1998-02-23 Regular Meeting of City Council

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City Council Meeting Minutes - February 23, 1998 Page 3 Lastly, Mr. 7oerns addressed questions from City Council. City .Attorney Knox Askins read: RESOLUTION 98-01 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISTION OF RIGHTS -OF -WAY FOR FLOOD CONTROL PURPOSES IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN )E:FFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Motion was made by Councilperson Clarke to approve this Resolution as read by the City Attorney. Second by Councilperson Porter. The motion carried, 8 ayes, 0 nays. Ayes:. Councilpersons Engelken, Ebow, McLaughlin, Porter, Gay, Maxwell, Clark: and Sutherland. Nays: None 7. CONSIDER APPROVAL OR OTHER ACTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE VACATING, ABANDONING AND CLOSING THE ALLEY OF BLOCK 867, TOWN OF LA PORTE, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS (Ord. 98-2222) - G. Rankin Planning Director Guy Rankin presented summary and recommendation to City Council regarding this Ordinance. Mr. Rankin advised City Council that the City has been petitioned by Mr. William Brewer to close, vacate and abandon the alley of block 867, Town of La Porte to facilitate future development within the block. The Planning and Public Works Department have reviewed this request and have determined that the City has no immediate or future plans to utilize; the alley in question. The applicant is proposing to build a 39,000 square foot building. In accordance with Article 2, Section 62-358 of the Code of Ordinances, the City has exercised its option to pursue an independent fee appraisal to establish fair market value. As a result, a value of $1.20 per square foot has been established for the alley which contains 6,400 square feet. Since these appraisals are very current, it is staff s recommendation that the City accept 75% of the appraised value (a limit established by ordinance as well as (state law). The fees to close the alley in Block 867 are determined to be $5,760. Payment of closing fees will be made by applicant prior to council approval of the request. Mr. Rankin advised Council that staff recommends the vacating, closing and abandoning of the alley of Block 867, Town of La Porte to facilitate future development of property.