The Trails Committee on Wednesday discussed its achievements over the past 16 months and looked ahead to future projects.

This iteration of the Trails Committee was formed in January 2025, which explains the timeline’s length.

It replaced the defunct Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC) and the Trails Coordination and Management Committee (also known as the TCMC and Trails Committee). The nine-member committee’s members were appointed by the Select Board earlier that month. They included members of both former committees as well as three newcomers: Sean Kimball, David Freed and Jack Buckley.

Buckley since has left the committee, as has former UCTC member Fran DeYoung. Andy Proos joined last July. Newly appointed member Kristen Turpin, a former TCMC member, attended her first meeting.

Progress, cohesion highlighted

Treasurer Scott Knous gave a presentation that consolidated member feedback on what was achieved and where there was room for improvement. Overall, it was positive and outlined progress or completion of seven main projects.

Knous also pointed out that, as members grew more comfortable with each other, the committee became a more cohesive unit, particularly over the past five months.

The addition of working subgroups allowed members to focus on their primary areas of interest and report back to the full committee at meetings. This led to more organized topic presentations and shorter, more focused meetings, Knous said. Members pointed this out as a key strength.

“Honestly, as I read it and I reflected back, I’m very proud to be a member of the committee,” stressed Knous. “We accomplished so much in this time frame.”

He called the trail inventory and prioritization document “a game changer.” Another plus was the “new voices” added to the veteran leaders that provided fresh perspectives.

Knous also pointed out that the committee was involved in “driving” the town’s new e-bike speed limit policy.

“No pun intended,” he joked.

Room for improvement noted

Some areas for improvement for this term included setting annual goals and engaging in more deliberate community outreach, particularly to young families. Subgroup leadership designations were recommended to organize tasks. Work on an improved town trail map, signage, a trail maintenance schedule and the trail master plan were key goals.

Because of the number of projects in motion, Knous said an active project list would be a better way to track their progress. He also stressed the importance of inviting stakeholders and members of other boards to committee meetings.

In addition to trail work, clerk Linda Chuss stressed that progress on signage, activities and related activities need to be tracked “on the same level as [trail] projects.”

While the committee has been successful with completing what Knous termed as “quick-win projects,” he said the committee could improve its focus on its long-term goals. One of these is the creation of the Upper Charles Trail.

The committee also briefly discussed coming up with larger projects that potentially could be funded through Community Preservation Committee allocations. Chuss said this could dovetail with work on the master plan.

Overview to go to Select Board

In addition, Kimball prepared a document outlining the committee’s activities over the last six months to present to the Select Board. The board voted 8-0 to submit it to the Select Board via Town Manager Elaine Lazarus and to Select Board member Joe Clark, the committee liaison.

Chair Peter LaGoy and member Jane Moran said it was important to keep the Select Board apprised of its activities and to have them documented. Committee members agreed that it should have a periodic presence in front of the Select Board.

“Frankly, I think they should be getting something like this from every committee,” said LaGoy. “In some ways, it may serve them just to start looking at that.”

Members also suggested soliciting feedback from Select Board members regarding the length and timelines for future reports.

Accomplishments over the past six months include the introduction of the town’s new speed limit policy for e-bikes and other motorized vehicles for shared-use paths. The Berry Acres Trail near West Main Street was rerouted to provide better access for Windsor at Hopkinton Apartments residents. There also were two community networking events and work on the Echo Trail and Ash Street parking areas.

Kimball to be new chair

LaGoy brought up the committee’s reorganization, which usually takes place in July. Because it was not an agenda item, he said Town Clerk Connor Degan advised him that a “draft reorganization” could be discussed.

Members selected Kimball to succeed LaGoy as chair, while LaGoy will take over as vice chair, replacing Knous. Chuss, the current clerk, will continue in that role, while Knous will remain the treasurer.

The official vote will take place at the Aug. 19 meeting, which LaGoy said will allow the newly elected chair to “start fresh.”