Page 46 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

currently assigned to the Street Department. In 2017-18, the Parks Department requested and received funds to replace a pick-up truck
through the Capital Asset Replacement Account. In 2018-19, the Parks Department received funds to replace the electrical breaker boxes
for all the ball fields and to replace all the trash receptacles in City parks. In 2019-20 funds are budgeted to rebuild and expand ballfield
dugouts.

Establishment of a Community Garden

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 volunteer organizations. The current Benbrook Community Gardens group, with approximately twenty members, includes
two Tarrant Area Master Gardeners, an officer of the Waverly Park Garden Club, lifelong gardeners/farmers, a registered dietician,
and experts in organic gardening practices.

The location of Benbrook’s community garden is at Timber Creek Park. The community garden includes thirty-eight garden plots (4x16),
bench and seating areas, a native plant demonstration garden, an herb garden, and a potential orchard. The estimated cost to acquire
the infrastructure for the community garden was approximately $20,000; cost estimates include supplies/materials and contracting costs
for fencing and gates, cinder block garden plots and storage bins, irrigation, concrete sidewalks, and park benches/tables. Council
approved the $20,000 plus an additional $10,000 for contingencies.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS

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On January 17, 2019, City Council approved the 45 Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project to include installing
streetlights on Crosslands Road between S.H. 183 and Bellaire Drive at a cost of $184,047. In September 2019 it was expanded to include
installing sidewalk along this same stretch of street. In January 2017, the Council held public hearings on the use of CDBG funds in the 2017-
18 fiscal year. Three projects were identified. City Staff applied for grant funds through Tarrant County. Benbrook was awarded $177,000
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for the 42 CDBG year. These funds are allocated to install street lights on Bellaire Drive. Apartments surround Crosslands Road and there
are currently no street lights on this roadway. The street light design meets the requirements in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The

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