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 Water Line Replacement in Dodson Area Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple title interest in or easement to one parcel of land required for the project and situated in the W. P. Mays Survey, Abstract No. 576, in  Harris County, Texas, said parcel of land being out of property located along the south line of Parker Road at its intersection with Royal Oaks Drive 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 Title Interest in or easement to the one parcel of land required for the project - DISTRICT B - DAVIS

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the EASEMENT ACQUISITION FOR WATER LINE REPLACEMENT IN DODSON AREA PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation, WBS  S-000035-0205-2-01.

RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)  An ordinance for the EASEMENT ACQUISITION FOR WATER LINE REPLACEMENT IN DODSON AREA PROJECT be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:  The EASEMENT ACQUISITION FOR WATER LINE REPLACEMENT IN DODSON AREA PROJECT is part of the City’s Water Line Replacement Program, which is required to replace and upgrade water lines within the City.  This project requires the construction of a new 6-inch water line spanning approximately 521 linear feet on property located at the southwest corner of Parker Road and Homestead Road.  The project will increase circulation, availability of water, improve customer service, water quality, system reliability and assure compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules.

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 exceed 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 EASEMENT ACQUISITION FOR WATER LINE REPLACEMENT IN DODSON AREA PROJECT.

Nancy P. Collins

Phone: (832) 395-3130

Senior Assistant Director – Real Estate