Page 43 - Benbrook FY2021

In January 2015, the Council held public hearings on the use of CDBG funds in the 2016-17 fiscal year. Three projects were identified. City
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Staff applied for grant funds through Tarrant County. Benbrook was awarded $130,000 for the 41 CDBG year plus the use of $3,534 from
previous CDBG projects. These funds are allocated to construct sidewalks on Bellaire Drive in 2015-16. Apartments surround Bellaire Drive
and there are no sidewalks on this street. The City of Fort Worth has a trailhead nearby that follows the Clear Fork of the Trinity River; there
are also convenience stores and similar businesses within walking distance of the apartments. The project includes construction of sidewalks on
both sides of the Bellaire Drive from Southwest Boulevard to Crosslands Road. The sidewalk is concrete construction and five feet wide.

Environmental Improvements

Air quality is important to the City of Benbrook and positively impacts the appearance and well-being of the community and Benbrook’s
inhabitants. Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit smoking in public buildings; this ordinance became effective in November 2006. However,
Council granted a one-year exception for some facilities; this exception period ended in November 2007. After this date, smoking is not
allowed in any public building in Benbrook; a public building is defined as any building that is not a private residence. In the fall of 2009
Council expanded the City’s no-smoking policy to City parks. In 2013-14 the no-smoking policy was amended to include electronic cigarettes.

The 2020-21 Budget includes funds to conduct two household hazardous waste events in Benbrook. Citizens have the opportunity to dispose of
hazardous materials (paint, petroleum products, toxic materials, batteries, and other hazardous waste) in a safe and environmentally-friendly
manner. Benbrook coordinates with Fort Worth’s Environmental Services Department to hold events in the spring and in the fall. For residents
who are not able to attend these events, Benbrook citizens may use their Benbrook water bill to drop-off hazardous materials at the Fort Worth's
Environmental Collection Center.

The City sponsors and coordinates the Trinity Trash Bash each year. The Trash Bash is an annual clean-up event where local volunteers pick up
litter and debris from Benbrook Lake and park areas. Funds are available in the 2020-21 Budget for this event in the fall of 2021.

In August 2008, the Benbrook City Council authorized Staff to proceed with the implementation of the Compassion Based Code Compliance
Program. No funds were directly allocated in the 2008-09 Budget for this program. The 2020-21 Budget reflects the continuation of this
program even though no funds are allocated from the General Fund. The City’s Management Analyst and the Code Compliance Officer provide
Staff support for this volunteer-based program that relies on donated supplies and services. Benbrook’s program is based on the “Beautiful
Day” program in San Jose, California and offers an alternative for the City to resolve code violations of physically and financially incapable
citizens in a more compassionate manner. The program mobilizes community volunteers and resources to assist qualifying residents in site
cleanups and repairs. City Staff serves to: identify and screen citizens, connect volunteers with projects, provide insurance coverage through the
City’s liability and workers’ compensation policies, furnish waste hauler contacts, and leverage donations. Community sources are expected to:
identify and provide resources, sponsor organization/compassion teams, volunteer leadership and skilled trades, and coordinate events. The
anticipated benefits of the program include: assistance to approximately fifteen percent of Benbrook’s residents in the form of free or discounted
services, supplies, and labor necessary to resolve code compliance violations; maintenance of dignity and enhancement of homes and property
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