Public Works Committee refers Drakes Creek right-of-way purchase to full board with no recommendation

The Public Works Committee voted on Dec. 10 to send a resolution seeking to acquire multiple right-of-way parcels near the junction of Drakes Creek Road, Avant Lane, Countryside Drive and Anderson Road to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen with no committee recommendation.

Staff said the purchase of the willing sellers’ parcels would have a fiscal impact of $82,000 that is already budgeted. "82,000," Public Works Director Sarah Lock said when asked about the cost, and staff told the committee no budget amendment was required for the purchase.

Jesse Ekenau, the city’s chief of operations, told the committee staff had completed appraisals and made offers; "several of the property owners have agreed to those offers," he said. Staff and members discussed that acquiring the parcels would not compel owners who do not wish to sell to do so and that some parcels lie within a floodplain where owning the land could simplify future stormwater improvements.

Committee members asked whether available grants or federal funds could be applied. Staff said the construction-phase grant at issue would not make the application deadline and that ARPA funds could not be used to add new projects (only a small reallocation to existing approved projects may be possible). "We can't add any projects," Lock said.

Several aldermen noted the board had previously declined to pursue a roundabout at the site; the committee discussed whether purchasing right-of-way now would commit the city to future improvements. The chair argued that because the matter affects the whole city, it should be decided by the full Board of Mayor and Aldermen rather than the committee alone.

To gather alternatives, staff said an RFP for professional services would be advertised in the coming week to evaluate traffic-control alternatives — multiway stop warrants, signal warrants and other options — with proposals expected in January. Staff estimated a simple traffic study could cost roughly $50,000.

An unidentified resident told the committee that parking and pedestrian safety near nearby athletic fields had been a problem during events and suggested the acquisition could be used to improve safety for families walking to the fields.

After discussion, the committee moved to send the resolution to the Board with no recommendation. The motion carried on a voice vote; members agreed to place the item on the board agenda for the Jan. 14 meeting.

The committee approved the Nov. 26 minutes earlier in the meeting and adjourned after handling other business.