Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution accepting approximately 38.5 acres of parkland dedication for future greenway trail and park and authorizing a quitclaim deed disclaiming interest in a 2.58 acre neighboring parcel.
Body
DATE: April 15, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Antonio Murphy, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Acceptance of approximately 38.5 acres for future parkland dedication.
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On February 21, 2023, the City Council issued a Motion of Direction authorizing staff to engage in discussions with the landowner of a parcel of land approximately 38.5 acres regarding the transfer of a drainage tract located behind Prewitt Ranch Drive. The intent of this acquisition is to facilitate the eventual establishment of a community park and greenway trail.
Following these discussions, in exchange for a gift deed conveying 38.5 acres to the City, the landowner has requested that the City execute a Quitclaim Deed to disclaim a 2.58-acre portion from a neighboring parcel. The 2.58 acres was previously attempted to be dedicated by plat, but the City never accepted the property and does not claim an interest in the property. The quitclaim deed would clear up the issue of whether the City has an interest in the 2.58 acres.
In accordance with Section 26-135 of the Killeen Code of Ordinances, land proposed for dedication to the City must undergo review by the Planning Director and receive a recommendation from the Parks Director. The evaluation is based on the findings established in this ordinance, as well as the most recent Parks Plan. Furthermore, all property designated for land dedication must be formally accepted by the City Council.
Upon review, staff has determined that the proposed parkland dedication aligns with the criteria outlined in Section 26-137 and advances the objectives set forth in the Parks, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan. Accordingly, staff recommends acceptance of the dedicated land to support the City’s long-term vision for park developments and community recreation.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to state, city, local policies, and regulations in Sec.26-128 of the Killeen City Code of Ordinances.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The only actual expenditure in the current fiscal year is the payment of delinquent property taxes, totaling approximately $7,720 (of which $2,305 is owed to the City). The estimated in-house cost for initial brush cleanup is $7,104.00, and the ongoing mowing cost is approximately $2,131.20 annually while the land remains undeveloped.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
The delinquent property taxes and initial brush cleanup are one-time expenditures. The mowing costs are recurring in-house expenses for as long as the land remains undeveloped.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes. Funding for the delinquent property taxes is available in the Governmental CIP Fund, Park Development Project account 300-56200-900-300-923026. The in-house costs for initial brush cleanup and ongoing mowing will be absorbed within the existing Personnel and Operations budget of the Parks Division and do not require additional funding.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council approve the resolution for acceptance of approximately 38.5 acres of parkland dedication for future greenway trail and park which is in accordance with the Parkland Dedication Ordinance and aligns with the Killeen Parks and Open Space Master Plan, authorize a quitclaim deed disclaiming interest in a 2.58 acre neighboring parcel, and authorize the City Manager to take any and all actions to effectuate the same.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Development Services
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Quitclaim Deed
Gift Deed
Presentation