STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: December 13, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 8
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
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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 Singing Hills Park located at 1919 Crouch Road, totaling approximately 1,089 square feet (0.025 acres) of land, by Dallas Water Utilities for the construction of a 15-inch wastewater line 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 $3,400.00
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as Singing Hills Park (approximately 14.4 acres) located at 1919 Crouch Road, on the southeast side of Dallas. The park is currently used for active recreation with Runyon Creek Trail running along the Park’s eastern boundary.
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) currently maintains an eight-inch wastewater line in the Crouch Road right-of-way on the south side of the road; parkland is located on either side of this roadway. Because of the need for increased wastewater capacity in this area of the City, and to support the capacity needs of a proposed multifamily residential development - The Ridge at Lancaster being constructed by LDG Development (LDG) - DWU needs to replace the eight-inch wastewater line with a 15-inch line. Due to the roadway bridge configuration east of the park, and to minimize disruption to the park, DWU proposes to construct a portion of the new wastewater line on the north side of the road; this will require an approximate 1,089 square feet (0.025 acres) public utility easement in public utility easement parkland (Exhibit A). The project will cause little to no disruption of the existing trail or trail operations because DWU proposes to use horizontal drilling to install the wastewater line in parkland and connect to the existing manhole at the existing wastewater main in the park. This project is needed to meet the increased wastewater demand for Dallas residents in this area as a result of the new proposed new development. LDG shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with this wastewater line project including all costs contained within this action including but not limited to costs required for the payment and recordation of the easement, and City of Dallas Real Estate costs.
In consideration for this conveyance by easement, DWU will pay the fair market value of $3,400.00 for this easement, as determined by an independent appraisal.
DWU agrees as condition of the conveyance of easement to:
1. Permit future construction of any park amenities and other improvements within the easement.
2. Coordinate construction work with the Dallas Park & 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 easement 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 park operations.
6. The wastewater line easement shall not be recorded until DWU receives reimbursement funds from LDG for all costs associated with the wastewater project including but not limited to payment to PKR for the fair market value of the easement, Real Estate Division’s costs, and all restoration work required in the parkland as a result of the project.
7. Revert any existing DWU utilities which DWU abandons in the future to parkland upon abandonment.
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 19, 2023 the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to be held on December 13, 2023.
On October 25, 2023, the City Council authorized a public hearing on December 13, 2023, by Resolution No. 23-1467.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Estimated Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation and Development Fund $3,400.00
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