City Council Workshop & Special Session | February 3, 2026

Following the February 3, 2026 City Council Workshop and Special Session, the City of Runaway Bay and Bay Community Church reached a framework agreement regarding the City’s main raw water intake line located beneath Church property. The discussion focused on preserving long-term water reliability for residents while allowing the Church’s construction project to move forward in a responsible manner. This workshop was intended for information sharing and discussion between City Council and Church representatives and did not include a public forum.

Background and History

• The City’s primary raw water intake line from Lake Bridgeport runs beneath what is now Bay Community Church property.

• This line was installed in the early 1980s and was referenced in the property records when the Church acquired the land.

• No formal and recorded utility easement was filed at the time of installation.

• As was common in many small communities during earlier infrastructure development, some utility lines were constructed without modern easement documentation.

• The City currently operates and maintains the line but does not have a recorded easement granting permanent legal access.

Construction Activity and Early Coordination

• In 2023, the Church began construction related to an expansion project.

• The City temporarily required work to pause to locate and protect underground utilities.

• At the Church’s request, excavation work was postponed until after the Church’s Easter services.

• B&R Utility Services was hired by the City to locate and reroute water service to businesses east of the Church property.

• This work required multiple test excavations on and around Church property.

• B&R identified a 6-inch water main serving businesses east of the Church and determined a separate 4-inch line could be removed.

• B&R invoiced the City $26,315.91, which was paid by the City.

 • The City advised the Church that agreement to a 40 ft water intake easement would allow the City to maintain and repair utilities.

• The requested width aligns with industry standards for:

• Safe trenching

• Heavy equipment access

• Emergency repair operations

  
  

• A professional land survey was completed to define the proposed easement area, totaling 17,303 square feet (0.40 acres).

• Federal and state infrastructure programs generally require documented easements before approving water system funding.

• The City indicated it would fund new service taps if required due to the Church’s expansion:

• One tap for the Church

• One tap for Lodge Condominiums

• The estimated cost for both taps was $4,000 total.

• The Church currently pays $500 per year for a covered picnic area that was constructed on City property.

• The City indicated this lease fee could be reduced to $1 per year if an easement agreement were reached.

Engineering Review of Relocation Option

• The City retained Hayter Engineering to evaluate the feasibility of relocating the intake line.

• The review considered abandoning the existing 12-inch raw water line and constructing a new 16-inch line around the Church property.

Key points from the September 19, 2025 Hayter Engineering review:

• The estimate is preliminary and conceptual in nature.

• A new 16-inch line would be routed along Blake Drive and the TxDOT right-of-way.

• Upsizing was recommended to avoid additional pressure loss and pump upgrades.

Estimated construction cost only: $332,242

Summary of the Agreement Framework

Based on the discussion during the special session, the following terms were agreed to in concept:

• The Church will grant the City a 40-foot permanent utility easement over the existing raw water intake line, which allows sufficient space for City maintenance and emergency repairs

• No additional water lines, sewer lines, or new utilities will be installed within the easement area

• The City will reinstate the Church’s building permit, allowing construction of the children’s building to proceed

Provisions Related to Future Relocation

The agreement also addresses potential future scenarios:

• If the City determines at a later date that relocation of the main water intake line is necessary, the Church will grant an additional 40-foot easement on the east side of the property for the relocated line

• Upon relocation of the line, the original easement beneath the Church property would be dissolved

• If the Church proposes future expansion that requires relocation of the intake line, the Church’s building plans would include provisions to help offset relocation costs

No relocation of the intake line is currently planned or approved.

Outcome of the Special Session

• The City will receive a 40 ft easement to access main water intake

• The Church will receive reinstatement of its building permit

• The City will retain adequate access for maintenance and emergency response

• The agreement establishes clear expectations for future infrastructure decisions

 • Final legal documents will be prepared consistent with the agreed framework

• Construction related to the Church’s children’s building may proceed under the reinstated permit

City Focus

The City of Runaway Bay remains focused on:

• Maintaining reliable water service

• Managing infrastructure responsibly

• Preserving access for maintenance and emergency response

• Providing factual information and maintaining clear documentation for long-term infrastructure planning

This framework agreement reflects the City’s commitment to problem-solving, collaboration, and stewardship of critical infrastructure for the benefit of the entire community.

Questions

Residents may contact Runaway Bay City Hall for additional information.