Agenda No. 8.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | May 23, 2023 |
| Department: | Engineering |
| Subject: | Resolution 23-R-41 – Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to acquire the property located at 11776 Lower Seguin Rd for an amount not to exceed $160,000. (B. James/J. Nowak) |
BACKGROUND
The property located at 11776 Lower Seguin Rd is a small, triangular-shaped property with a driveway for access in the middle of one of the curves in the street. Per the Master Thoroughfare Plan (MTP) this section of Lower Seguin Rd is planned to be a secondary arterial street, with two-lanes in each direction and a center median. In order to widen Lower Seguin Rd for this planned section, right-of-way would need to be acquired from this property.
A minimum of 10-feet of right-of-way would need to be acquired along the Lower Seguin Rd frontage of this property. While this appears to be a relatively small amount of right-of-way needed from a property, due to the small size and shape of the property such an acquisition has a greater impact on the property than on larger, more regularly shaped properties. This means that the cost of a relatively small “strip” of right-of-way could cost nearly as much as buying the property outright. Because of this, Staff recommends that the entire parcel be acquired.
The City’s realtor began negotiations with the property owner to acquire the property. Our realtor was able to secure an agreement to purchase the property for $150,000, plus the city paying for the closing costs and survey of the property. The closing costs and surveying are estimated to cost $2,200.
A minimum of 10-feet of right-of-way would need to be acquired along the Lower Seguin Rd frontage of this property. While this appears to be a relatively small amount of right-of-way needed from a property, due to the small size and shape of the property such an acquisition has a greater impact on the property than on larger, more regularly shaped properties. This means that the cost of a relatively small “strip” of right-of-way could cost nearly as much as buying the property outright. Because of this, Staff recommends that the entire parcel be acquired.
The City’s realtor began negotiations with the property owner to acquire the property. Our realtor was able to secure an agreement to purchase the property for $150,000, plus the city paying for the closing costs and survey of the property. The closing costs and surveying are estimated to cost $2,200.
GOAL
To obtain authorization from City Council to purchase the property located at 11776 Lower Seguin Rd for $150,000, plus closing and survey costs for total amount not to exceed $160,000.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Acquisition of the property provides for the additional right-of-way needed at this location to accommodate the planned future street section for Lower Seguin Rd. It also allows the existing driveway in the middle of the curve to be eliminated. The driveway has limited sight distance and its removal will improve overall traffic safety in this section of Lower Seguin Rd. The acquired property may also be used to help manage storm water runoff from the widened/improved street section.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approval of Resolution 23-R-41.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the property purchase will come from the Roadway Impact Fee funds in Service Area 3 for this purpose. The fund currently has $1,372,314 available and the budget amendment will be included on the upcoming quarterly budget amendment ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve Resolution 23-R-41 and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to purchase the property at 11776 Lower Seguin Rd for an amount not to exceed $160,000.