| Present, Discuss, and Consider Action on a Resolution Approving an Amendment to License Agreement, Between the Town of Addison and Oncor Delivery Company, LLC to Establish Standards for Construction of Improvements and Installation of Landscaping in the Redding Trail License Area, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Amendment.
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In January 2020, staff presented an overview of Oncor's plans to replace transmission towers along a 1.3-mile line that spans Carrollton, Farmers Branch and Addison. Within Addison, the transmission towers to be replaced are located in the Redding Trail and Redding Trail Dog Park corridor. Oncor owns the land upon which these town facilities exist and use of the land, by the Town, is authorized through separate license agreements dated in 1985 and 2006.
When Oncor initially approached the Town about the project they indicated it was their intent to bring the corridor closer to compliance with their current Hike, Bike and Trail Guidelines, established in 2014. The referenced guidelines are very different from what was allowed in the 1985 Redding Trail license agreement. The current guidelines do not allow ornamental trees, screening shrubs taller than 4', irrigation, seating areas (which include bike racks and drinking fountains), signage and pedestrian lighting. The 1985 license agreement also requires that vegetation be maintained in a manner to not exceed 15' in height and there are screening shrubs and ornamental trees within the corridor that exceed that height.
Staff shared concerns with Oncor and both parties worked out a compromise that will help protect assets in the corridor from construction impacts, allow exceptions to some of the site elements and limit removal of vegetation. This compromise was presented to Council in January. Council requested that what was agreed upon be documented in a manner that both parties are clear on the direction and requested the license agreement be updated, where applicable, to reflect exceptions that are allowed. Oncor has provided, for Council consideration, an amendment to add "Exhibit C" to the license agreement which is attached to the resolution.
Staff from both the Town and Oncor agree on the following exceptions and approach to preserving the corridor. Town staff and Oncor staff will both work from the direction listed below to ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of what was agreed upon.
Oncor Will:
- Limit tree removal to 59 ornamental trees that are directly around the towers and under the transmission lines, exception as described in "Exhibit C", line 21.
- Allow replacement of ornamental trees removed with ornamental trees that do not exceed 15' in height within Oncor approved locations, per exception as described in "Exhibit C", line 21.
- Only remove shrubs around the base of the towers and shrubs taller than 4' along the alley behind Dome Dr., per exception as described in "Exhibit C", line 21.
- Allow seating areas to remain, per exception listed in "Exhibit C", line 20.
- Allow existing spray irrigation to remain, per exception listed in "Exhibit C", line 21.
- Allow existing lighting to remain, per exception defined in "Exhibit C", line 8.
- Repair turf damaged during construction with sod.
- Repair any damage made to the irrigation system.
- Work with Town staff to allow maintenance of the area during construction.
- Construct a temporary fence to leave half of the dog park open for use during construction.
- Prune shrubs along park boundaries to 10' tall.
- Prune remaining ornamental trees to 15' tall.
- Limit removal of berms to two areas.
Addison will:
- Tag all trees to clearly identify which trees are approved for removal so all parties are in agreement.
- Temporarily remove light poles, signage and drinking fountains in the path of construction but will re-install them once construction is complete.
- Maintain the height of ornamental trees and shrubs to 15', per exception listed in "Exhibit C", line 21.
- Replant ornamental trees and shrubs at a later date, per exception listed in "Exhibit C", line 21.
- Remove the Redding Trail Plaque and masonry plaque and replace at a later date.
Council also requested that Oncor consider updating the license agreement for the Redding Trail dog park to allow the Redding Trail to extend and connect to the future Midway Trail. Staff is in the process of preparing the required construction documents in order for this request to reviewed and approved by Oncor. This item will be brought to Council at a later date.
As staff and Oncor began to field identify tree removals Oncor staff identified two Live Oak trees located in the medians on Belt Line Rd. that were under transmission lines. Trees directly below the lines are not allowed. As Oncor is removing vegetation int he Redding Trail corridor their crews will remove these two trees.
Staff will make a presentation updating Council on steps taken since the January presentation and provide a schedule for the tower replacement project to Council. |