Title
Consider and take action on a resolution removing the Newport & Ellis Landing Subdivision Drainage Improvements project DR 2104 from the May 2019 GO Bond project list and the FY2024-2028 CIP (Executive Director of Capital Projects)
Background:
Approval of this resolution will authorize the removal of the Newport & Ellis Landing Subdivision Drainage Improvements project from the May 2019 GO Bond project list and the FY2024-2028 CIP.
In the aftermath of the Hurricane Harvey flooding, City Staff had a high-level study of drainage issues encountered in several of our neighborhoods and held a public meeting to go over the preliminary findings of the study and to discuss potential improvements to help reduce flooding within the project areas. One of the areas of concern discussed during the public meeting was the neighborhoods’ ability to handle 100-yr exceedance events. This type of issue was experienced in the Brittany Bay, Newport, Ellis Landing, and The Landing subdivisions. The projects were included as part of a list of potential drainage projects outlined on the City’s May 2019 General Obligation Bond Referendum. All three were awarded CDBG-DR funding through GLO while the Brittany Bay Subdivision Improvements Project was also awarded an HMGP grant through FEMA.
Due to similarity of work in these subdivisions from site to site as well as subdivision to subdivision, staff requested and Council awarded a design contract to RPS Infrastructure, Inc. in April 2021. The scope of the project included the design of drainage improvements in Brittany Bay, Newport, Ellis Landing, and The Landing Subdivisions to address issues experienced during 100-year exceedance events. The design utilized existing storm sewer outfall easements to provide surface flood relief for adjacent streets to drain into nearby creeks. Specifically, Newport & Ellis Landing included the installation of grass or concrete overflow swales at sixteen (16) existing drainage easement sites along Civil Drive and Newport Boulevard. These easements are typically 10’ wide and fully encumbered with fences, gates, walkways, trees, AC units, etc. A typical swale would require relocation or removal of these items and would alter access to backyards. Design was completed in April 2022.
Completed plans were submitted to FEMA for each project for review of our request for construction funds. In August 2023 FEMA/TDEM requested a detailed technical drainage study for the project that was not included in the scope of services as the cost of the technical study was not justified due to the scope of construction and estimated construction cost. The original technical report that was performed as part of the scope was submitted but the TDEM felt it was not sufficient to meet their requirements. The City was given the option to withdraw the application for Phase II (construction) funding and change the scope of the project.
Throughout the design process and recently, staff held meetings with the HOA as well as the directly affected residence property owners. With the assistance of our Community Engagement and Specific Project staff, an on-line meeting was held December 12, 2023 regarding possibly removing the project from the Bond Program. On February 20, 2024, City staff attended the HOA monthly meeting and were available to address any questions or concerns. Shortly thereafter on February 28, 2024, the City mailed letters to all residents directly affected by the project inviting them to a final online meeting to discuss the project being removed. A Teams call was conducted with affected property owners on March 12, 2024. All in attendance requested the project be removed. Approximately 6 homeowners attended, and a few called after the fact because they could not attend the meeting. All parties came to the consensus that they would not oppose removal of the project from the May 2019 General Obligation Bond Referendum.
In addition to bond funds, the Newport & Ellis Landing project received CDBG-DR funding allocations from GLO for design and construction. If Council votes to remove the project from the Bond Referendum, staff would submit a request to GLO to have remaining construction funds in the amount of $261,365.00 in CDBG-DR funds reallocated to another bond project which has also received construction funding allocations from GLO. These projects include FM518 & Wesley Dr Drainage Improvements and Oaks of Clear Creek Drainage Improvements Ph II - North Detention Pond. FM518 & Wesley Dr has approved plans and is currently in the process of relocating utilities. It is anticipated to go out for bids in the summer of 2024. The North Detention Pond in Oaks of Clear Creek is in the final stages of design and easement acquisition.
Staff is presenting this item to provide City Council feedback from the citizen input gathered to date and
recommend removal of the project from the 2019 GO Bond Prop A project list and the FY2024-2028 CIP.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. CIP Project Sheet
3. Aerial Map
FUNDING
{X} Funding N/A
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} N/A