AH CCM 5.26.20

1. ADMINISTRATION
Presented by:
Buddy Kuhn
City Manager
Discussion on Judson Nature Trails Agreement
ITEM # 5
MAY 26, 2020

2. SUMMARY
 The Jack Judson Nature Trails is a 50-acre parcel
of land approximately 3,600 feet long originally
developed in 1965
 The Friends of Hondondo Creek is a 501(c) 3
non-profit that has upgraded, maintained and
cares for the trail system with a recently
amended MOU in 2019 that runs through 2033

3. SUMMARY
 Over $400,000 in private donations
 Volunteers have worked countless hours
 City (per MOU) provides assistance and
support
 Friends of Hondondo Creek (per MOU)
maintain General Liability

4. BACKGROUND
 Due to the recent COVID 19 pandemic, area
children have constructed bicycle jumps along
the trail
 No ill intent and fun for the children
 Has caused damage to several areas of the
trail system

5. BACKGROUND
 Repeated attempts made by AHPD and trail
board members to mediate activity starting in
early March 2020
 Temporary signs placed on trailheads – removed
by unknown persons
 Lumber and pallets used in some areas to create
jumps
 Signage has always been clearly posted adjacent
to restroom

6. POLICY ANALYSIS
 Section 12-1of the COAH codes lists 11prohibited acts within
the park system
 Item #1 states that it shall be unlawful in any city park to:
 Operate wheeled vehicle. To drive or propel any motor
vehicle, motorcycle, motorbike, motor scooter, or other motor-
driven device or any wheeled vehicle, excluding a wheelchair
used for the purpose of conveying an invalid, into, along,
across or through any portion of any park, except in and
along the parking area provided for parking vehicles, which
parking area and driveways thereto shall be designated off
the 200 block of Greely Avenue.

7. POLICY ANALYSIS
 Section 12-1of the COAH codes lists 11prohibited acts
within the park system
 Item #8 states that it shall be unlawful in any city park
to:
Remove, mutilate or damage park property. To remove,
destroy, mutilate, deface, damage or disfigure any
structure, monument, statue, vase, fountain, wall, fence,
railing, bench, trees, plants, shrubs, bridges, pathways,
signs, markers, feeders, or any other property in the
park, or to dump trash or other matter within the park.

8. POLICY ANALYSIS
The Texas Transportation Code defines a bicycle as:
SUBCHAPTER C. VEHICLES, RAIL TRANSPORTATION, AND EQUIPMENT
Sec. 541.201. VEHICLES. In this subtitle:
(2) "Bicycle" means a device that a person may ride and that:
(A) is capable of being ridden solely using human power; and
(B) has two tandem wheels at least one of which is more than 14 inches in
diameter.

9. COORDINATION
 City Attorney Frank Garza has reviewed the
current MOU along with other concerns raised
by citizens regarding the current ordinance
 Reviewed the liability insurance binder from
the Friends of Hondondo Creek
 The City has also contacted Texas Municipal
League (TML) for their legal opinion

10. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
 Consider another area outside of the current trail
area for a bicycle area for children
 Group could form their own 501 (3) C
organization to construct and maintain a bicycle
park
 City could work with a new group to form an
agreement similar to the dog park and Judson
Nature Trails agreements