Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2018-84 authorizing an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the North Central Texas Council of Governments Pursuant to the 2017-2018 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Funding Opportunity; and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
For some years, engineers, architects, urban planners, and conservation professionals have spoken of green-grey infrastructure or green-blue infrastructure - the use of natural and semi-natural landscape elements to treat urban run-off or perform other mitigation functions instead of using just solutions made of concrete. “Blue/Green/Grey” takes these ideas to a new level. Blue/Green/Grey projects are planned from the beginning to integrate features that protect water quality and water supplies (“Blue”) and the use of native plants and natural grass (“Green”) into road-building and other infrastructure (“Grey”). Blue/Green/Grey broadens the range of features incorporated in the design, including water recycling facilities, park lands, paths for pedestrians and bikes, and other environmental and quality of life features.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (“NCTCOG”) issued a Request for Proposals through the Regional Transportation Committee (RTC) for new ideas that integrate these Blue/Green/Grey concepts. The City along with a consultant submitted a proposal. The RTC awarded funding in the amount of $30,000 to the City of Farmers Branch under the 2017-2018 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Funding Opportunity relating to the Farmers Branch Green Bus Stop Design Guidelines Project “(the Grant Project”). The outcome of the Grant Project is to serve as a design tool not only for Farmers Branch but other cities throughout the region.
DISCUSSION:
The City’s adopted Eastside Comprehensive Plan has a section addressing green infrastructure and incentive and support. The plan recommends exploring opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure into a new stormwater quality and management program. The focus should be on improving stormwater quality and management by using a more natural, environmentally sustainable manner. It also recommends restoring and establishing natural channels with appropriate vegetation and daylighting to improve water quality, restore natural habitat, and maximize management opportunities. Goal 4 of the plan, is to create a system of shared spaces which positively contribute to the aesthetics, livability, vitality, and functionality of the District. The goal is to turn some of the districts “gray” features into “green” features to improve the district. One of the actions in this goal is to install City-led improvements along boulevards and avenues within East Side. One specific example in the plan is improved bus stop amenities.
The Grant Project is to study how green infrastructure can be incorporated into the design of both existing and proposed bus stops, and how the ideas and process realized from this study can be used in future projects and other areas. The goal is to balance the necessary safety requirements, accessibility, convenience, and attractiveness of individual bus stops and reevaluate green infrastructure that can improve the quality of design, treatments, and drainage while enhancing the customer’s experience. The Grant Project areas consist of six existing and four planned bus stops located around the City.
Following the completion of the Grant Project the NCTCOG will reimburse the City of Farmers Branch for eligible costs not to exceed the maximum award amount of $30,000. The City will be responsible for any costs in excess of the award amount or costs incurred prior to execution of the agreement.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Administration recommends approving Resolution No. 2018-84 authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the NCTCOG pursuant to the 2017-2018 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Funding Opportunity.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2018-84 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the NCTCOG pursuant to the 2017-2018 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Funding Opportunity.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2018-84 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the NCTCOG pursuant to the 2017-2018 Blue-Green-Grey Application for New Ideas Funding Opportunity, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2018-84
2. Interlocal Cooperation Agreement