2018-097 Informal Staff Report on ROWDate: July 27, 2018 Report No. 2018-097
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Right-of-way (ROW) mowing and maintenance conducted by the Parks and Recreation
Department (PARD) and Community Improvement Services (CIS)
BACKGROUND:
During the July 17th Council Meeting, PARD was asked to provide a summary of the ROW
maintenance managed by the department compared to the ROW maintenance performed by CIS.
DISCUSSION:
PARD’s Park Maintenance division manages the maintenance of approximately 287 acres of ROW
and 60 acres of medians. The properties include city streets such as Bonnie Brae and Vintage,
farm–to-market (FM) roads including FM 2153 and FM 428, and state roadways like east Hwy
380 and Hwy 77. ROW’s along roads boarding the city limits are also maintained by PARD such
as Jim Christal, Masch Branch, and Cowling. Maintenance includes mowing and roadside trash
pick-up and is performed by a combination of PARD staff and contracted service providers. PARD
currently allocates $89,740 annually for ROW mowing and maintenance performed by contractors.
A supplemental request was submitted for FY 18-19 to increase the contract amount allocated for
ROW. The request proposes sections of ROW located along the borders of the city limits currently
mowed by PARD staff be transferred to the mowing contract inventory. This would allow PARD
to re-allocate staff and resources to the core of the city.
CIS is also tasked with maintaining approximately 240 acres of ROW property under the Enhanced
ROW Maintenance Program. The program was initiated by the City’s Leadership Excellence
Enhancement Program (LEEP) in 2014. The purpose was to promote economic development by
creating a positive first impression of our community through the maintenance and beautification
of highly visible ROW’s along entryways and thoroughfares throughout the City. Mowing and
roadside trash pick-up was proposed to be done by contracted services. CIS was identified as the
appropriate department to manage the program as it aligned with their property maintenance
mission. The program was first funded in FY 14-15 and covered eight roadways: Teasley Lane,
McKinney Street, University Drive, Country Club Road, Hickory Creek Road, Locust Street, Elm
Street, Mingo Road. Funding was increased the following year to expand the program. Today, the
program continues to focus on major entryways and properties with high visibility.
PARD and CIS work closely together to ensure there are no duplications of resources. As new
property is added to the maintenance inventory, the departments consult with each other to
coordinate activities. PARD and CIS will be performing a more comprehensive analysis to identify
and explore opportunities for additional efficiencies.
STAFF CONTACT:
Laura Behrens, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Laura.Behrens@cityofdenton.com