Public Hearing and adoption of Resolution No. 2021-7-9(R) to approve the use or taking of a portion of City of Plano public park land, known as Hoblitzelle Trail, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to approve using a portion of dedicated park land as permanent utility easements, permanent access easements and temporary construction easements for the purpose of improvements to the Hoblitzelle Trail located adjacent to the park and extending east to Vineyard Drive; authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents; and providing an effective date. Conducted and adopted

The City of Plano needs to make water line improvements on parkland known as Hoblitzelle Trail to service the adjacent residential neighborhood. These improvements are to replace older infrastructure and provide better water flow to homes. The proposed easements will memorialize the new infrastructure on parkland and will provide temporary construction access during installation.

Chapter 26, Section 26.001 of the Parks and Wildlife Code states:

A department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality of this state may not approve any program or project that requires the use or taking of any public land designated and used prior to the arrangement of the program or project as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, unless the department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality, acting through its duly authorized governing body or officer, determines that: 

1. There is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of such land; and
2. The program or project includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the land, as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, resulting from the use or taking.

The Department noticed the Chairperson for the Parks and Recreation Planning Board and the public by publication. The matter was heard by the Parks and Recreation Planning Board on March 9, 2021 and received the Board’s support.

Installing the water line adjacent to the trail provides improved system efficiency, with less disruption to access for the homes on the affected streets, and is less expensive. The installation of this infrastructure will not impair the function or aesthetics of the trail. Engineering staff have consulted with Parks staff to design the project with minimal impact to the parkland.

If not approved, alternatives to the proposed water line location involve cutting into the street to access and replace existing infrastructure within the right-of-way on Zelphia Circle, Elizabeth Place, Burke Circle, Augusta Circle, and Vineyard Drive.

This item has no financial impact.

Approval of this item will support the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government.