The Union Pacific Trail project is facing delays after a recent vote by the city council. In a 3 to 2 decision, council members opted to postpone the initiative, which was originally set to break ground in June.

The project, part of the much-anticipated Union Pacific Trail – Phase II, has been under scrutiny since its inception. In 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department secured a $1.78 million grant from the Urban Greening Program, intended for essential enhancements including irrigation, lighting, and the planting of 176 trees. The formal agreement with the city was finalized in May 2022.

The contract for the construction, valued at $1,845,775.95, was awarded to KASA Construction, Inc. The project aims to develop a new recreational trail along a section of a former railroad spur track, recently acquired by the city.

During the May 6 council meeting, Councilmember Dunlap proposed the postponement of item six from the council consent calendar, pushing the matter to the next meeting scheduled for May 20. Dunlap expressed his concerns over the financial commitments associated with the trail project, which includes $330,000 from park dwelling fees and an additional $300,000 drawn from the general fund.

“Given the financial challenges facing our city, I think it’s critical to understand where this money is coming from,” he remarked.

He emphasized the importance of transparency regarding how the new funding affects other projects within the community. Councilmember Jamie Valencia supported Dunlap’s request for further clarity. Councilmember Ahmad Zahra questioned whether the council was currently debating the item, to which Mayor Fred Jung clarified that Dunlap was not engaging in a debate but rather voicing his concerns. Public comments reflected the community’s frustration with the ongoing delays.

Resident Diane urged the council to act swiftly, stating, “The trail has been postponed time and again. This is important to our community, and we need a decision tonight.”

Todd Harrison raised an issue regarding the mixing of two significant financial items on the agenda, suggesting that the council should reconsider treating them as separate line items to better reflect their individual impacts.

Josh Ferguson called for detailed information regarding funding changes and project adjustments, emphasizing the need for transparency. “We should have clarity on what has changed and why,” he insisted, reflecting a broader sentiment among residents for more comprehensive communication regarding the project.

In a passionate address to city officials, Egleth Nuncci expressed her frustration over the ongoing challenges faced in advocating for the development of the Union Pacific Trail in Fullerton. Nuncci highlighted years of dedication, attending meetings and working with various agencies to secure funding for improvements, particularly for the planting of new trees in an area she described as integral to the city’s identity as “the City of Trees.”

“There’s a lot of misinformation circulating about this project,” Nuncci stated, referencing her discussions with state representatives in Sacramento.

She emphasized that the grant obtained for the trail’s enhancement is vital for both the community’s environmental health and overall aesthetic. Nuncci’s emotional appeal reflected the fatigue and health struggles endured by advocates fighting for the trail’s approval. She underscored the frustrating delays that have turned a straightforward project into a contentious issue, particularly as it involves potential land development interests.

“This should not be a huge issue just because someone owns the [adjacent] land and wants to develop it,” she asserted, urging officials to remember their responsibility to serve the community rather than cater to financial interests.

“There’s a legacy at stake here,” she added, emphasizing the importance of integrity over monetary influence in decision-making.

Asserting that the community has demonstrated its commitment through volunteer efforts, Nuncci called on city officials to show respect for the residents who tirelessly work for the betterment of Fullerton.

“We’re here because we love our city, and it’s time our voices are heard equally, regardless of the size of our bank accounts,” she concluded. She rallied support from the audience and vowed to bring more advocates to future meetings.

Councilmember Dunlap expressed concerns regarding the funding commitment for a specific city project, highlighting issues with transparency and communication. Dunlap pointed out that while the initial commitment from the city was stated to be $330,000, new revelations indicate that an additional $300,000 from the general fund would also be allocated. This brings the total city commitment to $660,000.

“People want to complain about delays,” Dunlap said, attributing the pacing of decision-making to “the speed of government,” which can often be sluggish.

He further emphasized the importance of clarity in financial commitments and the impact of reallocating funds from other essential projects. Dunlap questioned whether the revised funding proposal, which nearly doubled the city’s initial commitment, should have been placed on the consent calendar for quick approval in the first place. He stated, “There should have been an item presented for us to consider with the cost increase.”

The future of The Union Pacific Trail will be decided on May 20. The delay raises questions regarding the timeline and future of the Union Pacific Trail project, which has generated significant interest and anticipation within the community.

The details can be found at:www.cityoffullerton.com/agendas

The next City Council meeting will be held on May 20 at 5:30 pm. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to voice their opinions. It is important to document all voices and questions. City Hall is located at 303 West Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, and can be attended in person, via Zoom, or by phone. 

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