Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

04/04/2023

BACKGROUND

The City of Schertz is in the final stages of design of a project for a 24" dedicated transmission water main connecting the Live Oak Tank to the IH-35 Elevated Tank. As these tanks are currently not directly connected, the I-35 Tank is fed through the distribution network. Operating in this manner requires the distribution system to operate at a higher pressure than ideal, which is undesirable for residents near the Live Oak Tank site, and also causes operation and maintenance issues with the pumps and pipe network due to the pressure stress on the system.

The new water main will be located within permanent water easements that must be acquired by the City. In order to facilitate construction of the pipelines, temporary easements also need to be obtained adjacent to the permanent easements. These temporary easements will provide a working space for the contractor to stockpile material and to move equipment and materials throughout the project area. The City's 20217 Transportation Plan Trails Network map shows a hike and bike trail generally following the alignment of this waterline. Staff is recommending acquiring a hike and bike trail easement at the same time, although there is no timeline for construction of the trail.

Twenty-two separate easement parcels owned by fifteen property owners are needed for the project. Attached is an exhibit showing the current route of the dedicated transmission main along with the properties across which are planned the improvements.

Staff is seeking the authority to negotiate with the property owners and acquire the necessary permanent and temporary easements and land for installation of the pipelines and appurtenances related to the Dedicated Transmission Main Project. The permanent easements will also allow the City to operate and maintain the system once construction is complete.

GOAL

Approve Resolution 23-R-34 authorizing the negotiation and acquisition of temporary construction and permanent wastewater easements for the pipelines and appurtenances related to the Dedicated Transmission Main Project as well as a hike and bike trail easement.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Through the acquisition of these easements, the City will have secured the location and have the ability to construct and maintain a dedicated transmission main that will improve pressure conditions and reliability of the water system in the central part of Schertz. By acquiring the hike and bike trail easements now, the City will not have to go through this effort again.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends Council approve Resolution 23-R-34.

FISCAL IMPACT

The cost of the easement acquisition is not expected to exceed $900,000 and funding is budgeted and available from the Water Reserves Fund.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Council approve Resolution 23-R-34 authorizing the acquisition of easements for the Dedicated Transmission Main Project and hike and bike trail easements that generally follow the same alignment.

Attachments
Trails Network Map
Res 23-R-34
Exhibit A