HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0045) M&C 21-0306City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 04/20/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0306
LOG NAME: 80ECHO LAKE PARK SLOPE EASEMENT FOR UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
SUBJECT
(CD 9) Conduct Public Hearing and Authorize the Use of a Portion of Echo Lake Park for a Berm Construction and Drainage Improvements, and
Authorize the Conveyance of an Easement, and Execution of an Easement Deed with the Union Pacific Railroad Company
(PUBLIC HEARING - a. Report of City Staff: David Creek; b. Citizen Presentations; c. Council Action: Close Public Hearing and Act on M&C)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing under the guidelines set forth by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 26, Protection of Public Parks and
Recreational Lands;
2. Find that no feasible or prudent alternative exists for the use of Echo Lake Park for the installation of berm and drainage improvements and
permanent slope easement;
3. Find that the proposed slope easement for the Union Pacific Railroad Company includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the
parkland, including that all infrastructure and equipment will be constructed in Echo Lake Park as specified on the attached exhibits and as
noted in the discussion below;
4. Close the public hearing and authorize the use of approximately 0.368 acres of dedicated parkland at Echo Lake Park for the proposed
slope easement and drainage improvements;
5. Authorize conveyance of an easement to the Union Pacific Railroad Company for drainage improvements for a total of 0.368 acres at Echo
Lake Park;
6. Authorize the execution and recording of all necessary documents to complete the conveyance of an easement to the Union Pacific Railroad
Company;
7. Authorize the execution of an easement deed with Union Pacific Railroad Company, in the amount of $5,372.82.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to authorize the use of parkland for the installation of berm and drainage
improvements and to authorize the conveyance of an easement by easement deed to Union Pacific Railroad Company at Echo Lake Park.
The Park & Recreation Department (PARD) has been approached by Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) requesting the use of a portion of
Echo Lake Park to construct a berm parallel to and between the railroad tracks and the existing lake edge.
UP requests authorization to obtain a permanent slope easement, adjacent to the existing UP Rights -of -Way (ROW), for the grading and
construction of a berm and install drainage improvements as approved by the City of Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works Stormwater
Division and Water Department in the existing UP ROW and a portion of the northeast end of Echo Lake Park. The berm is necessary to protect
the rail lines from flooding during major rain events.
The proposed new berm is approximately 750 linear feet long and the proposed width of the slope easement is 25-feet wide. The proposed slope
easement equates to approximately 16,034 square feet or 0.368 acres. Construction access will be on existing roads and Union Pacific Railroad
Company easements and all workspace and construction activity will occur within the proposed 25-foot wide easement. In consideration of the use
of city land, City of Fort Worth real property values the proposed land at $5,372.82.
On February 24, 2021, the Park & Recreation Advisory Board endorsed staff's recommendation to the City Council to authorize the use of Echo
Lake Park for a permanent slope easement for Union Pacific Railroad Company.
In accordance with State law, public notice of the hearing was advertised in the Fort Worth Star -Telegram on March 30, 2021, April 6, 2021, and
April 13, 2021. An exhibit map was available for public review on the Park & Recreation Department website.
Signage was posted at the site noting the proposed use and providing instructions for directing comments to the department. An email
announcing the proposed conversion was sent to the presidents of the Brentmoor Neighborhood Association, United Communities Association of
South Fort Worth Neighborhood Alliance, and Worth Heights Neighborhood Association on March 20, 2021. Staff will note any public comment
received during the public hearing report of City staff.
Echo Lake Park is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 9.
Echo Lake Park - located at 1000 Echo Lake Drive, south of Berry Street, west of Interstate 35, north of Ripy Street, east of Highway 287.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations the Park & Recreation Department and the Financial
Management Services Department have the responsibility for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City under this Agreement. Revenue
from this agreement is estimated at $5,372.82.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Valerie Washington 6192
Originating Business Unit Head: Richard Zavala 5704
Additional Information Contact: Richard Zavala 5704