Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of 1.856 Acres of Land and Easements from El Paso County School District No. 20 Using PPRTA Funds for the Black Forest Road, Roadway Improvements: Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Project
Presenter:
Gayle Sturdivant, City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director
Mike Chaves, Engineering Manager
Darlene Kennedy, Real Estate Services Manager
Body
Summary:
The acquisition proposal would authorize the City of Colorado Springs Real Estate Services Manager and Public Works Director to enter into a Real Estate Purchase Agreement with the El Paso County School District No. 20 (“Property Owner”), to acquire right-of-way and easements in connection with the Black Forest Road, Roadway Improvements: Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Project (the “Project”).
Background:
The Project consists of transportation capital improvements within and through the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County, essential for the public health, safety, and welfare of those communities. The Project was identified by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (“PPRTA”) as a Priority “A” Regional Collaborative Project, and the PPRTA committed funding for engineering and construction of the Project on January 1, 2015. The project is currently in the engineering phase with an anticipated date of April 2022 to advertise for construction.
The 0.509-acre parcel being acquired is needed for widening the west side of Black Forest Road located southwest of the intersection of Black Forest Road and Research Parkway. The permanent easements (0.186 acres and 0.431 acres) are needed for public improvements, and the temporary construction easements (0.382 acres and 0.348 acres) are needed to accommodate construction in connection with the Project on the Property Owner’s property.
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 parcel was obtained, which supports the purchase price of $141,400.00. 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.
After City Council approval, the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority Board is scheduled to consider the acquisition at the January 12, 2022 meeting.
The City Engineering Division of the Public Works Department requests that City Council adopt the attached Resolution for acquisition of the Property from the Property Owner. 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.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal of investing in infrastructure.
Previous Council Action:
On August 14, 2012, City Council endorsed the extension of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority Capital Program in Resolution No. 109-12 (Exhibit A). Subsequently, on November 6, 2012, the citizens approved Ballot Issue 5A extending the PPRTA Program until December 31, 2024. Priority “A” Projects include the Black Forest Road, Roadway Improvements: Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Project.
On May 12, 2020, City Council approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of property owned by the Gelles Family Trust and the Gail C. Gelles 2002 Revocable Trust to be used for the Black Forest Road Roadway Improvements: Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Project.
On March 23, 2021, City Council approved a resolution authorizing use of Possession and Use Agreements for the Black Forest Road, Roadway Improvements: Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Project.
Financial Implications:
This land acquisition cost is accounted for in the PPRTA project budget
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
Engineering of this multimodal transportation and safety improvement project began in May 2019 with public meetings on February 27, 2020, and newsletters distributed in February 2020, April 2020, August 2020, February 2021, and October 2021. Future meetings and newsletters are planned as the engineering work finishes and prior to construction.
Alternatives:
To disapprove of the Resolution and not authorize the City to acquire the property.
To approve the Resolution and authorize the property acquisition.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the proposed Resolution.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A