Project Information

City Council Report Executive Summary

In 1993 the residents of Carrollton approved a bond program that included erosion control improvements for Highlands Creek between Marsh Lane and Kelly Boulevard. A consultant was hired and the project proceeded into design. After efforts to obtain eants failed, that project was ceased.

Freese and Nichols was hired in May of 2000 to complete the preliminary design for the Highlands Creek Drainage Improvement project. The project included hydrologic and hydraulic analysis as well as an extensive public involvement plan. Out of the f-nine residences located on the creek, fifty-four of them were represented in the public involnt process through their participation in public meetings and/or response to mailers.

Through the process, the team developed a design which produced support from 73% (43) of the residents. Seven percent (4) have voiced their opposition, while the remaining 20% (12) have not commented on the proposed design. Appendix A contains a phic illustration of the residents’ opinions about the project.

The project is now at a point where further direction from City Col is required. Following are three options for this project as outlined in this report:

1. Proceed into design and complete the entire project obtaining all necessary easements.
2. No action, leave creek as is and reallocate bond funds to other drainage projects.
3. Use a segmental approach to complete the improvements in areas where homeowners are in support of the project.

With option one and option three, the public involvement process sh continue with an effort to gain approval from more homeowners. Field staking the limits he project on the ground will further illustrate to homeowners the impact or lack of impact toir property. The details of some homeowner’s concerns can then be worked out in final design.

The segmental approach presents some potential future problems fhe City. For example, as the properties change ownership, residents may come to the City as for improvements. Also, residents who are left out of the project will most likely continue toerience soil erosion and tree loss. These issues may continue to cause the City staff and Col problems well into the future.

If the City Council wishes to proceed with final design of the entproject, a commitment on behalf of the City to obtain all easements necessary to construct theject through purchase or acquisition is required.

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