SUBJECT
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Approve Right-of-Way Agreement between Patrick Henry Saussol and Rosemary Fox Saussol and Polk County in conjunction with the County Road 557 Project, Parcels 117 and 705. ($425,384 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The County has a Community Investment Project to improve County Road 557 to a four-lane corridor from north of US Highway 17/92 in Lake Alfred, to south of the I-4 Interchange. To allow construction of the new roadway, the County will need to acquire additional right-of-way and easements for the corridor from impacted property owners. The Board previously adopted a resolution authorizing negotiations and written offers to be made on this project.
Parcel 117 is a rectangular shaped fee parcel, containing approximately 2,360 square feet, needed for mainline right-of-way for the project. The parent parcel is a rectangular shaped parcel containing approximately 1.7-acres located along the west side of County Road 557 which is improved with a single-family residence. The project will necessitate the reconstruction of a residential driveway connection to CR 557 and Parcel 705 is a temporary construction easement parcel, containing approximately 837 square feet, needed for the reconstruction and harmonization of said driveway. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish full compensation for the taking of Parcels 117 and 705 and the owners, Patrick Henry Saussol and Rosemary Fox Saussol, his wife, through their attorney rejected the County’s offer. Subsequent negotiations with the owner’s attorney have resulted in a total settlement amount of $425,384 for the purchase of the parcels, inclusive of all attorney’s fees and expert’s costs.
The County Attorney’s Office and the Real Estate Services Director have reviewed the agreement and recommend approval. The alternative of acquiring these parcels through condemnation litigation would result in substantial cost to the County. Approving the Right-of-Way Agreement and authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase, along with attorney fees and expert costs will allow the County to close the transaction and acquire the parcels needed for the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the aforementioned Right-of-Way Agreement for Parcels 117 and 705 and authorize the issuance of funds in the amount of $425,384 for the above purchase along with attorney’s fees and costs as stated above payable to Miller Troiano, P.A., Trust Account for disbursement.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in Roads and Drainage 5-year CIP in the Impact Fee District “D” Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577