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 and wastewater projects relating to 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 and wastewater projects relating to the construction of facilities financed by the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund 8500.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: Houston Public Works (HPW) utilizes an appropriation allocation to expedite the real estate acquisition process associated with the construction of water and wastewater projects in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). HPW 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 for water and wastewater 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, parcels with a consideration that exceeds the spending authority threshold set by State law will be submitted to City Council as they are negotiated. 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 $20,000,000.00 for the various water and wastewater 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 and wastewaster projects in connection with the construction of facilities financed by the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund. This action will add $20,000,000.00 to the Water and Sewer System Consolidated Construction Fund 8500 real estate allocation for use in related projects in the CIP. 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.
No significant Fiscal Operating Impact is anticipated as a result of this action.
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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director
Houston Public Works
WBS No(s).
S-00019A-00RE-2-01
R-00019A-00RE-2-01