Milton staff propose ad hoc committee to guide active-park siting and acquisitions; public urges careful due diligence

Tom Mlan, director of Parks & Recreation, summarized progress on Milton's Parks and Recreation master plan: of 22 projects identified in the plans, staff reported 19 are complete or operational and three are active or on schedule. Highlights included updated trail wayfinding and signage at Birmingham Park, an Adopt-a-Trail program that already covers about 90% of trails, and updated GIS work showing residents near parks.

City manager Kroof (as transcribed) proposed forming an ad hoc Milton Active Parks committee composed of seven members: the chairs of the Green Space, Parks & Recreation and Equestrian committees, one member from each of those committees and one at-large resident appointed by council. Kroof said the committee would hold publicly advertised meetings over a tentative three-month schedule and deliver recommendations to council about the direction and location of necessary active-park improvements and potential strategic land acquisitions. Kroof said legal counsel confirmed the approach complies with city regulations. Staff proposed presenting the ad hoc committee item for a first read on March 18 and a final vote on April 8.

In public comment, Chrisy Hayes urged caution: the prior council's land-acquisition decision was described as made without adequate due diligence, she said, and the ad hoc committee and council should visit candidate sites, ensure buffering for neighbors (noise and lights can extend to 10:30 p.m. or later for permitted events), and consider partnering with neighboring cities if appropriate. The commenter asked that the council thoroughly debate and not simply rubber-stamp committee recommendations.

Council discussed committee composition and timing; staff said they would return with a slate of names and hoped to begin meetings in April if council approves the ordinance establishing the committee. Late in the session council moved into executive session to discuss personnel, land acquisition and potential litigation.