(O)2019-0798 ORDINANCE  appropriating  $3,784,498.00  out  of Street  & Traffic  Control  and  Storm  Drainage  DDSRF;  approving  and  authorizing  the  purchase  of land and other  interests in  real  property,  and  payment  of  the  costs  of  such  purchase,  with  associated  costs  for  appraisal  fees, title  policies  and  services,  expenses  associated  with  removing improvements  from  the  purchased interest,  relocation  expenses,  recording  fees  and  other  services,  in  connection  with  the public improvement project known as the Gasmer Drive Stormwater Detention Basin Project financed  by  the  Street  & Traffic  Control  and  Storm Drainage  DDSRF - DISTRICT K - CASTEX-TATUM

SUBJECT:  An ordinance appropriating funds for the GASMER DRIVE STORMWATER DETENTION BASIN PROJECT. 

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) Approve an ordinance appropriating funds for the GASMER DRIVE STORMWATER DETENTION BASIN PROJECT.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: 

The Gasmer Drive Stormwater Detention Basin Project (the “Project”) provides for the design, engineering and construction of a new detention basin in the Willow  Water Hole drainage area. The project is required to address storm water drainage problems and alleviate flooding in the City. 

This action finds a public necessity for the project and appropriates funds for payment for costs of land purchases, relocation assistance expenses, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees and other acquisition costs in connection with negotiations to purchase property for the Project.  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 Gasmer Drive Stormwater Detention Basin Project.

Therefore, it is recommended that an ordinance be passed appropriating $3,440,453.00 for the  acquisition of the Gasmer Drive Stormwater Detention Basin Project,  finding a public necessity for the project 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.

The total amount of funds being appropriated for this project is $3,784,498.00 to be appropriated as follows: $3,440,453.00 for land acquisitions and $344,045.00 for CIP cost recovery.   

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director

Houston Public Works

WBS No. M-430296-0015-2