ORDINANCE finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the West Bellfort Paving and Drainage Improvement Project known (from Dairy Ashford to S. Kirkwood); authorizing acquisition of fee simple or easement interest in and to four parcels of land, situated in the Leo Roark Survey, Abstract No. 651, in Harris County, Texas, by gift, dedication, purchase of eminent domain proceedings; authorizing payment of the costs of such acquisitions, including the purchase price for the property interests and costs associated with relocation assistance, appraisals, title policies/services, recordation of instruments, and eminent domain proceedings DISTRICT F - LE

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the WEST BELLFORT PAVING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT (FROM DAIRY ASHFORD TO S. KIRKWOOD) PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary)

An ordinance for the WEST BELLFORT PAVING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT (FROM DAIRY ASHFORD TO S. KIRKWOOD) PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:

Houston Public Works is requesting that an ordinance for the WEST BELLFORT PAVING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT (FROM DAIRY ASHFORD TO S. KIRKWOOD) PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase or condemnation. This project provides for the design and construction of storm drainage improvements, necessary concrete paving, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and underground utilities.  The project will be designed and constructed to improve drainage of streets and reduce the risk of structural flooding.

This action authorizes payment for costs of land purchases/condemnations, relocation assistance expenses, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees and other acquisition costs in connection with negotiations to settle purchases; finds a public necessity for the project; and approves and authorizes the condemnation of the land and improvements thereon.  If negotiations to acquire the property cannot be concluded as a dedication or purchase or for any reason for which acquisition by condemnation is warranted, this action authorizes the City Attorney to file or cause Eminent Domain proceedings to be filed and acquire land, rights-of-way and/or easements for said purposes and authorizes payment for the Award of Special Commissioners and court costs associated with condemnation proceedings.  Parcels with a consideration that exceeds the spending authority threshold set by State law will be submitted to City Council as they are finalized.  This will expedite the process of acquiring land, rights-of-way and/or easements in support of the WEST BELLFORT PAVING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT (FROM DAIRY ASHFORD TO S. KIRKWOOD) PROJECT.

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E.

Director

Houston Public Works

WBS N-100022-0001-2

Marjorie L. Cox

Assistant Director-Real Estate Services

Phone: (832) 395-3130