Council authorizes eminent domain for Nettles Park title cleanup and a temporary construction easement
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Summary
The council voted unanimously to authorize condemnation to clear a lost parcel within Nettles Park (estimated compensation ~$5,000) and to acquire a roughly 1.0‑acre temporary construction easement for a wastewater upsizing project (appraisal cited at ~$3,153) to avoid halting construction.
The Temple City Council authorized two eminent‑domain actions during the meeting.
Staff said a corner of Nettles Park appears to have been lost to history in prior plats and title searches; after three attorneys and a title company failed to identify an owner, staff recommended filing a condemnation petition to clean up title and allow planned park improvements. Staff presented an appraisal of $3,492 and recommended a slightly higher authorization in case special commissioners find a different value; staff said the city would deposit award funds with the court and the process could take three to six months.
Separately, staff described the Northwest Little Elm wastewater upsizing project and said a temporary construction easement of about 1.0 acre is necessary for equipment and construction access. An appraisal for a 12‑month temporary easement was cited at approximately $3,153. Staff said negotiations with the owner (Nicholas Blount) had stalled after earlier contact and that condemnation authority was necessary to keep the project on schedule.
Council members moved and seconded the formal motions and each vote passed 5–0. Staff said the condemnation process will proceed through the county court and the special‑commissioners process, with payment into court and potential appointment of an attorney ad litem for unknown heirs when ownership is in question.
