| | | | | | | |  |
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO |
|
| | | | | | | | | MEETING DATE: | 9/27/2021 | | DEPARTMENT: | Parks | | DIRECTOR: | Ron Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation | | AGENDA ITEM: | Schell Park Utility Easement | | RECOMMENDED ACTION: | Items for Individual Consideration |
|
| | | | | | | | ITEM SUMMARY Public Hearing and adoption of Resolution No. 2021-9-29(R) to approve the use or taking of a portion of City of Plano public parkland, known as Schell Park, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code for dedication of parkland as a permanent utility easement for the purpose of water and storm sewer improvements located on R Avenue between Puma Road and Jasmine Lane; authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents; and providing an effective date. Conducted and adopted |
| | | | | | | | BACKGROUND The City of Plano needs to make water line and storm sewer improvements on parkland known as Schell Park to service the adjacent residential neighborhood as part of the Japonica Lane, R Avenue and Puma Road Paving and Water Reconstruction Project Number 7240. These improvements are to replace older water supply with provide better water flows to homes, and provide a parallel system for stormwater to increase capacity and efficiency. The proposed easements are to protect the new infrastructure on parkland and provide temporary construction access during installation.
Chapter 26, Section 26.001 of the Parks And Wildlife Code states that “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 new water line alignment will maintain current water service during construction without disruption of service to residents, and the parallel storm sewer will capture high flows and prevent flooding. The installation of this infrastructure will not impair the function or aesthetics of the park. Engineering staff have consulted with Parks staff to design the project with minimal damage to the parkland.
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 August 10, 2021 and received the Board’s support.
If not approved, alternatives to the proposed parallel systems involve replacement of the existing water lines and storm sewers in the same location of the existing service. However the project would have to work around the existing utilities within the Right of Way, installing the new water line under the existing culverts and a larger storm sewer; costs are significantly higher, with a longer disruption to the street and residents.
No other future action is required.
|
| | | | | | | | FINANCIAL SUMMARY/STRATEGIC GOALS This item has no financial impact.
Approval of this item will support the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of being an Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government.
|
|