Page 313 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

Benbrook Girl Scouts proposed building a cemetery directory kiosk and markers to lead visitors to grave sites. The City of Benbrook approved
the design and location and agreed to work with the Girl Scouts.

In August 2013, the Benbrook Historical Society (BHS) - in partnership with the Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), the Benbrook
Public Library, and the City of Benbrook – hosted a community screening of “Once Upon a Time in Benbrook” a fast-paced and highly
entertaining broadcast quality documentary video. Presented as a series of stories about the people and incidents that have intersected with,
or originated in Benbrook, the forty-five minute video depicts historical occurrences in relation to national and international events, as well as
local accounts of a more personal and heartfelt nature. From stage coach bandits, to a famous pilot/dancer, to the vast ranch land of a
President’s son, Benbrook is steeped in rich and entertaining history. The video was produced as a companion to the recently published Images
of America: Benbrook, an Arcadia Publishing book depicting Benbrook history in picture form. Both the video and the book are available for
purchase at Benbrook City Hall and through the Benbrook Historical Society.

In the summer of 2013 one City Councilmember suggested that the City of Benbrook and Benbrook Library District jointly consider funding
a sidewalk in the north-side right-of-way along Mercedes Street between the Benbrook Public Library and Winscott Road (Wells Fargo
Bank). The proposed sidewalk section facilitates access to the Benbrook Public Library, providing a connection for the existing pedestrian
crossing at Winscott Road and Mercedes Street for individuals traveling from the south and west. The Benbrook Library Board was
amenable to a 50% cost share for the project. The estimated total project cost was $13,000. City Staff managed the project on behalf
of both parties. The construction was bid, contracted, and completed in approximately a month.

The Winscott Road/Lakeside Drive Hike and Bike Trail Extension Project was completed in 2012-13 with financing through the Capital Projects
Fund. In 2013-14, a portion of the overlay program is intended to construct a twelve-foot wide asphalt hike and bike trail on the south side of
Winscott Road from Beach Road to the east parking lot of the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA and to seal the existing trails on both sides
of Winscott Road.

In summer 2013, the City of Benbrook was approached by several local garden enthusiasts interested in establishing a Benbrook Community
Garden at Dutch Branch Park. These citizens hosted several public meetings to gauge community interest and formed an informal volunteer
group, Benbrook Community Gardens. City Staff reviewed their plans, obtained cost estimates for infrastructure, and submitted a proposal
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to seek permission to use a portion of the park for this purpose. The Benbrook Community Gardens
group received City Council approval to fund the infrastructure costs. Council also approved a resolution establishing the Benbrook
Community Garden; the resolution outlines the City’s expectations of the Benbrook Community Gardens group.

Community gardens promote the art of gardening; provide an opportunity for residents to grow and harvest their own produce; encourage
the use of native and adaptive plants for a region; educate younger generations; conserve resources; and provide opportunities for
recreation and exercise. Community Gardens are often established on public lands, and managed, through agreement, by non-profit

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