SUBJECT
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Approve Right-of-Way Agreement between Johnnie W. Welch, Jr. and Kristen L. Hall and Polk County in conjunction with the Thompson Nursery Road Phase 1 - Segment 2 Project. ($1,058,000 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The County has a project to improve and realign Thompson Nursery Road from West Lake Ruby Drive to U.S. Highway 17. The project consists of primarily new alignment from US Highway 17 to a point on Eloise Loop Road to the west of West Lake Ruby. The project has been separated into four segments of the corridor due to the nature, and associated challenges, of certain portions of the alignment. Due to new residential development along the previous alignment a portion of the corridor from Rifle Range Road near its intersection with Eloise Loop Road to the planned railroad crossing, identified as Segment 2, is being realigned. An alignment study has been completed and full engineering design for this segment of the roadway is underway.
The County was contacted by, Johnnie W. Welch Jr. and Kristen L. Hall, husband and wife, who are the owners of three contiguous tax parcels containing a total of nearly 8-acres, located along the north side of 1st Street East, approximately one-third of a mile to the east of Rifle Range Road. The owners an interest in selling the properties to the County for use in the project. The County reviewed the properties and has confirmed that they will be needed for mainline right-of-way and can be utilized as part of the alternative sites identified for a storm water retention pond and a flood plain compensation site for the project. The properties contain two single family residences including the homestead residence of the owners. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish a value for the property and the owners rejected the County’s offer. Subsequent negotiations with the owners have resulted in a proposed purchase amount of $1,050,000 for the property and the owners have executed a Right-of-Way Agreement. The owners have not incurred any attorney fees or expert costs in conjunction with this acquisition.
The County Attorney’s Office and the Real Estate Services Director have reviewed the agreement and recommend approval. The alternative of acquiring these or other parcels in the future through condemnation litigation would result in substantial cost to the County. Approving the Right-of-Way Agreement, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase and closing costs and hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the acquisition will allow the County to close the transaction and take ownership of the properties for the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the aforementioned Right-of-Way Agreement and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $1,050,000 for the purchase. Also request the Board approve hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction and approve paying estimated closing costs in the amount of $8,000 for a total amount of $1,058,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in Roads and Drainage 5-year CIP in the Impact Fee Zone A Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577