Title
Discuss and consider action to provide staff direction regarding the BMX track on City property located southeast of E Pecan Street and Plumbego Drive and legally described as LOT 2 BLK A GILLELAND PLAZA, ABSTRACT S05010.
Summary
Over the last 12 years, community volunteers have invested thousands of hours creating a series of BMX trails on City parkland located within a wooded area southeast of E Pecan Street and Plumbego Drive. While there have been discussions in prior Council meetings as early as 2009, the City has not taken any official action regarding the use of this area, regulated its activity, nor been involved in its development. However, given the extent of the current improvements, its location within the floodplain, and the potential liabilities associated, city staff felt it necessary to seek direction from Council regarding the future of this property.
There are several issues with the current improvements to the site related to the location within floodplain, unsafe structures, emergency response, and water sources. However, city staff feels there could be solutions to address these concerns and would like the opportunity to work with the Tejano BMX Trails (TBT) organization to develop a plan to mitigate these concerns and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. TBT has also expressed a desire to utilize their resources and professionals within their organization to perform as much of the work as possible in an effort to minimize any potential investment from the City. By working together, we could determine what TBT can address on their own, what the City would need to invest, and then present a plan to Council for consideration.
While a plan is being developed, it is recommended that certain actions be taken to mitigate as much potential liability as possible while preserving public access to the trails. With this is mind, staff recommends that TBT and the City work together to remove all improvement to the site (wooden platforms, cinderblocks, water tanks, benches, etc.) but leave the trail and dirt ramps for patrons to enjoy. Once a plan is developed and approved by Council, we can look to reinstate some or all of these elements ensuring proper construction and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Prior City Council Action
August 11, 2009: Youth presentation regarding a successful cooperative project with the City for establishment of a BMX bike track.
January 26, 2010: Introduction of Capital City BMX.
March 22, 2011: Discussion regarding potential development of BMX track, skate spot and other parks facilities.
Deadline for City Council Action
May 11, 2021
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A _X_
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A _X_
Amount: N/A
1295 Form Required? N/A
Legal Review Required: N/A _X_ Required __ Date Completed: ___________
Supporting documents attached:
Presentation Slides - BMX Trails
Recommended Action
Direct staff to work with the Tejano BMX Trails volunteer organization to develop a plan for the BMX trails on City parkland for Council consideration, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state & local laws and regulations, and to continue to allow public use of the BMX trails pending plan development, provided all improvements, equipment and materials are removed from the site with the exception of the dirt ramps.