Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes city manager to pursue appraisals and offers for properties needed for FM 544 pedestrian bridge
Summary
After an executive session, the City Council authorized the city manager to obtain third‑party appraisals and negotiate offers for property interests needed for the FM 544 pedestrian bridge project, including 600 East FM 544 and two parcels on South Maxwell Creek; the motion passed unanimously.
Following a closed executive session, the Murphy City Council on April 15 authorized the city manager (or her designee) to obtain and review third‑party appraisal reports, negotiate with a property owner at 600 East FM 544, make bona fide initial and final offers based on those appraisals and take related actions necessary to acquire property needed for the FM 544 pedestrian bridge project.
The executive session was convened under Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Subchapter D, for consultation with the city attorney regarding acquisition of property interests and potential use of eminent domain. The ordinance description in the public record identified three parcels of interest: 600 East FM 544, 104 South Maxwell Creek and 108 South Maxwell Creek.
When council returned to open session, a council member moved to authorize the city manager to obtain appraisal reports, negotiate offers with the owner of a portion of 600 FM 544, ratify prior actions taken by the manager in furtherance of the acquisition and take all other necessary actions for acquiring the property. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Why it matters
Council characterized the executive session as legal consultation about property acquisition needed for the FM 544 pedestrian bridge project and whether eminent domain could be required for the right‑of‑way. The authority cited on the record was Texas Government Code Chapter 551, Subchapter D, which governs closed meetings for consultation with the city attorney on pending or contemplated litigation and certain real‑property matters.
What the authorization allows
The authorization gives the city manager delegated authority to: obtain and accept third‑party appraisals; negotiate initial and final offers with property owners (starting with the owner of a portion of 600 East FM 544); and ratify any prior actions taken by the manager in furtherance of the acquisitions. Council did not vote on or discuss any specific dollar amounts in open session.
Next steps
The city will proceed with appraisal procurement and negotiations. If negotiations fail, staff indicated the possibility of additional legal steps, up to and including eminent domain proceedings, as referenced during the executive session discussion. Council recorded no votes against the authorization.
