PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: August 25, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 4
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
PRIORITY: Infrastructure
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) deposit of the amount awarded by the Special Commissioners in the condemnation proceeding styled CITY OF DALLAS VS. LESTER CLAUD LOFTICE, et al., Cause No. CC-25-04920-D, pending in Dallas County Court at Law No. 2, for acquisition of a drainage easement from Lester Claud Loftice, of approximately 4,738 square feet of land, located on Renner Drive at its intersection with South Denley Drive for the Kings Branch Culvert at Denley Project; and (2) settlement of the condemnation proceeding for an amount not to exceed the award - Not to exceed $9,400.00 ($6,400.00, plus closing costs and title expenses not to exceed $3,000.00) - Financing: Flood Control (D) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund)
*In alignment with Capital Improvement Program.
Body
BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2024, the City Council authorized the acquisition of a drainage easement at this property by Resolution No. 24-1625. The property owner was offered $5,800.00, which was based on a written appraisal from an independent certified appraiser. The property owner did not accept the offer.
On March 26, 2025, the City Council authorized a condemnation proceeding by Resolution No. 25-0483 and the City filed an eminent domain proceeding to acquire the property interest. After a hearing before the Special Commissioners on April 27, 2026, the property owner was awarded $6,400.00. This item authorizes deposit of the amount awarded by the Special Commissioners for the property, which is $600.00 more than the City Council originally authorized for this acquisition.
The City has no control over the Special Commissioners appointed by the judge or any award that is subsequently rendered by the Special Commissioners. The City, in order to acquire possession of the property and proceed with its improvements, must deposit the amount awarded by the Special Commissioners in the registry of the Court.
The project will remove the existing box culvert, construct a larger box culvert, and regrade a portion of the existing drainage channel to enhance storm water capacity and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy storm events. To accomplish the proposed improvements, the City needs to acquire the drainage easement on the subject property.
No future relocation assistance is necessary for this acquisition.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On November 13, 2024, the City Council authorized an acquisition of a drainage easement containing approximately 4,738 square feet of land from Lester Claud Loftice and wife, Mary Charles Loftice located on Renner Drive near its intersection with South Denley Drive for the Kings Branch Culvert at Denley Project by Resolution No. 24-1625.
On March 26, 2025, the City Council authorized the second step of acquisition for condemnation by eminent domain to acquire a drainage easement containing approximately 4,738 square feet of land from Lester Claud Loftice and wife, Mary Charles Loftice located on Renner Drive near its intersection with South Denley Drive for the Kings Branch Culvert at Denley Project by Resolution No. 25-0483.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
Flood Control (D) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$9,400.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
OWNERS
Lester Claud Loftice, Owner
Mary Charles Loftice, Owner
MAP
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