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 Almeda Sims WWTP Large Diameter Influent Sewer Relocation Project for eight parcels of land required for the project and situated in J.W. Moody Survey Abstract No. 548, in 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 title interest in or easement to the eights parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT D - EVANS-SHABAZZ

SUBJECT: An ordinance for the ALMEDA SIMS WWTP LARGE DIAMETER INFLUENT SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) An ordinance for the ALMEDA SIMS WWTP LARGE DIAMETER INFLUENT SEWER RELOCATION 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 ALMEDA SIMS WWTP LARGE DIAMETER INFLUENT SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

This program is to replace and renew neighborhood sewers and facilities to improve customer service. Neighborhood sewer lines and related structures that continue to deteriorate requiring frequent repair need to be replaced and upgraded as necessary to meet today's conditions.

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 ALMEDA SIMS WWTP LARGE DIAMETER INFLUENT SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT.

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director

Houston Public Works

WBS No. R-002011-0090-2

Ordinance 2018-756, passed September 19, 2018

No additional funding required.  (Funds were appropriated under Ordinance 2018-756)

Marjorie L. Cox

Assistant Director – Real Estate Services

Phone: (832) 395-3130