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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7863 8101IN11111 41%h INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7663 �pATE TE �TElj G,y, To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 20, 1994 Subject: RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION BACKGROUND In May 1991, the City entered into a contract agreement with the Fort Worth Zoological Association to manage the operation and development of the Zoo. The 20 year agreement authorized the Zoo Association to fund and manage all operations and improvements, retain all revenues, collect parking fees on weekends June through August and set admission fees in accordance with a schedule specified in the agreement. The City is required to review and approve capital improvements, fund employees based upon a contract stipulated amount as adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index and maintain the main Zoo parking lot. In the spring of 1993, Parks and Community Services Department (PACSD) and Zoological Association staff held a series of meetings to review operating procedures for the Zoo. The purpose of these meetings was to determine if opportunities for improvement existed after two (2) years of management of the Zoo by the Association. On July 6, 1993, staff briefed the City Council at a work session at the Zoo. As a result of staff's recommendation, the City Council gave its endorsement to review the identified issues, including future parking--needs- In February and March 1994, public meetings were held to receive input towards the parking issue. On April 19, 1994, the Parks and Community Services Advisory Board convened a work session to review the alternatives identified by staff and the issues and implications related to each alternative. On June 2, 1994, a briefing and tour was conducted by members of the City Council Inter and Intra Governmental Committee, District 9 City Councilmember Kenneth Barr, and the City Manager. In addition, a meeting was held with representatives of the Zoological Association to discuss parking alternatives and receive input from the Zoological Association on the implications of each of the identified alternatives. Goals of Review The purposes of this most recent parking review were to 1) address the parking capacity deficit for both the short and long term, 2) address traffic congestion, 3) optimize the use of available space while at the same time attempt to minimize the impact on open space, 4) attempt to accommodate operational needs and reduce management and financial impacts on the Zoo Association, and 5) identify potential funding sources to address recommended alternatives. OFFICIAL RECORD CITY S,ECRETARY i ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FOi JV .1 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7863 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 20, 1994 Page 2 of 7 Z5 rs it X 41 Subject: RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Statistical Data Currently there exist 918 parking spaces in the main Zoo parking lot constructed in 1991 at a cost of $1.6 million. The Archery Range, north of the main lot across Colonial Parkway, is utilized as emergency overflow and can accommodate approximately 350-400, vehicles. On the northside of the Trinity River east of University Drive there is located a 222 space privately owned parking lot. This lot has been made available for the Zoo Association's use on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. During the past two years, the Association has utilized the Archery Range area as a secondary overflow lot after the main lot and River Plaza lot have been filled. Exceptions have occurred at the discretion of the traffic officers (off duty police officers) when conditions warrant to address traffic congestion and avoid inundation of the residential areas east of the Zoo. Current attendance figures show that the Zoo has averaged right at 1 million visitors per year in 1992 and 1993. Current year attendance is tracking to maintain or exceed this same level of attendance. Projections based upon full buildout of the master plan estimate that, when fully completed, the Zoo will experience an average of 1.5 million visitors per year. In 1987 a traffic study conducted by the City's Transportation and Public Works Department determined that at full buildout the Zoo would need 2,300 spaces, resulting in the need for overflow parking four (4) -days per year or 1,420 spaces resulting in the need for overflow parking thirty (30) days per year. Based on the above, the target of accomplishing 1,420 spaces, or 502 additional spaces over what currently exists, was established. Factors Considered In determining its recommendation staff established the following criteria to. weight the parking alternatives: Impact on Parking Deficit Traffic Management Operational. Feasibility Impact on Open Space Capital Cost Accessibility Impact on Area Property Each of these factors were established based upon the goals of the review, input from the public meetings, meetings with the Zoo Association and staffs' professional assessments. wu LISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FOR ;-T-EXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7663 pFiTE q September 20, 1994 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 3 of 7 * re'p/* RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 Subject: WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Alternatives Considered Bank Parking Structure and Bridge Alternative would include the construction of a 500 space parking structure on the River Plaza Bank property and connecting bridge from Colonial Parkway across the Trinity River to the bank lot. Pros: impact on open space and traffic congestion. Cans: capital cost, accessibility and operational feasibility. Central Forest Parking Lot Alternative would include construction of a 450 space parking lot on the existing soccer field north of the Zoo boundary (future Savannah area) and south and east of Colonial Parkway. Pros: impact on traffic management and accessibility. Cons: impact on open space, capital cost and neighborhood concerns. Colonial North Parking Lot Alternative would include construction of a 50 space parking lot north of Colonial Parkway north of existing main lot. Pros: cost and accessibility. Cons: impact on open space and impact on parking deficit. Colonial Parkway Middle Parking Lot Alternative would include construction of linear parking lots adding 90 spaces along Colonial Parkway encompassing existing lots west of soccer field. Pros: maintain open space; accessibility. Cons: impact on parking deficit and cost. Parking Deck Structure on Existing Main Parking Lot Alternative would include construction of a 550 space double decked parking structure on the eastside of the existing main lot. Pros: impact an open space and traffic congestion; accessibility. Cons: capital and operational costs. West Parking Lot Alternative would include expansion of the lot west of the Zoo and east of University Drive adding 64 spaces. Pros: cost. Cons: impact on open space, parking deficit, operational feasibility and accessibility. Park Place Drive Alternative would include stripping Park Place Drive (a dedicated park road) at various sub alternatives generating from 100 to 220 spaces; may include one way traffic routing. Pros: impact on open space, parking deficit, traffic congestion and accessibility. Cans: impact on parking deficit, accessibility, neighborhood concerns and cost. y' (Note: impact on parking deficit and accessibility are 1 ' WF ME and a con dependent upon final design and development.) ITY SECRETARY '", WORIN, TFX. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT°" ORTH,TEXAS"- "4101 011" INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7863 STE September 20, 1994 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 4 of 7 X Subject: RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY I S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Offsite/Remote Alternative would include use of various remote lots such as Farrington Field, TCU and the Tandy Center. Pros: impact on parking deficit, open space and capital costs. Cons: accessibility, impact on operational costs and traffic congestion. Archery Range - Unpaved Alternative would include continued use of four acre site north of Colonial Parkway and existing main Zoo lot accommodating 400+/- vehicles. Pros: accessibility, operational feasibility, impact on open space and traffic congestion and capital cost. Cons: neighborhood concerns. Archery Range - Paved Alternative would include construction of a 400+/- space parking lot. Pros: impact on parking deficit and traffic congestion; accessibility and operational feasibility. Cons: impact on open space, neighborhood concerns and capital cost. After over twelve months of review, the PACSD staff submitted the following VE, recommendation to the PACSD Advisory Board at their regularly scheduled meeting on August 16, 1994. RECOMMENDATION OF PACSD It is recommended that the Parks and Community Services Advisory Board endorse the following recommendation to the City Council to approve an amendment to the City's management contract with the Fort Worth Zoological Association (Zoo Association) as follows: 1. Responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the existing main Zoo parking lot shall be assigned to the Zoo Association. 2. The portion of Forest Park known as the Archery Range shall be assigned to the Zoo Association for the purpose of developing, operating and maintaining additional parking spaces for the benefit of Zoo and Forest Park patrons. Plans for any improvements to be installed or constructed on the Archery Range shall be submitted to the Parks and Community Services Director for approval prior to the start of such improvements. All costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the Archery Range shall be borne by the Zoo Association as will the costs associated with short term development. In the event that the Zoo Association elects to pave the Archery Range at some future date, it will also be responsible for all operational and maintenance costs. Development costs will be addressed in accordance with tin terms of the contract. 1-IMCIAL Wang CITY Sri, RETARY ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER L,,IT.101�11 all I&A INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7863 September 20, 1994 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 5 of 7 X Subject: RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 3. The Zoo Association shall be granted the right to charge a parking fee for the Archery Range as well as the main lot. Parking fees, if assessed, will be set at a level and collected at a frequency determined by the Zoo Association to be reasonable and fair. 4. The Zoo Association agrees to make an annual payment to the City of $50,000.00 no later than January 1 of each year for the purpose of retiring the debt related to the existing main lot. (Note: average payment to the City during the last two (2) years has been $23,000.00) . 5. The City shall assist the Zoo Association from time to time in making other City property available for off-site, overflow parking for Zoo patrons and Forest Park visitors. The Park Board elected to table action on the recommendation and scheduled a special called meeting on August 30, 1994. At this meeting the Board unanimously approved the following recommendation. In taking this action the Board noted that its recommendation is intended to augment the staff's recommendation by delineating specific standards for future potential development and clarifying limits for development within Forest Park. Note: additions/revisions to the staff's recommendation are underlined. RECOMMENDATION OF PACS ADVISORY BOARD The Parks and Community Services Advisory Board recommends that the City's management contract with the Fort Worth Zoological Association be amended to incorporate the following proposal: I. Responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and management of the existing main Zoo parking lot shall be assigned to the Zoo Association. Ii. The portion of Forest Park known as the Archery Range shall be assigned to the Zoo Association for the purpose of developing, operating and maintaining additional parking spaces for the benefit of Zoo and Forest Park patrons in accordance with the following provisions: 1. Plans for any improvements to be installed or constructed on the Archery Range shall be submitted to the Parks and Co Services Director for approval prior to the start ol WMAL RECORD improvements. * 'R' 'C 2. All costs associated with the operation and maintenance DUffe SECRETARY Archery Range, shall be borne by the Zoo Association. 3 . The costs associated with short term development will be b the Zoo Association. tt�!�, RTHI ,rlx I 4. Before paving the Archery Range the Zoo Association will research alternative surfacing solutions and present the findings to the Parks and Community Services Director. 5. Costs associated with permanent development will be addressed in accordance with the existing terms of the contract. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7863 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 20, 1994 Page 6 of 7 Subject: RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION III. Because the Archery Range is a unique natural open space, any improvements shall be subject to the following standards: 1. A buffer area, utilizing the existing shrubs, trees, and foliage along the edge of the Archery Range which abuts the residential property, shall be maintained to minimize the impact on the neighborhood. 2. A barrier system will be created to preserve and protect the existing trees and natural resources. 3. Topographical elevations will be improved to facilitate drainage. 4. If the Archery Range is eventually paved, the landscaping will be consistent with the design in the main lot. IV. The Zoo Association shall be granted the right to charge a parking fee for the Archery Range as well as the main lot. Parking fees, if assessed, will be set at a level and collected at a frequency determined by the Zoo Association to be reasonable and fair. V. The Zoo Association agrees to make an annual payment to the City of $50,000.00 no later than January 1 of each year for the purpose of retiring the debt related to the existing main lot. Vi. No additional greenspace in Forest Park, outside the contractual Zoo boundaries, shall be used for Zoo parking. However, the City shall assist the Zoo Association in making other City property available for off-site or overflow parking for Zoo patrons and Forest Park visitors. The Zoo Association will provide signage at the entrance to the Park to indicate the availability and location of such property. RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER The City Manager recommends the approval of the PALS Advisory Board recommendation as approved by the Board on August 30, 1994 with the additional designation of the Colonial North area. During the PACS Advisory Board deliberations a motion to amend the Board's recommendation as outlined above was made to include the Colonial North area; however, the motion failed by a 6 to 2 vote of the Board. As a result of these discussions the PACSD staff and City Manager raised the issue of inclusion of Colonial North area with the Zoo Association President. It was determined that designation of the Colonial North area could allow for accommodation of up to 70 vehicles which would have a positive o impact on the Association during the majority of overflow days e7F@At- RECORD)j Inclusion of this area will reduce the number of days on which he River L Plaza lot may be needed thus eliminating increased operational 4JUn related to bus transportation, security and maintenance. WRITARY I F'T. WORTH, T1,117. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY WUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7863 �NRTE September 20, 1994 © + To the Mayor and Members of the City Council page 7 of 7 >EX SUbJ @Ct. RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MANAGEMENT CONTRACT 1873 WITH THE FORT WORTH ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Based upon this additional investigation, the PACSD staff and the City Manager determined that inclusion of the Colonial North area would provide an overriding benefit to the Zoo operations by more effectively addressing the long term parking needs of the Zoo. Should this recommendation receive approval the total available parking spaces for the Zoo on City property will amount to an estimated 1400 spaces. It is the opinion of the City Manager and the PACSD staff that the above recommendation most effectively addresses the goals of the parking review as outlined on page one of this report. The factors and alternatives considered were based upon over 12 months of input from various stakeholders and extensive research of over 15 identified alternatives. This recommendation balances what we believe to be the best interest of the Zoo, the park system and the City. Properly managed use of the Archery Range and Colonial North area is required, traditionally utilized open spaces in Forest Park are preserved, the greatest opportunity for the successful operation of the Zoo, a City facility, by the Zoo Association is achieved and impact on the City's financial resources is reduced. This item is submitted to the City Council for its consideration and action. Should you have any questions please contact me. ATerel City Manager $T:1 OFFICIAL REcou CITY SICRETAR7Y ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER- - FORT WORTH,TEXAS--- —