Title
Approval of Recommendation to Improve Right-of-Way Acquisition Process for Projects Previously approved by the City Council
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee forwards its recommendation to full Council to approve an amendment to Olympia Municipal Code Subsection 3.16.020.B, adding a third exception to the right-of-way acquisition process.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading an amendment to Olympia Municipal Code Subsection 3.16.020.B adding a third exception to the right-of-way acquisition process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an amendment to Olympia Municipal Code Subsection 3.16.020.B, adding a third exception to the right-of-way acquisition process.
Staff Contact:
Fran Eide, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8422
Presenter(s):
None - Consent calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
The purpose of OMC Chapter 3.16, Contracts, is to establish a uniform practice to approve and execute City of Olympia contracts, ensure Council review of important documents in an efficient manner and establish authority to execute these documents. This Chapter also requires that all documents related to real property be presented to Council before they are executed, with two exceptions in OMC 3.16.020.B:
(1) Dedication by a private developer to satisfy a permit requirement, and
(2) Temporary construction licenses.
On December 10, 2015, staff made a presentation to the Land Use and Environment Committee recommending a third exception be added to OMC 3.16.020.B to address parcels needed to construct a project that has been previously approved by the City Council through the annual adopted Capital Facilities Plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
A revised process will allow City staff to complete the acquisition process in a more efficient and timely manner:
• Allowing staff to engage Council early in the process concerning the need for right-of -way acquisitions, rather than after an offer has been made;
• Allowing staff to compensate the property owner when the agreement is reached;
• Allowing the project to move to construction sooner;
• Avoiding the necessity of bringing every right-of-way parcel acquisition back to Council for approval before execution of the purchase agreement by the City Manager.
Options:
Approve the proposed changes to OMC Subsection 3.16.020. Staff will be able to complete property acquisitions in a transparent, efficient manner.
Do not approve the proposed changes to OMC Subsection 3.16.020.B. Staff will continue our current practice of bringing each property acquisition to Council for approval after negotiations with the property owner is complete. No efficiency will be realized.
Financial Impact:
The proposed process will reduce project costs by eliminating the need to draft, review and finalize multiple staff reports. The actual amount varies depending on number of parcels acquired in connection with the Council approved project.
Attachment:
Legal Ordinance