Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Stacey Dicke, Parks and Recreation Director
Contact Info
(830) 221-4355 - sdicke@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a professional services agreement with Vickrey & Associates, LLC. for preliminary design services of Alligator Creek Trail Master Plan.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The City’s recently updated Hike and Bike Trail Plan includes Opportunity Areas for future trail planning and construction. Alligator Creek Trail is identified as one of these Opportunity Areas. The proposed trail would be a good candidate for upcoming funding opportunities through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or MPO funding. Staff is seeking approval of a professional services agreement with Vickery & Associates, LLC. for preliminary design services for an Alligator Creek Trail Master Plan.
Alligator Creek spans northwest and east sides of New Braunfels, crossing IH-35. The West Alligator Creek segment is located in Park District 1, west of IH-35, and includes approximately 1/2 mile of existing hike and bike trail, the plan would identify additional trail opportunities. The East Alligator Creek segment, in Park District 2 and east of IH-35, includes approximately 1.5 miles of existing hike and bike trail, the plan would identify additional trail connections.
The Master Plan for Alligator Creek trails would design preferred alignments to connect existing trails, road projects, local destinations, schools and neighborhoods. It will also include park amenities including but not limited to seating, bike racks, wayfinding, signage and disc golf.
Staff is recommending Vickrey & Associates for this project. The scope of work will include performing a site analysis to evaluate existing conditions, robust public outreach to community members, adjacent landowners and potential trail users, prepare a conceptual trail alignment and trail amenities, and an opinion of cost. The design will include conceptual plans for the proposed 46-acre tract planned to be dedicated to the city as a public park.
Vickrey & Associates assisted the City in the Hike and Bike Trail Plan update 2020 and is familiar with the City’s trail network. Additionally, they are experienced with the MPO funding requirements.
Vickrey & Associates is pre-qualified on the City’s IDIQ for Professional Services and fulfills the procurement requirements. The cost of these services is $83,478. This project proposes funding through cost-sharing with the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation ($56,228) and the remainder ($26,850) from Parks Development Funds.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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Yes |
Strategic Priorities: |
Maintain fiscal stability of City operations Expand recreational, arts and cultural enrichment opportunities Preserve and improve our open space Ensure a variety of transportation options for pedestrian, cycling and vehicular mobility |
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Envision New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan |
Action 1.12: Collaborate with internal and with external partners and stakeholders to identify and connect sidewalk and bicycle lanes to trails to improve access and connectivity to key hubs and desirable destinations Action 3.20: Encourage residential developments to include pedestrian and bicycle friendly trails to nearby schools, preferably within a 2-mile radius of each school. Action 4.1: Ensure parks and green spaces are within a one-mile walk or bicycle ride for every household in New Braunfels. Action 4.4: Prioritize existing city-owned land and future land acquisition decisions to focus investments in a greenway system that achieves a contiguous network. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
As mentioned above, the total cost for the Master Plan project will be $83,478. If approved by the City Council, the NBEDC will provide funding in the amount of $56,228. Funding for the city’s portion of this project ($26,850) will come from Park Development Funds.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended approval of this item at their meeting on September 15, 2020. The NBEDC recommended approval of this item at their meeting on March 3, 2021.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution and the professional services agreement with Vickery & Associates, LLC. for preliminary design services of Alligator Creek Trail Master Plan.