Council authorizes resolution to acquire small access easement to preserve emergency access

The Rockwall City Council on April 20 adopted a resolution authorizing city staff to acquire a 0.0083‑acre (approximately 360 square feet) access easement in the MJ Barksdale survey, a portion of Lot 10, Block A, Harbor Rockwall addition. The action was framed as necessary to preserve timely emergency access once the new I‑30 bridge is complete.

City staff told council negotiations to secure the parcel had not succeeded and that the resolution authorizes negotiation under state property code and, if necessary, pursuing acquisition through eminent domain procedures to protect fire and police response times. City staff explained the easement crosses a driveway and would prevent a route that first responders would otherwise lose after the bridge work.

Councilmember Frank (city staff) explained the resolution is the first step; Mayor Tim McCallum moved to approve the resolution as written and Councilwoman Jeffers seconded. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.