The Bountiful City Council voted Oct. 27 to accept the South Davis Greenway feasibility study, but with a specific condition regarding future support. According to a November 1 report, the council mandated that no letter of support will be sent to the Utah Trail Network until the council passes a resolution outlining its concerns.
The study, presented by Planning Director Francisco Astorga, describes the greenway as a 10.8-mile regional walking and biking path. Approximately 4 miles of the path are planned for Bountiful, in coordination with Centerville, North Salt Lake, and Farmington. While the other three cities unanimously accepted the study and signed general letters of support, Bountiful officials expressed specific considerations during the discussion.
Council discussion regarding the project included topics such as parking, snow removal, liability, and maintenance funding. Council Member Millie Segura Bahr noted her concern regarding long-term costs to residents, stating she would dislike seeing maintenance lead to budget changes or tax increases. Council Member Richard Higginson stated he required knowledge of the letter's contents before making a motion. Mayor Kate Bradshaw noted that significant work remains for the segments in Bountiful and with the other three cities but urged the council to maintain progress.
The city staff report noted that acceptance of the study commits no city funding. A memo from the city attorney, read by Council Member Dan Bell, described the move as accepting a completed planning document that may inform future considerations. Mayor Kate Bradshaw stated that the city's primary funding target is the Utah Trail Network.
During the meeting, Council Member Beth Child moved to accept the final report and direct staff to prepare a resolution outlining council concerns and a letter to the Utah Trail Network. The motion, seconded by Higginson, passed via a voice vote with no opposition. The motion clarified that no letter will be sent until the council passes the resolution, which would then authorize the mayor to sign and send it.
In addition to the greenway discussion, the council approved approximately $1.96 million in expenditures over $1,000 paid on Oct. 7 and 14. This included a quarterly South Davis Metro Fire and EMS assessment of approximately $750,000. The council also adopted Resolution 2026-17 to amend the city's storm water management program and approved a 25-year license agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation for the Davis Boulevard Bridge.
The greenway project involves regional coordination between Bountiful, Farmington, North Salt Lake, and Centerville. During public comment, a Bountiful resident and runner expressed support for the greenway, citing it as a safer place to run and a way to connect the community.
The council's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10, which is the only meeting scheduled for November.
