Title
ORDINANCE NO. 3198 - ACQUISITION BY CONDEMNATION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 721 32ND AVENUE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWER PUMP STATION
COUNCIL INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Provide sustainable water quality & environmental infrastructure
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: REQUIRED
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The City of Longview Sewer System Capacity Report prepared by the engineering firm Gibbs and Olson in February 2010 in conjunction with the General Sewer Plan and West Longview Sewer Diversion Facilities Plan, identified capacity issues in the sewer collection system and recommended several capital improvement projects to upgrade these facilities. In addition to the report, the City has received claims for damages and citizen complaints from sewer capacity issues near 32nd Ave. and Garfield Street.
On May 12, 2011, the city council authorized hiring Gibbs & Olson to design replacement of four sewer pump stations and installation of a new forcemain to relieve sewer capacity issues along 32nd Ave. One of the pump stations to be replaced is the Douglas pump station (Station S27) on 32nd Ave. near Douglas Street.
During preliminary design, Gibbs and Olson determined the existing pump station site is too small to accommodate construction of a new pump station. Gibbs and Olson evaluated alternatives to constructing the new pump station on the existing site and determined the best option is to acquire abutting property as the location for the new pump station. This option provides for the existing pump station to remain in service while the new pump station is constructed, eliminates the need for long term bypass pumping and its associated risks, significant costs, and impact to the public, and reduces the overall cost of the project.
The property recommended for acquisition is located at 721 32nd Avenue, located immediately north of the existing pump station. The subject property is a 7,582 square foot parcel with a single-family residential structure on the site. The residence is in a very poor condition and is not inhabitable at this time. After an appraisal of the property was completed and fair market value established, several offers were extended to the property owner, but the negotiations were unsuccessful.
In order to continue with the project, staff recommends the City Council authorize condemnation of the property. Legal notice requirements for consideration of this ordinance were published and mailed to the property owner, and the property owner was contacted in person and advised of this meeting. This action is recommended in accordance with RCW 8.12.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
The proposed acquisition costs will be paid by the Sewer Construction Fund.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 3198.
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