19 - Request from Greater Paris Development Foundation to abandon long term leases related to Trail de ParisItem No. 19
Memorandum
TO: Mayor & City Council
Grayson Path, City Manager
FROM: Michael Smith, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Greater Paris Development Foundation Inc.
DATE: March 22, 2021
BACKGROUND:
The City of Paris has entered in to two long-term lease agreements with the Greater Paris
Development Foundation, Inc. (GPDF) for management of the trail, commonly known as the
"Trail de Paris". This trail is part of a 130+ mile trail that the GPDF and others have been working
to connect and complete.
First, the City of Paris entered into a 99 -year lease agreement with the GPDF for the 100' ROW
of 2.30 miles of the abandoned railroad line from 12"' St SE, east to Loop 286, all within the city
limits of the City of Paris, commonly known as "Trail de Paris" beginning December 12, 2005
through December 11, 2104.
Second, the City of Paris entered into a 99 -year lease agreement with the GPDF for the 100' wide
of abandoned railroad ROW beginning at the interchange of US 271 South and Loop 286 and
going east for approximately 0.8 miles to the intersection of Old Clarksville Road and the railroad
line, all within the corporate city limits of City of Paris, commonly known as "Trail de Paris East
Extension" beginning October 13, 2008 through October 12, 2107.
The City has maintained this trail since taking over the lease. This has included mowing, trimming,
and even new asphalt each year.
STATUS OF ISSUE:
The GPDF and its trail associates have approached the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to
see if they would consider taking over the entire trail system from Farmersville to New Boston,
including the portion within the City limits. The TPWD is willing to consider the request, but they
need to learn whether each lessee, including the City of Paris, is willing to abandon their lease
agreements to further efforts for this area to be included as a Texas state park.
According to Pat Bassano and the GPDF, a majority of those managing the trail have already
agreed with their request with more considering it. In addition, the State has indicated that this
would not interfere with any of our annual events such as the Tour de Paris, although we would
have to coordinate with the State for the use of the trail.
BUDGET:
City of Paris paid $1.00 for each lease agreement term. The City expends several tens of thousands
of dollars each year on asphalt, labor and fuel maintaining the trail. This would free up this
funding.
OPTIONS:
1. Provide a letter indicating that the City of Paris is willing to abandon the lease to the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department.
2. Do not provide such a letter and continue to manage the trail.
3. Request additional information.
RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend the City of Paris provide a letter indicating that we would be willing to abandon
said lease agreements to further the Texas State Park initiative as expressed by The Greater Paris
Development Foundation, Inc.
March 22, 2021
Greater Paris Development Foundation
Paris, Texas
To Whom it May Concern:
The City Council of the City of Paris supports the efforts of the Greater Paris Development
Foundation and its Northeast Texas Trail partners to convert the Trail, including the Trail de Paris,
into a state park managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. To that end, the City of
Paris is willing to execute a letter wherein the City will abandon its long term leases with GPDF
and GPDF releases the City from any obligations thereunder.
Sincerely yours,
Steven J. Clifford, M.D.
Mayor