DR9305-CS 9205121~-~0
TO'
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Alan D. Ratliff, City ManaGer
Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E., City EnGineer~!
Grapevine SprinGs Park
May 12, 1992
On May 7, 1992, Steve Goram, Rick Wieland and myself met with
representatives from Dallas County concerning improvements to be made to
Grapevine SprinGs Park. In particularly, the meeting centered around some
improvements to a section of the park in the floodway. Dallas County has
proposed placing 8 to 10 foot of fill approximately 100 to 150 foot wide
and approximately 250 foot long in the floodway to reclaim a portion of
the bank that has eroded away. In addition to the placement of the fill,
Dallas County had indicated they wish to place three pedestrian bridges to
access an area which is surrounded on all sides by Grapevine SprinGs
Creek. Also, Dallas County stated that they would be fencing a portion of
the island to keep people away from steep slopes.
At the meetinG, Dallas County was informed that the placement of the fill
was in violation of our Floodplain Ordinance. Our ordinance, in effect,
states that any work within the floodway requires a technical report
showing that the water surface elevation will not be raised because of the
improvements. The representatives from Dallas County were informed that
to place the fill would require a technical study. The only way to Get
around the technical study was if they just stabilized the existing bank
without the placement of a substantial amount of fill.
The question was raised at the meeting on how access was Going to be
provided to this island. At that point, the Dallas County representatives
indicated that there would be pedestrian bridges. My concern was that the
pedestrian bridges would also be in violation of our Floodplain
Ordinance. In looking at the elevations of the proposed bridges, it was
apparent that the pedestrian bridges would be approximately 8 foot below
the 100 year water surface and would in fact create an obstruction to the
flow of water. The Dallas County representatives also indicated that the
bridges were not designed to resist the force of the water, therefore the
water could in fact damage the bridge, possibly dislodGinG it. The issue
of the fence was raised but no comment was made by the City staff on the
placement of the fence.
I instructed the representatives of Dallas County that I would visit with
FEMA as soon as possible, in a face to face meetinG, to discuss these
issues to insure that the City was not misinterpreting the Floodplain
Ordinance or FEMA's requirements.
Memo to Alan D. Ratliff, City Manager
May 12, 1992
Page 2
On May 8, 1992, I met with Jack Quarrels and Diane Calhoun with the
Regional FEMA office. Both Mr. Quarrells and Ms. Calhoun were very
adamant that to be in compliance with our Floodplain Ordinance, the City
should not allow the placement of the fill, the pedestrian bridges, or the
fence without a technical study showing that there will be no rise in the
water surface. Approval of improvements in the floodway without the
proper technical information could in fact endanger the City's standing in
the program. If FEMA so chose, they could place the City on probation
until the problems were rectified.
This memo is written to inform you of the current situation. It is quite
possible that because Dallas County is involved and because it is the park
site, you will be questioned on why the City is unwilling to work with the
County in the improvements of the park site. It is not that the City is
unwilling to work with the County, it is the fact the proposed
improvements are in violation of both the City ordinances and FEMA
ordinances in regards to development in the floodway. As you may recall,
even the proposed park site that the City is proposing north of Parkway
Blvd., has monies appropriated for the needed approvals from FEMA for the
development of the floodway.
I would be happy to discuss this at your convenience.
KMG/ba
cc: Steve Goram, Director of Public Works
ADRll