Summary: In 2019, the antiquated storm water drainage system in Willow Park began its transformation to a much needed, suburban, efficient system. Implementation of Phase 1 started early 2023 and Phase 2 was announced completed during the 23 April 2024 Council Meeting. In August 2022, the council approved debt not to exceed $4,250,000 to finance the costs designing, constructing, acquiring, improving, enlarging, and equipping the City’s municipal drainage utility system.
Tags: #DrainageManagement
Latest Update: updated 21 June 2024; updated 14 December, 2022
Drainage Improvement Project
In 2019, the antiquated storm water drainage system in Willow Park began its transformation to a much needed, urban, efficient system. Implementation of Phase 1 will start the beginning of 2023.
Project
For updates, see the following Willow Park Civics Blogs:
• Willow Park Drainage Improvement Project Complete. posted 18 June 2024
In 2019, the antiquated storm water drainage system in Willow Park began its transformation to a much needed, suburban, efficient system. Implementation of Phase 1 started early 2023 and Phase 2 was announced completed during the 23 April 2024 Council Meeting. In August 2022, the council approved debt not to exceed $4,250,000 to finance the costs designing, constructing, acquiring, improving, enlarging, and equipping the City’s municipal drainage utility system.
The first Master Drainage Plan was presented at the 12 November 2019 Council Meeting, and during the 13 December 2022 Council Meeting, the council award Phase 1 of the 2022 Drainage Improvements Project to Humphrey & Morton Construction Company.
The total contract will include the following amounts:
• $158,581.00 (Bid Schedule A), improvements to the Pleasant Ridge culvert crossing near El Chico
• $52,874.00 (Bid Schedule B), regrading of an earthen channel from Sam Bass Road to Squaw Creek Road
• $519,580.00 (Bid Schedule C) improvements in the channel along the eastern city limits flowing to El Chico for a total project cost of $731,035.00.
Implementation of Phase 1 will start the first of 2023 to be completed by summer. Bidding for Phase 2 of the Drainage improvement Plan will also start the beginning of 2023. Note, the largest portions of the drainage improvement project and funds will be included with the city's Street Improvement Project (WPC Blog > Street Improvement Projects).
History
During the 12 January 2021 Council Meeting, the council passed an "ordinance adopting the Municipal Drainage Utility Systems Act and declaring the City's drainage system to be a public utility."
During the 14 September 2021 Council Meeting, the council passed "Ordinance No. 838- 21 adopting a storm water impact fee to pay for storm water drainage infrastructure."
The City has posted FAQs and answers about the stormwater drainage project.
Stormwater Utility Questions and Answers, 04 March 2021 FAQ. "The purpose of the utility is to fund storm drainage improvements throughout the city. If you’ve ever seen what a good rain does to many of our roads, yards, and low-lying areas, then you know this is a long overdue need for the city. The rates, which you will see reflected on your utility bill in the next few months, are calculated as follows: For single family residential, $5.50 per month for 1,500 square feet of living area. Some other examples: 2,000 sf Living Area = $7.32/month / 2,500 sf Living Area = $9.19/month / 3,000 sf Living Area = $11/month
"Additional FAQ: What are the new fees? / What kind of work will this utility fund? / What areas are the highest priority? / How will my living area be calculated? / I have a septic system. Am I exempt from this fee? / I believe I qualify for an exemption. How do I appeal with the city? / This is the first time I’m hearing of this. How long has the city been working on this process? / I have additional questions. Who [sic] do I contact?"
During the 23 August 2022 Council Meeting, the council approved “'City of Willow Park, Texas, Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2022A' including the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of such certificates in the amount not to exceed $4,250,000 to finance the costs of paying contractual obligations to be incurred for (i) designing, constructing, acquiring, improving, enlarging, and equipping the City’s municipal drainage utility system, including any repair, replacement, and relocation of streets and utilities in connection therewith, and the acquisition of land and rights-of-way therefor, and (ii) professional services rendered in relation to such projects and the financing thereof."