potentially other locations." (p. 47-48 of May 3 BOCC agenda). • In that same document we also found reference to the need for assessing the proposed multimodal trail. There are at least two significant reasons not to continue delaying action on the Cane Creek section of the trail. First, land is turning over in that area and more and more smaller tracts are being sold. The more residents who move in out there, the harder it is going to be to get the trail sited and built. Second, as we have said before, some of those who are willing to give free easements are older and not only do they want to be assured that the easements are codified but they also want to be able to hike the trail while they are still able. We completely understand that DEAPR is a small department with a significant work load. That's why we have made so many efforts to help move the MST project forward. We don't want to wait another 3-4 years. If the county is going to move forward with this project beyond the Hillsborough area, it's time to do it, instead of dragging it out while undertaking new competing projects. What we want: Year 2 begins in July and we would like to have a concrete plan of action that includes: • A commitment to work with NC DOT to establish a trail head at Hwy 54 and Saxapahaw- Bethlehem Church Rd. We’d like this commitment made tonight. • A commitment to finalize the freely-offered easements in the Cane Creek area by the end of August. • Establishment of a joint oversight committee between the Friends of the MST, county staff, the BOCC and OWASA before your summer break. The goal of this committee would be to develop an action plan for the Cane Creek section of the trail, followed by a similar plan for Cane Creek to Hillsborough, and then to help guide the plan through to implementation. Commissioner Rich said she would take this as a petition. Bonnie Hammersley said staff will bring back a status report for the Board before the break. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.)