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Item # 12.

Work Session and Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:	02/20/2019
Department:	Parks & Recreation

AGENDA CAPTION:

Hold a Public Hearing, Present, Discuss and Consider Action on a Resolution to Adopt the Master Plan Developed for Belt Line 1.5 Beautification Between Marsh Lane and Midway Road.

BACKGROUND:

While a public hearing is not required on this item, one is being held to provide an opportunity for public input.

The 2012 Bond Program included a project to underground the overhead utilities on Belt Line Road from Marsh Lane to the Dallas North Tollway. In addition to consideration of the undergrounding, the Town recently adopted a new Master Transportation Plan. This plan designated Belt Line Road as an enhanced pedestrian path that would include wider sidewalks pulled away from the back of curb.

On March 20, 2017, staff provided an update on Phase 1 of the Utility Undergrounding Project and presented options to consider. Staff requested direction from Council to determine how to proceed with potential future phases of the project from Midway Road to the Dallas North Tollway. Council provided direction to staff in the form of a motion which was approved by a vote of 6-0, with one Council Member absent. Council listed the following items in the motion:

Delay Phase 2 of the Undergrounding Project
Focus on the Beautification of Phase 1
Proceed with the overlay of Belt Line Road from Marsh Lane to the Dallas North Tollway
Direct staff to return to discuss the Master Transportation Plan in regards to the design of Midway Road

On May 23, 2017 during a work session, staff provided an update on the opportunities and constraints related to Belt Line Road Beautification from Marsh to Midway. During the discussion, Council directed staff to focus on the project elements in the following order:

Intersections
Bus Stops
Right-Of-Way
Found Space

On December 12, 2017, Council approved the professional services agreement with Pacheco Koch to allow staff to move forward with schematic design and public input for the Belt Line Road Beautification from Marsh to Midway. On February 13, 2018, Council appointed a special project committee to help advise on the project.

October 23, 2018 Pachecho Koch presented the Draft Master Plan to Council along with their Opinion of Probable Cost and options for Gateway Signage. The presentation included high, medium and low Master Plan options with high, medium and low finish options for Council to consider. Council preferred the medium master plan option with high finish, the addition of additional bus shelters and a modification to the proposed gateway signage. The Consultant made these modifications and presented the plan at the Town meeting on October 29, 2018. All feedback gathered from the community regarding the final plan and modifications was favorable.

In December 2018, staff began meeting with property owners along the Belt Line corridor and input received regarding the final plan was favorable. Staff was cautioned by property owners to keep visibility of businesses in mind. Property owners also shared some concerns with staff regarding clean up of the their landscape that was needed following the Belt Line under grounding project. As a result of this conversation the Consultant has included line items in the Opinion of Probable Cost to address these landscape areas in Phase I of Construction.

RECOMMENDATION:

Administration recommends approval.

Attachments
Presentation - Beltline Enhancements Master Plan
Resolution - Beltline Enhancements Master Plan