HomeMy WebLinkAboutCP 257 C1 F FO WO , TEXAS
COUNCIL PROPOSAL
Date:5-2-06 File Number. Subject Reprogram Playground Replacement Funds for use for Other Recreational Improvements at
257 Eastern Hills Park
Proposed By:Council Member City Manager's Review: ` Page:
Becky Haskin _
City Attorney's Review: PAGE 1 OF 2
It is proposed that:
1. The City Council determine that there is no longer a need for a playground replacement at Eastern Hills Park based
on the public input,and
2. Reprogram the remaining funds for playground renovation at Eastern Hills Park to demolish the existing
inaccessible play structures and walkways and replace with accessible soft surface trail and native vegetation.
DISCUSSION:
In the 2004 Capital Improvement Program,$90,125 was allocated for playground renovation at Eastern Hills Park. On
August 8,2005 staff conducted a public meeting at the East Regional Library to discuss the playground project. It was
determined at that time that the original location of the playground was unsuitable due to accessibility issues. The existing
playground lies at the bottom of a steep slope which would have required extensive grading and walk construction in order to
provide access for the disabled. Unfortunately, funding to provide access was not included in the project budget.Working
with the neighborhood,staff developed an alternate site in a level wooded area on the northeast corner of the park. Staff also
recommended a playground to serve children ages 2 to 5. The smaller play structures do not require as much fall zone and as
a result the footprint of the playground was greatly reduced in order to save as many trees as possible. Staff conducted a
second public meeting on.October 6,2005 and discussed the alternative plan with the neighborhood. The alternative plan
still required the removal of numerous trees which was of serious concern to the neighborhood. The neighborhood also
questioned the need for the playground considering there was a playground available for use at the adjacent Eastern Hills
Elementary School.
Based on these findings,there is no longer a need for a playground at Eastern Hills Park and the neighborhood has requested
that their City Council representative propose to reallocate the funding to demolish the inaccessible play features and use the
balance of funds to develop soft surface trails and restore native vegetation on the site. Under the current City Council
policy,funds for projects that are no longer deemed necessary are placed in a Restricted Residual Account(M&C G— 14441,
July 27,2004). By Council policy these funds can reprogrammed:
1) To finance cost overruns on Listed Bond Projects within the same proposition;
2) To fund emergency projects as defined in Administrative Rule C-9;
3) To reduce debt at the end of the bond program;or
4) To reprogram funds for use on other projects within the voted purpose of the bonds only after Listed Bond
Projects/Categories within the same proposition are completed.
.� LEGALITY
❑ FISCAL NOTE
❑ CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
❑ CITY POLICIES MANUAL
CIT FO WO 9T Ar-
COUNCIL PROPOSAL
Date:5.2-06 File Number. Subject Reprogram Playground Replacement Funds for use for Other Recreational Improvements at
257 Eastern Hills Park
Proposed By:Council Member City Manager's Review: Page:
Becky Haskin
City Attorney's Review: PAGE 2 OF 2
Should the City Council support this reallocation of funds for East-4,;Park,staff from the Parks and Community
Services Department will precede with the neighborhoods request.
LEGALITY:
The Department of Law finds that this proposal is legal and that it is within the authority of the City
Council.
FISCAL NOTE:.
Funds are available as appropriated in the Parks and Community Service 2004 Capital Improvement Fund.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENT:
The Manager concurs with the community desire to replace one recreational use with another at Eastern Hills Park.The
intent of the funds was to remove and replace playground equipment The neighborhood has communicated through all of
the three public meetings that it does not want or need a playground. Staff supports removing the existing playground and
using the balance of funds develop soft surface trail and restore native vegetation on the site.
PROPOSED BY:
T k
Councilmem r Becky Haskin Councilmember
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
MAY 2 2006
LEGALITY
❑ FISCAL NOTE
❑ CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
❑ CITY POLICIES MANUAL G"d[ran W=tti„Teas