HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2005-05 acquisition of land for park and historical preservation purposes
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RESOLUTION NO. 2005 - ..o.s:..
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF TRACTS OF LAND FOR
PARK AND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION PURPOSES IN THE CITY OF LA
PORTE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte has found and determined
that public necessity requires the acquisition of tracts of land for park and historical
preservation purposes on the hereinafter described real property in the City of La Porte,
Harris County, Texas; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte has found and determined
that the tracts of land hereinafter described are suitable and needed for park and
historical preservation purposes, and that it is necessary to acquire same for these
purposes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte deems it advisable to
authorize, and does hereby authorize, John D. Armstrong, Assistant City Attorney of the
City of La Porte, or his designated representative, to represent the City of La Porte in
the acquisition of the hereinafter described property;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE,
CITY OF LA PORTE:
Section 1. That the said John D. Armstrong, as Assistant City Attorney for the
City of La Porte, or his designated representative, be and he is hereby authorized to
negotiate with the owners of the hereinafter described land, concerning the acquisition
by the City of La Porte, of the tract of land for park and historical preservation purposes,
located ~n Harris County, Texas, said tract of land being more particularly described as
follows, to-wit:
A tract of land being all of Lots 15 and 16, in Block 50, of SYLVAN BEACH
FIRST SUBDIVISION, according to the map thereof recorded in Volume 3,
Pag3 72 of the Map Records of HARRIS County, Texas, and an adjacent
parcel of land abandoned by the City of La Porte by ordinance recorded in
Volume 6194, Page 414, of the Deed Records of HARRIS County, Texas,
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and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as shown on
Exhibit "A", attached hereto.
at the fair market value for same, and should said City Attorney, or his designated
representative, as the duly authorized representative of the City of La Porte, be unable
to agree with such owners as to the fair market value of such tract of land, then, and in
that event, said attorney be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to file against all
owners and lienholders, proceedings in eminent domain to acquire the above described
property, for park and historical preservation purposes.
Section 2. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites, and declares that
a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City
Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the
time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Law,
Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and that this meeting has been open to the
public as required by law at all times during which this resolution and the subject matter
thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council
further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting
thereof.
Section 3. This Resolution shall be effective from and after its passage and
approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this /4tt.t day of 1f{()JU'Ju
CITY OF LA PORTE
,2005.
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ATTEST:
~'f2-
~ A. Gillett
City Secretary
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Agenda Date Requested: March 1
ITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Aoorooriation
Requested By: Stephen L. Barr
N/A.
Department:
Account Number:
Re
Amount Budgeted:
Exhibits:
Amount Requested:
Exhibits:
Budgeted Item:
YES
NO
Exhibits:
SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION
As you may recall, in November 2004 the City of La Porte accepted a gift from Kaneka Texas
Corporation in the amount of $30,000 as part of their 20th anniversary celebration. The scope of work for
the project is threefold; 1) to purchase the privately owned land at the north end of the Depot, 2) to
provide new security fencing for the entire property, and 3) to enhance the landscaping around the Depot
and the Original La Porte Library building, also located on the property. The two lots on the north end of
the property are privately owned and, though zoned cormnercial, they are too small for cormnercial
development due to setback requirements. Their acquisition would certainly enhance the City's
beautification efforts by consolidating the whole block as City property, thereby allowing for additional
future beautification efforts. Mr. Armstrong has prepared a Takings Resolution for Council consideration
that puts the owner on notice that the City is interested in the property. Should Council approve the
Resolution, the owner cannot sell or dispose of the property to others until the City purchases it or
declares no further interest.
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution
Action Reauired bv Council:
Consider approval of the attached Takings Resolution declaring a public interest in acquiring
property as described.
Approved for City Council A2enda
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Date