STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: September 24, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 2
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
EXECUTIVE: Dev Rastogi
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize settlement in lieu of proceeding further with condemnation in the condemnation suit styled CITY OF DALLAS VS. HEATHER J. HEFLIN, et al., Cause No. CC-25-00165-A, pending in Dallas County Court at Law No. 1, for an easement interest from Heather J. Heflin on a tract of land containing approximately 675 square feet located at 2424 Knight Street near its intersection with Sylvester Avenue for the Throckmorton-Reagan Drainage Improvements Project – Not to exceed $12,156.00, increased from $29,844.00 ($27,844.00 plus closing costs and title expenses not to exceed $2,000.00) to $42,000.00 ($40,000.00, plus closing costs and title expenses not to exceed $2,000.00) – Financing: Stormwater Drainage Management Capital Construction Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 22, 2024, the City Council authorized the acquisition of a drainage easement from Heather J. Heflin for approximately 675 square feet of land located at 2424 Knight Street for the Throckmorton-Reagan Drainage Improvements Project. The property owner was offered $27,844.00 based on a written appraisal from a certified independent appraiser but did not accept the offer. On June 26, 2024, City Council authorized the second step of acquisition for condemnation by eminent domain to acquire the drainage easement and the City of Dallas filed an eminent domain proceeding to acquire the easement interest on the property. Prior to a Special Commissioners Hearing, the property owner and the City of Dallas negotiated an amicable settlement.
This item authorizes a settlement in lieu of proceeding further with condemnation for the easement interest. The negotiated settlement amount is $12,156.00 more than the City Council originally authorized for this acquisition and is based on a written appraisal from a certified independent appraiser. Dallas Water Utilities and the City Attorney’s Office recommend moving forward with the settlement amount to acquire the easement. The property will be used for the purpose of improving the storm drainage system to address flooding in the area. Relocation assistance will not be necessary for this acquisition.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 22, 2024, the City Council authorized the acquisition of a drainage easement from Heather J. Heflin for approximately 675 square feet of land located at 2424 Knight Street near its intersection with Sylvester Avenue for the Throckmorton-Reagan Drainage Improvements Project, by Resolution No. 24-0795.
On June 26, 2024, the City Council authorized the second step of acquisition for condemnation by eminent domain to acquire a drainage easement from Heather J. Heflin, of approximately 675 square feet of land located at 2424 Knight Street near its intersection with Sylvester Avenue for the Throckmorton-Reagan Drainage Improvements Project, by Resolution No. 24-0965.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
Stormwater Drainage Management Capital Construction Fund |
$12,156.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Resolution No. 24-0795 $29,844.00
Resolution No. 24-0965 $29,844.00
Additional Offer Amount (this action) $12,156.00
Closing Costs (this action) $ 2,000.00
Total Authorized Amount $42,000.00
OWNER
Heather J. Heflin, et al
MAP
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