STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: November 9, 2022
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 3
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize a public hearing to be held on December 14, 2022, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of Forest Cliff Park, totaling approximately 50 square feet of land, located at 5100 Duncanville Road by the Office of Emergency Management, to provide warning siren system coverage for the benefit of the public - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as Forest Cliff Park (approximately 9.1 acres) located at 5100 Duncanville Road in southwest Dallas.
In 2016, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) conducted a sound survey to ensure a minimum of 70 decibels of outdoor warning siren system coverage throughout the City. The results identified 27 locations for enhanced coverage. One of the locations identified was at the intersection of Duncanville Road and Ranchero Lane. OEM requests that they be permitted to install an outdoor warning siren approximately 10 feet inside the park boundary in the southeast corner of the park and to connect to electric power in the street right-of-way (Exhibit A). OEM will be responsible for all construction costs, maintenance, and ongoing utility costs associated with the outdoor warning siren.
The outdoor warning siren’s impact on the park is expected to be minimal. OEM has agreed to permit any park use up to the outdoor warning siren and, upon abandonment of the outdoor warning siren at some future date, to promptly remove the outdoor warning siren and appurtenances, subject to appropriation, at which time the land will revert to parkland. Furthermore, OEM has agreed to remove the siren and restore the site, at no expense to the Park & Recreation Department, subject to appropriation, should the Director of Park & Recreation determine that there is a need, in the Director’s sole judgement-the Director of Park & Recreation Department has the discretion to provide another location within the parkland.
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 November 1, 2022, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to be held on December 14, 2022.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
MAP
Attached