STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: December 14, 2022
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 3
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 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; 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 - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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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. Forest Cliff Park is a passive recreation park consisting of approximately two-thirds mowed turf with a scattering of mature trees with the rear two and a half acres covered by forest. A 20,000 square-foot area of open space is dedicated to wildflower restoration.
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 result 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)-the project does not impact existing park amenities or improvements. 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 Department determine that there is a need, in the Director’s sole judgement-the Director has the discretion to provide another location to OEM for the siren warning system within the parkland, relocation costs to be the sole responsibility of OEM, subject to appropriations.
In compliance with the law, the City has determined that there is a need and that no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of such parkland and that all reasonable care has been taken so as to not 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.
On November 9, 2022, City Council authorized a public hearing to be held on December 14, 2022, by Resolution 22-1692.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
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