July Open Space Advisory Board Meeting 07/01/2026

The City of El Paso Texas Open Space Advisory Board held a meeting on July 1, 2026, focusing primarily on updates and discussions related to open space management, acquisitions, and maintenance funding. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the quarterly financial report from El Paso Water, highlighting the allocation of 10% of the municipal drainage utility fee revenue toward stormwater infrastructure projects with dual purposes for open space preservation. The board discussed a large expenditure of $1,285,800 for the acquisition of Cement Lake and concerns about the use of open space funds for maintenance and salaries, which traditionally were intended for acquisitions. The board requested a detailed breakdown of expenses related to open space maintenance and clarification on funding policies. Other agenda items included updates on hillside subdivision approvals, remediation efforts at MLK, property sales related to future city projects, and ongoing trail development and connectivity efforts. The board also planned to prepare an annual report outlining past accomplishments and future priorities, including the Mountain to River Trail and open space master planning as a component of the Parks and Recreation master plan. Several future agenda items were identified, such as vegetation management protocols, trail maintenance, and updates on open space properties and acquisitions. The meeting concluded with motions to adjourn after setting these follow-up actions.