SUBJECT
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Approve Right-of-Way Agreement between Christopher E. and Jessica Gail Joiner and Polk County in conjunction with the Hamilton Road and Medulla Road Drainage Improvement Project, Parcels 801/701 ($48,000 one-time expense).
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DESCRIPTION
The County has a Community Investment Project to improved drainage along Medulla Road and Hamilton Road in the Lakeland area. The improvements consist of the installation of drainage pipelines and inlets along Medulla Road and along Hamilton Road near its intersection with Medulla Road. To allow for the construction of the drainage improvements the County will need to acquire easements from impacted property owners. The Board previously adopted a resolution authorizing negotiations and written offers to be made on this project.
Parcel 801 is rectangular shaped perpetual easement parcel containing approximately 5,250 square feet, which is needed for the construction and future maintenance of drainage improvements. Parcel 701 is a rectangular shaped temporary construction easement parcel, containing approximately 1,050 square feet, needed for the construction activities associated with the improvements. The parent parcel is a rectangular shaped parcel containing nearly 5-acres located along the south side of Medulla Road, west of Hamilton Road, which is improved with the single-family homestead residence of the owners. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish full compensation for the taking of Parcel Numbers 801 and 701 and the owners, Christopher E. Joiner and Jessica Gail Joiner, his wife, rejected the County’s offer. Subsequent negotiations with the owners have resulted in a proposed settlement amount of $48,000 for the purchase of the parcels. The owners have not incurred any attorney’s 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 recommended approval. The alternative of acquiring the parcels through condemnation litigation would result in substantial cost to the County. Approving the Right-of-Way Agreement and authorizing the issuance of a check for the purchase will allow the County to close the transaction and acquire the easements needed for the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the aforementioned Right-of-Way Agreement and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $48,000 for the purchase of the parcels.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in Roads and Drainage 5-year CIP in the General Capital Improvement Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Scott Lowery, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2578