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CDC approves $26,600 engineering study for FM 2499 pedestrian tunnel erosion control
Summary
Board approved a funding agreement to pay $26,600 from CDC funds for a four-option engineering and landscape architecture study to address erosion and drainage at the FM 2499 pedestrian tunnel; staff and board debated whether to include the 2014 plan as an option.
The Highland Village Community Development Corporation approved a funding agreement to cover professional engineering and landscape-architecture services for a study of erosion and drainage at the FM 2499 pedestrian tunnel.
Mr. Capill, introduced by the Chair as the presenter for the item, told the board that SPI (also referred to as "SBI" in discussion) re-evaluated the site and recommended engineering and landscape-architecture services before any physical improvements. He said the proposed study will analyze four options, produce conceptual landscape renderings and probable costs, and present the findings for the board's review. The study cost was stated at $26,600 and would be funded from the Highland Village CDC budget.
A Committee member objected to including the 2014 design as one of the options, arguing that the 2014 plan had failed and should not be re-studied. Staff and another presenter said the 2014 plan had been designed, funded and constructed and performed adequately for several years before weather damage, so including it as a baseline option helps determine whether restoring it with updated materials or maintenance could be cost-effective. Staff further explained concerns with the prior drip-irrigation approach and said newer, lower-maintenance landscape approaches or terraced grading and riprap options will be evaluated.
Board members asked about schedule and implementation. Staff said the study would likely take about 180 days once a contract is in place, would include surveying and coordination with TxDOT, and that any construction would require contractors rather than relying solely on city crews. After discussion a Committee member moved to approve the funding agreement; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no opposed votes recorded.
Ending: Staff will execute the funding agreement and return to the board with the study's four options and probable costs; staff also will coordinate required TxDOT verifications and provide status updates.
