Title
Discuss Farmers Branch Creek emergency stabilization efforts
Body
BACKGROUND:
During the November 6th City Council Study Session meeting, Council provided direction to the City Manager to initiate emergency stabilization measures along sections of Farmers Branch Creek recently damaged by severe storms. These measures were anticipated to cost approximately $150,000. Since that date, a contractor has been selected, temporary easements from affected property owners have been obtained and work is well under way. Marc Bentley, Director of Public Works, will provide an update of work completed to date.
Property owners have received information about the availability of disaster assistance low interest loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The application deadline for this assistance is December 17, 2018. These loans can be used to help repair and control private property embankment erosion. During both the November 6th and 27th meetings, Council expressed an interest in learning what options were available on a limited basis to assist property owners with embankment erosion issues.
One immediate and controlled option would be to utilize a modified Neighborhood Partnership Program (attached) which provides for cost matching based on a number of requirements. The Program is currently budgeted at $100,000 for the FY ’19 fiscal year. Staff has the ability to temporarily modify program parameters and could expand the list of eligible projects to include embankment repairs from recent storm damaged projects based on current program match requirements. The modified program could be structured to only be offered for a 30-60 day time period.
Councilman Lynne has proposed the following option parameters: Creek residents can apply for a grant of up to 15% of project cost, not to exceed $20,000 for any property owner. Grant only applies to solutions engineered by Freese & Nichols (F&N) engineering firm. Grant will be paid upon project completion and inspection by F&N. Grant is in addition to any low interest disaster assistance available by other parties. Property owner releases the City from any and all future claims. City will issue a no cost building permit to property owner. All repairs must be reported and reflected by DCAD as additions to the value of the property.
As a reminder, the City Attorney has indicated that the City’s Ethics Policy precludes elected and appointed officials from participating in City incentive programs.
The City Council Strategic Planning Session scheduled for February 20, 2019, will include a continued discussion related to long-term policy for the creek systems in Farmers Branch.