Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-094 for a Landscape Maintenance Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the City’s assumption of landscape maintenance and improvements on Interstate Highway 35E from Morgan Parkway to Valwood Parkway; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Parks and Recreation Department
BACKGROUND:
Consistent with the City Council's strategic vision of the beautification of key entry points into Farmers Branch as an important part of strengthening the City’s image and supporting continued redevelopment, this project leverages TxDOT funding to enhance one of the City’s prominent corridors. Improvements along IH-35E will strengthen Farmers Branch's visual identity, improve the appearance of key entrances into the community, and provide environmental benefits through sustainable, appropriate landscaping.
In December 2025, the City Council approved an application for the TXDOT’s Green Ribbon Program. This program awards Cities funding for landscape enhancement projects along TXDOT rights-of-way on IH-35E from Morgan Parkway to Valwood Parkway.
In February 2026, the City was awarded $2,311,100 for these landscape improvements. The City proposes to enter into an agreement, with City Council approval, with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the design and engineering for this project on September 1, 2026.
As part of the funding award for this project, TXDOT will require two agreements that the City must approve to move the project forward. The first required agreement is the Landscape Maintenance Agreement (LMA), and the second is the Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA). To start the project, the City must approve the LMA.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of the Landscape Maintenance Agreement is necessary to advance the City's $2,311,100 TXDOT Green Ribbon Program project along IH-35E from Morgan Parkway to Valwood Parkway. The agreement establishes the City's responsibility for maintaining the landscape, hardscape, and irrigation improvements constructed through the program.
While the project provides a significant opportunity to enhance the appearance of the IH-35E corridor using alternative funding, LMA approval also creates an ongoing operating obligation for the City. Based on the current conceptual landscape design, Kimley-Horn estimates annual maintenance and irrigation water costs of approximately $260,000, including $210,000 for landscape maintenance and $50,000 for irrigation water. Actual costs may vary based on future contract rates, water costs, the final design, and the City's approach to maintenance.
The City Attorney recommended language that would allow the City to terminate the agreement if sufficient funds are not appropriated in a future fiscal year. TXDOT has declined to accept that language and has stated that its standard 30-day termination provision is sufficient. TXDOT further indicated that cities participating in the Green Ribbon Program are expected to maintain the improvements in perpetuity and should consider the long-term maintenance costs and capacity when designing the project.
Accordingly, Council should consider both the immediate benefit of securing the $2,311,100 in TXDOT funding and the City's long-term financial and operational responsibility for the improvements. If the LMA is approved, staff will incorporate the anticipated irrigation and maintenance costs into future budget planning, with irrigation costs potentially beginning in FY2028 and full maintenance costs potentially beginning in FY2029 following the one-year warranty period. These dates remain subject to the construction schedule established by TXDOT and its contractor.
The project supports the City Council's strategic goals by providing attractive and connected public spaces, investing in high-quality public assets, and leveraging alternative funding sources. Approval of Resolution No. 2026-094 would authorize the required Landscape Maintenance Agreement and allow the Green Ribbon project to move forward. Resolution No. 2026-094 is complementary to Resolution No. 2026-081; if Resolution No. 2026-094 is not approved, no further action would be required on Resolution No. 2026-081.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated Financial Impact on future General Fund Parks Operations Budgets:
FY28 for irrigation water-$50,000
FY29 for maintenance-$210,000
DISTRICT:
Districts 1 and 3
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-094 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-094, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-094
2. Exhibit A - Landscape Maintenance Agreement
3. Presentation