City Council

Belton EXHIBIT "A" Thoroughfare Plan Updates City Council Work Session October 12, 2021 1  Purpose • To discuss the proposed amendments to Belton’s Thoroughfare Plan • The process to amend the Plan • No final action is needed at this time 2 What is a Thoroughfare Plan? • Integral component of the City’s Comprehensive Plan • Provides a future framework of planned roads around which development may occur • Identifies basic designs and layouts that may be considered for future roadways • Guides the development of the street system in the City and ETJ, taking into account the mobility and access needs of the public • Provides guidance on the general alignment and right-of-way required for roadways as development and subdivision platting occurs • Plan provides guidance on thoroughfare system improvements, including the planned extension of roadways 3 Why Amend the Thoroughfare Plan? • The proposed updates are in response to: • Recent platting activity • Development activity, such as the proposed River Farms development agreement • Evaluations of current alignments that no longer appear feasible 4 1. Eliminate east-west proposed thoroughfare from Hilltop Street to Pea Ridge Rd. (Temple). 2. Hilltop Street – new access to the Heritage Park. 3. 9th Street – removed from the Plan. 5 4. Unnamed east-west road – removed from the Plan. 5. Future Elm Grove – removed from the Plan. 6. Elm Grove Road – realigned to FM 93 6 6. Elm Grove Rd. – Minor Collector 7. Shanklin Rd. – relocated into Belton ETJ. 7 6. Elm Grove Rd. – down to Amity Rd. Minor Collector 8. Toll Bridge Rd. – Major Collector 8 9. Yturria Dr. – from proposed to existing. 10. Spring Canyon Rd. – realignment 9 11. Avenue D – slight realignment to the north. 12. Future Wade Dr. – Minor Collector (New). 10 13. S.W. Parkway – new Minor Collector 14. Shanklin Rd – reflects new alignment based actual location of Three Creeks Blvd. and new alignment study. 11 15. FM 1670 – extend Major Arterial classification south to FM 2484 (road exists). 16. Rose Lane – relocated because TXDOT relocated it. 12 Proposed Schedule. • 10/12/2021 - City Council Work Session • 10/19/2021 - Planning Commission Work Session • Late October to Early November - Public Comment Period • 11/16/2021 - Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation • December 14, 2021 - City Council – Public Hearing and Action 13 Thank you • Questions or comments? 14 Council Agenda Item #13 Regional Habitat EXHIBIT "B" Conservation Plan OCTOBER 12, 2021 Summary • Bell County recently identified as “area of interest” for Karst Bat Cave Spider invertebrates, after findings in counties south of Bell • These invertebrates are endangered species and live in rock formations in caves – “Karst” means sinkhole or cave habitat • Small animals, 1/8” in length, with small or absent eyes, pale Bee Creek Cave Harvestman coloration, and slender legs • While yet to be found in Bell County, very likely; will complicate public development when NEPA triggered, requiring an environ- mental assessment; also, private development impacted Coffin Cave Mole Beetle Summary Continued • Bell County has agreed to take the lead on developing a Regional HCP and has issued an RFP for consultant/contractor to develop grant • Federal grant funds available (U.S. Fish/Wildlife) awarded competitively annually, with match required • Grant application for plan development: $1,000,000; Grant Match: $250,000 • Several identified entities may participate in project development and grant match: • Bell County • City of Gatesville • Coryell County • City of Harker Heights • BRA • City of Copperas Cove • Clearwater UWCD • City of Killeen • Middle Trinity GCD • City of Temple • City of Belton • City of Salado Timeline to Select Contractor Summary Continued • There is a risk in doing nothing, since a project (TxDOT) could be halted by the need to develop an environmental assessment without an HCP in place • Such deficiency would require a locally developed HCP, funded by City or developer • Appears prudent to take advantage of U.S. Fish/Wildlife grant opportunity and current regional interest in developing an HCP HCP Product • Planning document will explore presence of species and, if present, seek to minimize and mitigate effects • Not required, highly recommended Summary Continued Fiscal Impact  Belton cost share for HCP to be determined – proportional and limited component of $250,000  Belton cost share for mitigation plan, if needed, also TBD Recommendation Recommend Belton’s willingness to participate in the Regional HCP and provide proportional cost share to support grant.