O 2020-0230 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 Rehabilitation of the Above Grade Crossings Package 2 Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest of ten parcels of land required for the project and situated in the Samuel Harris Survey, Abstract No. A-327,the H T & B R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract No. A-395, the CW Adams Survey, Abstract No. A-101, the Eli Noland League Survey, Abstract No. A-600, and the Samuel M. Williams League Survey, Abstract No. A-87, in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being located along or near Jensen Drive, W. Orem Drive, and Tidwell Road in Houston, Harris County,Texas, by gift, dedication, purchase and the use of eminent domain and further authorizing payment of the costs of such purchases and/or eminent domain proceedings and associated costs for relocation assistance, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees, court costs, and expert witness fees in connection with the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to the ten parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICTS B - DAVIS; H - CISNEROS; I - GALLEGOS and K - Castex-Tatum

SUBJECT: An ordinance for the REHABILITATION OF THE ABOVE GRADE CROSSINGS PACKAGE 2 PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) An ordinance for the REHABILITATION OF THE ABOVE GRADE CROSSINGS PACKAGE 2 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 REHABILITATION OF THE ABOVE GRADE CROSSINGS PACKAGE 2 PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

This project provides for the repairs and replacements of large diameter waterlines and valves in the distribution and transmission system. This project is to ensure that large diameter water lines be repaired or replaced to minimize the impacts of major water main shut downs, increasing the quality of service and customer satisfaction.

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 REHABILITATION OF THE ABOVE GRADE CROSSINGS PACKAGE 2 PROJECT.

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director

Houston Public Works

WBS No. S-000701-0024-2

Ordinance 2018-756, passed September 19, 2018

Marjorie L. Cox

Assistant Director - Real Estate Services

Phone:  (832) 395-3130