SUBJECT: Approve an ordinance appropriating funds, and approving and authorizing payments for land acquisition costs, appraisal fees, title services, relocation expenses and/or other services for various water projects in connection with the construction of facilities financed by the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund 8500.
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) Approve an ordinance appropriating funds, and approving and authorizing payments for land acquisition costs, appraisal fees, title services, relocation expenses and/or other services for various water projects in connection with the construction of facilities financed by the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund 8500.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
The Department of Public Works and Engineering (PWE) utilizes an appropriation allocation to expedite the real estate acquisition process associated with the construction of water projects in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). PWE periodically brings an action before City Council adding appropriations to this allocation. These funds are available for land acquisition costs, appraisal fees, title services, relocation expenses and/or other services necessary to implement construction projects. These construction projects include, but are not limited to, those described in Exhibit “A” attached.
While most of the routine expenses are paid against this allocation with no additional action required, payments for the acquisition of parcels with a consideration that exceeds the spending authority threshold set by State law will be submitted to City Council as they are finalized. The same appropriation ordinance will apply to all acquisitions made using these funds.
A separate blanket ordinance authorizing condemnation of parcels that cannot be negotiated as purchases may also be submitted for Council approval for each project as needed at a later time. This action is required for compliance with Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code.
Therefore, it is recommended that a blanket appropriation ordinance be passed appropriating $7,500,000.00 for the various water projects, finding a public necessity for the projects and approving and authorizing payments for land acquisition costs, appraisal fees, title policy premiums, relocation expenses and/or other services in connection with negotiations to settle purchases, recording fees, and court costs and expert witness fees associated with condemnations for the projects and other services for various water projects in connection with the construction of facilities financed by the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund 8500. Additional appropriations will be made as needed until all parcels have been acquired. This action will expedite the process of acquiring land in support of the capital improvements projects.