TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution accepting the donation of two parcels located along Edgefield ditch between Edgefield Street and Elms Road.
SUMMARY
DATE: September 5, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: David Olson, Executive Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Accept the donation of two parcels located along Edgefield Ditch between Edgefield Street and Elms Road.
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On April 10, 2001, the City Council authorized the City Manager to apply for a “Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program for a Hike & Bike Trail Along Nolan Creek”. TxDOT subsequently approved the application. To date, two phases of this trail have been constructed. The original proposed trail included a future extension of the trail along Edgefield Street. The current Draft Parks Master Plan also identifies a future trail extension in this same vicinity. The two parcels offered for donation abut drainage right of way already accepted by the City. The southern parcel contains existing drainage infrastructure. The northern parcel is utilized to access Edgefield Ditch for maintenance.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
City staff reviewed the properties identified to determine whether each parcel could serve a legitimate public purpose. Two options were considered with this offer of land donation. The first was to allow the owner to retain fee simple ownership of the underlying land. The second was for the City to accept the land donations.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff’s recommendation is to accept the land donations. The City currently has a drainage easement on the entire 0.440 acre southern parcel. That existing drainage easement contains existing drainage infrastructure. The 0.179 acre northern parcel is currently un-platted. Upon platting a 25’ creek buffer zone would be required. This would result in only 0.04...
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