STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life
AGENDA DATE: December 11, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 13
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
Title
A public hearing, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of parkland at Bachman Creek Greenbelt, located at 3002 Shorecrest Drive, totaling approximately 2,597 square feet of land (0.06 acres), by Dallas Water Utilities for the construction of a 36-inch stormwater line for the Rexford Road Project for the public benefit; and, at the close of the public hearing, consideration of a resolution authorizing the proposed use of parkland pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code - Estimated Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation and Development Fund $1,250.00
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as Bachman Creek Greenbelt (58 acres) at 3002 Shorecrest Drive in near northeast Dallas. Bachman Creek Greenbelt is a community park with passive recreation. The park is effectively divided by Bachman Branch. The request for easement is on the south side of the lake in the Inwood Village neighborhood.
The streets in the Rexford Drive area flood during significant storm events due to insufficient stormwater infrastructure. Dallas Water Utility’s (DWU’s) Rexford Road Project will collect the neighborhood stormwater runoff into a 36-inch utility line through Bachman Creek Greenbelt at Rexford Drive with its outfall into Bachman Branch. At the outfall DWU will use a vegetated engineered channel protection system which is a green engineering solution keeping in character with the passive park character of this area of the Bachman Creek Greenbelt.
The use of parkland will require an approximate 2,597 square feet (0.06 acres) public utility easement in parkland (Exhibit A). The project will minimally impact the current use of the park which is passive recreational use.
In consideration for this conveyance by easement, DWU will pay the fair market value of $1,250.00 for this easement, as determined by an independent appraisal.
DWU agrees as condition of the conveyance of easements to:
1. Permit future construction of any park amenities and other improvements within the easement.
2. Coordinate construction work with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department (PKR) staff to minimize disruption to the park, and should the work require the trail to be closed for any period of time, an alternate route, or flaggers if possible, shall be provided by DWU to provide minimal disruption to trail use. Any damage to the trail, park driveway, or any parkland, shall be repaired or replaced by DWU as determined by PKR staff.
3. Coordinate with PKR operations for future construction, maintenance, and operations of DWU utilities within the parkland to minimize disruption of use and operation of the park.
4. Request approval from the Director of PKR should DWU’s operations, maintenance, or construction require DWU to disrupt, demolish, or modify any improvements, vegetation, or terrain within the easements or park, except for in a situation which affects the public’s immediate health, safety, or welfare, in which case DWU shall notify the Director of PKR as soon as possible of such activities. In any case, repair or replacement of park improvements or vegetation damaged or damage to terrain as the result of DWU activities, shall be at the discretion of the Director of PKR, and shall be at DWU’s sole cost with no cost to PKR.
5. Schedule DWU’s project and relocation of existing park amenities and construction of new amenities with the Director of PKR to minimize disruption to the park and park operations.
6. The stormwater line easement shall provide for a release at no cost to PKR when and if DWU abandons the easement.
In compliance with the law, the City must determine that there is a need, that there is no feasible and prudent alternative, and that all reasonable care will be taken not to damage the remainder of the park property and to mitigate any disruption of park services.
In accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 26 (Sections 26.001 through 26.004) the City Council must advertise and hold a public hearing on the change of use of parkland.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On October 17, 2024, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to be held on December 11, 2024.
On October 23, 2024, the City Council authorized a public hearing on December 11, 2024, by Resolution No. 24-1578.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Estimated Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation and Development Fund $1,250.00
MAP
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