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 Willow Meadow Lift Station Rehabilitation Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to parcels of land required for the project with two parcels  situated in the H.T. & B.R.R. CO. Survey, Abstract No. 1184 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 or easement interests to the two parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICT J - POLLARD

SUBJECT: An ordinance for the WILLOW MEADOW LIFT STATION REHABILITATION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) An ordinance for the WILLOW MEADOW LIFT STATION REHABILITATION 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 WILLOW MEADOW LIFT STATION REHABILITATION PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

This project will create a permanent access easement for ongoing operations and maintenance purposes to the Willow Meadow Lift Station. This permanent access will allow Wastewater Operations to maintain the lift station for area constituents whenever necessary.

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 WILLOW MEADOW LIFT STATION REHABILITATION PROJECT.

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Carol Ellinger Haddock, P.E., Director

Houston Public Works

WBS No. R-000536-022A-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