M&C Review


COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 3/28/2017

DATE:	3/28/2017	REFERENCE NO.:	L-16019	LOG NAME:	80FOREST PARK / FORT WORTH ZOO ONCOR UTILITY EASEMENT #3
CODE:	L	TYPE:	NON-CONSENT	PUBLIC HEARING:	YES
SUBJECT:	Conduct a Public Hearing and Authorize Use of a Portion of Forest Park for an Electric Utility Easement Within the Fort Worth Zoo and Authorize an Easement to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC, for Electrical Service Lines on a Total of 0.162 Acres at Forest Park (COUNCIL DISTRICT 9)

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 Forest Park for the proposed location of the electric utility easement;

3.  Find that the proposed electric utility easement includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the parkland, including that all infrastructure and equipment will be constructed in Forest Park as specified on the attached exhibits and as noted in the discussion below;

4.  Close the public hearing and authorize use of approximately 0.162 acres of dedicated parkland at Forest Park for the proposed electric utility easement;

5. Authorize an easement to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC, for electrical service lines on a total of 0.162 acres at Forest Park; and

6. Authorize the execution and recording of all necessary documents to complete the conveyance.

Forest Park- located at 1500-2000 Colonial Pkwy., Mapsco 76N, P, & K, south of the Clear Fork Trinity River, west of Rogers St., intersected by University Dr., north and south of Colonial Pkwy., northeast of Winton Terrace, east of terminus of Wescott Rd, intersected by Park Hill Dr., east of Sandage Ave., north of McPherson Ave., west of McCart Ave., west of Forest Park Blvd., intersected by Park Pl., intersected by Colonial Pkwy., west at terminus of Huntington Ln., west of Rockridge Terrace, south of Kensington Ct., west of terminus of Stonebridge Place.

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to authorize the granting of an electric utility easement to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC (OED), at Forest Park (Park) for the purpose of relocating electrical service lines.

The Park and Recreation Department has been approached by the Fort Worth Zoological Association (Zoo) requesting a conversion of approximately 0.162 acres of parkland for the relocation of existing Oncor electrical utility service lines within Forest Park. The relocation of the electrical utility easement ranges from 7.5 feet wide to 15 feet wide totaling approximately 7,062 square feet. The proposed electrical utility easement is needed for the rerouting of lines to provide electrical service for the new storage warehouse. The easement will give Oncor the ability to install new service lines and 6 new utility poles.

Equipment
Existing
Proposed
Net
Overhead Line
453 LF
448 LF
<5 LF> *
Power Pole
4 poles
6 poles
2 *
*The total linear feet of utility line will be reduced by five linear feet and an increase of two poles as a result of this proposal.

In accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 26, the City of Fort Worth seeks to convert approximately 0.162 acres of parkland for the purpose of a utility easement on park property.

On January 25, 2017, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board endorsed staff's recommendation to the City Council to authorize the use of approximately 0.162 acres of parkland in the park as proposed.

In accordance with State law, public notice of the hearing was advertised in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on March 2, 2017, March 9, 2017 and March 16, 2017.  An exhibit map was available for public review at the Park and Recreation Department administrative offices located at 4200 South Freeway, Suite 2200, Fort Worth, Texas 76115.

A letter announcing the proposed use was sent to the presidents of the Berkeley Place, Colonial Heights, Frisco Heights, Mistletoe Heights, Park Hill, Paschal, University Place and University West Neighborhood Associations on February 24, 2017.  Signage was posted at the site noting the proposed use and providing instructions for directing comments to the Park and Recreation Department.  Staff will note any public comment received during the public hearing Report of City Staff.

Forest Park and the Fort Worth Zoo are located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 9. This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.

FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:

The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City Funds.

TO
	Fund	Department ID	Account	Project ID	Program	Activity	Budget Year	Reference # (Chartfield 2)	Amount

FROM
	Fund	Department ID	Account	Project ID	Program	Activity	Budget Year	Reference # (Chartfield 2)	Amount

Submitted for City Manager's Office by:

Susan Alanis (8180)

Originating Department Head:

Richard Zavala (5704)

Additional Information Contact:

David Creek (5744)

ATTACHMENTS

MC Aerial ForestIIIMap.pdf

MC Oncor Existing Layort.pdf

MC Oncor Proposed Layort.pdf