Council approves consent items, removes dashed study lines after landowner objections to trail ILA map

The City Council approved the consent agenda with two items (minutes and a hotel‑occupancy‑tax grant for the Buda Arts Festival) but pulled a proposed interlocal agreement (H2) to discuss concerns raised about the study maps.

Staff explained H2 is an interlocal agreement with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and Great Springs Trail for two feasibility studies: a shared‑use path along RM 967 and a regional Onion Creek Park connectivity study. The ILA would set scope and cost‑sharing for detailed concept design, outreach, and future implementation.

Resident Carl Urban testified that the study packet’s map appeared to include about 80 acres of his property as part of the study area and said the marking created a “cloud on our title” and diminished his property’s value. He asked the council to reconsider the map. Staff clarified the dotted line on the map indicates a general study vicinity rather than a fixed trail alignment and emphasized the study’s purpose is to explore potential corridors and engage landowners.

Council members prioritized outreach and engagement with affected landowners and agreed to modify the maps. The mayor moved to remove the dashed black lines from both maps in the interlocal agreement; the motion passed. The council then approved the remainder of the consent agenda (H1 and H3) as presented.

Council cited the importance of clarifying maps before the study proceeds and of communicating clearly with affected property owners.