Title
A Resolution authorizing the acquisition of real property, using PPRTA funds for the Alternative Treatment Site - Austin Bluffs and Woodmen Project
Presenter:
Gayle Sturdivant, PE, PMP, City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager
Body
Summary:
Resolution authorizing the City of Colorado Springs Real Estate Services Manager and the Public Works Director to enter into Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreements with the property owners for approximately 15.38 acres of real property (the “Property”) in support of the Alternative Treatment Site at Woodmen and Austin Bluffs Project (the “Project”). The Property is located in the northwest corner of Woodmen Road and Austin Bluffs Parkway - see the location map. The Project is necessary to satisfy stormwater water quality requirements associated with multiple Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority projects. The proposed purchase price for the Property is $1,380,000 and is supported by an independent appraisal.
Background:
The Project was identified as a cost-effective solution to support stormwater quality compliance for multiple Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) A-List priority projects. By providing a centralized location for stormwater treatment and maintenance activities, the Project allows the City to efficiently meet regulatory requirements while supporting several transportation improvements.
The PPRTA A-list projects anticipated to benefit from this purchase include the following:
- 30th St Corridor Improvements - Mesa Rd to Garden of the Gods Rd
- Nevada Ave Reconstruction - Commerce St to Templeton Gap Floodway
- Nevada Ave Reconstruction - Lee St to University Village
- Nevada Ave Reconstruction - Rock Island Railroad to Commerce St
- Nevada Ave Reconstruction - Templeton Gap Floodway to Lee St
- Old Ranch Rd Improvements - Voyager Pkwy to Lexington Dr
- Other qualifying projects within the same Hydraulic Unit Code (HUC) basin
The PPRTA has budgeted funding for the named projects, each of which benefits from the acquisition of the Property, also known as TSN 6302400009. Other PPRTA projects within the same HUC may also benefit from the Project.
The City has negotiated the purchase of approximately 15.38 acres of real property from Austin Bluffs Pkwy LLC (“Property Owner”) to facilitate development of the Alternative Treatment Site.
The negotiated purchase price for the Property is $1,380,000, which is supported by an independent appraisal. Funding for the acquisition is shared among multiple PPRTA A-List projects, reflecting the proportional benefit each project receives from the Alternative Treatment Site.
Acquisition of the Property will enable the City to meet stormwater quality regulations and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements associated with the construction of the participating transportation projects.
Pursuant to Chapter 9 of The City of Colorado Springs Procedure Manual for the Acquisition and Disposition of Real Property Interests, Revised 2021 (“RES Manual”), an appraisal for the Properties and affected improvements was obtained, which supports the total purchase price of $1,380,000. Pursuant to the RES Manual, City Council must approve property acquisitions if the total acquisition amount of the property interest acquired in the transaction exceeds $100,000.
The PPRTA Board will be voting for funding approval for the Property acquisition during its March 11, 2026, meeting contingent on City Council approval.
Staff requests that City Council approve the Resolution for acquisition of the Property. Additionally, the attached Resolution authorizes the City’s Real Estate Services Manager and the Public Works Director to execute all documents necessary to complete the acquisition.
Previous Council Action:
On August 23, 2022, City Council endorsed the extension of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority Capital Program in Resolution No. 121-22. Subsequently, on November, 2022, the citizens approved Ballot Issue 5A extending the PPRTA Capital Program until December 31, 2034, and the issue included this Project.
Financial Implications:
This acquisition cost for the Property is accounted for in the PPRTA project budgets.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The Property Owner is agreeable to the proposed acquisition, and the Property was actively listed for sale prior to the City’s initial outreach.
Alternatives:
To disapprove of the Resolution and not authorize the City to acquire the Property.
To approve the Resolution and authorize the City to acquire the Property.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the proposed Resolution authorizing purchase of the Property needed for the Alternative Treatment Site - Woodmen and Austin Bluffs Project.
Summary of Ordinance Language
For Ordinances, enter the substantive elements in 40 words or less for publication purposes. Enter N/A if not applicable.