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2010R36-Comal Appraisal District Purchase LandRESOLUTION No. 10-R-36 CITY OF SCHERTZ STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF COMAL § RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AND AUTHORIZING THE COMAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT TO PURCHASE THE LAND AND BUILDING LOCATED AT 904 SOUTH SEGUIN AVENUE, NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS WHEREAS, the Comal Appraisal District has served the taxing jurisdictions and the citizens of Comal County for many years; and WHEREAS, the growth of Comal County has resulted in the growth of the Comal Appraisal District staff; and WHEREAS, the Comal Appraisal District leases office and parking space from Comal County; and WHEREAS, the interior layout of the leased space does not allow for efficient work space, an adequate office arrangement, or room for expansion; and WHEREAS, the current parking in and around the Comal County courthouse is inadequate to support the needs of the Comal Appraisal District; and WHEREAS, the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors concluded the most advantageous direction is to address the long term and short term of the Comal Appraisal District and pursue relocating the Comal Appraisal District to another location; and WHEREAS, the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors has determined a new facility is warranted and can be achieved at no additional cost to the taxing entities; and WHEREAS, Section 6.051 of the Texas Property Tax Code requires the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors to propose such property transactions by resolution, which must be approved by the governing bodies of three-fourths of the taxing units entitled to vote on the appointment of board members; and WHEREAS, the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors adopted a resolution proposing the purchase of land and building located at 904 South Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas; and WHEREAS, the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors directed the Chief Appraiser to notify the presiding officer of each governing body entitled to vote on this Resolution by providing a copy of the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors adopted Resolution together with information showing the cost of other available alternatives as required by Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.051. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Schertz in accordance with Texas Property Tax Code Section 6.051 hereby: A. Approves the proposal that authorizes Comal Appraisal District to purchase land and building legally described as City Block 1061, Lots 1, 2, 3 Parts of Lots 6, 14, 15, 16; aka 904 South Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, xas described in the attached Exhibit. BE IT RESOLVED ON THIS T Y OF , 2010. BY: mayor City of Schertz M~ t~ c~ e~ C'~ ~e~-~5~~ ATTEST: Secretary City of Schertz ERIC COUCIi CHAIRMAN SCOTT WATSON vlcecxAIRMAN JAMES BOWER SECRETARY CURTIS KOEIILER CHIEiAPPRAISER July 7, 2010 Mr. Don Taylor City of Schertz 1400 Schertz Parkway Schertz, TX 78154 Dear Mr. Taylor: GARY BOLDT MEMBER DAN KRUEGER MEMBER CATIIY C. TALCOTT MEMBER The Board of Directors of the Comal Appraisal District is pleased to present to the City of Schertz a resolution approved by the Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors at their July 6, 2010.meeting. The Comal Appraisal District has been in the process of evaluating the needs for a new office building. The Board of Directors has determined that a new facility is warranted and can be achieved at no additional cost to the taxing units. Section 6.051 of the Texas Property Tax Code requires that each taxing unit receive a copy of the approved resolution mentioned above. The Tax Code requires that three fourths of the governing bodies of the taxing units entitled to vote on the appointment of appraisal district board members must adopt or approve the proposed resolution within thirty days of receipt. You are asked to place the resolution, a sample of which is enclosed, for consideration on the agenda of the next regular meeting of your"governing body. Section 6.051 of the Texas Property Tax Code requires that the taxing units be provided, in addition to the Board of Directors' resolution, information showing the costs of other available alternatives to the proposal. The following pages will briefly describe the Comal Appraisal District's existing facility, an evaluation of the existing facility, and the minimum requirements for any new facility.. A detail description of the proposed- facility is attached along with details of other facilities that are also available for purchase. Due to the strict time line required by the Texas Property Tax Code, should you have any questions or require additional information, you are encouraged to call or contact me or your respective- representative on the Comal Appraisal District Board Directors. Your favorable consideration of this request is very much appreciated. Respectfully, C.~ i~~ Curtis Koehler, RPA/RTA/CTA Chief Appraiser Enclosures COMAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT P.O. Box 311222 178 E. MILL STREET, SUITE lOl NEw BRAUNFEIS, TX 78131-1222 Phone (830) 625-8597. www.comalad.org Metro (830) 606-1407 Phone (830) 885-4975 Fax (830) 625-8598 RESOLUTION REGARDING PURCHASE OF BUILDING FOR COMAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT ~' WHEREAS, Section 6.05 of the Texas Property Tax authorizes the acquisition of real property by purchase or lease, the conveyance of real property, and the construction or renovation of a building or o#her improvement by an appraisal district for the purposes of establishing and operating the appraisal office or a branch appraisal office; and WHEREAS, Section 6.051 requires that the board of directors of an appraisal district must propose such property tfansactions by resolution which must be approved b}r the goveming bodies of three-fourths of the taxing entities entitled to vote on the appointment of board members; and WHEREAS, Section 6.051 requires the chief appraiser to notify the presiding officer of each goveming body of the resolution adopted by the board of directors of the appraisal district by delivering a copy of the resolution, together with information showing costs of other available altematives to the proposal; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on this date, the Board of Directors of the Comal Appraisal District, in a public meeting, upon a motion by i~,u ~'a.u~ G C s; and a second by ~crrr' ~~~o/J ,proposed the following transactions: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Appraiser shall, as soon as practicable after the adoption of this Resolution, notify the presiding officer of each goveming body entitled to vote on this Resolution by providing a copy of this Resolution together with information showing the .costs of other available altematives as required by Tax Code Section 6.051. Those voting "NO° were: Signed this ~~day of -Tu ~~ , 2010. ~~ ~ ~ ~~~ Eric Couch, Chairman Scam pnso~l, ~icE Cjw;rirran Board of directors, Comal Appraisal District Board of Directors, Comal Appraisal Dis#rict Tho~~YE ACQUISTION ANALYSIS FOR COMAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT OFFICES The current Comal Appraisal District facility has served the citizens of Comal County for many years. The growth of our county has resulted in the growth of the appraisal staff. Currently the Appraisal District leases space from the county. The interior layout does not allow for efficient work space, an adequate office arrangement, or expansion. These physical limitations would be costly and prohibitive to cure, and the time and funds required to increase or extend the functional use of the current building would be short lived. Therefore, the Board of Directors, after thoughtful consideration concluded the most advantageous direction would be to address the short term and long term needs of Comal Appraisal District and pursue relocating the Comal Appraisal District to another location. The Comal Appraisal District has over the past several months been in the process of evaluating the needs for a new facility. Any property listed for sale or lease has been carefully reviewed to determine if the available property would be suitable to their needs. Recently the Comal Appraisal District located a facility to purchase which meets the current needs, as well as addresses any concerns for future needs. After a comprehensive review of the current expenses, the Board of Directors has determined that a new facility is warranted and can be achieved at no additional cost to the taxing units. Section 6.051 of the Texas Property Tax Code requires that the taxing units be provided, in addition to the Board of Directors' resolution, information showing the costs of other available alternatives to the proposal. The following pages will briefly describe the Comal Appraisal District's existing facility, an evaluation of the existing facility, and the minimum requirements for any new facility. A detail description of the proposed facility is attached along with details of other facilities that are also available for purchase. EXISTING FACILITIES Situs: 199 Main Plaza New Braunfels, TX Legal Description Mapsco: 458D4 Doing Business As: Commissioner's Court Property Use: office Lease Information Terms: 5 yr lease beginning September 2008 ending August 2013 Quarterly rent: $11,681.6 for years 2010 thru 2013 Annual rent: $46,726 Maintenance: janitorial services included in rent may be billed for expenses which exceed estimated amounts Utilities: included in rent may be billed for expenses which exceed estimated amounts Alterations: must obtain consent of landlord Telephone system: provided by Comal Appraisal District Land Data Location: downtown New Braunfels Zoning: C2 Site(in acres): 1.849 AC Shape: Rectangular Topography: level Flood plain: no Access/Visibility: Good/Fair Parking spaces: 23 spaces dedicated to Appraisal District staff 2 handicap accessible spaces Public parking shared with county offices Improvement Data Building Type: free standing, multi tenant Leased Area: 5231 sq ft # of buildings: 1 Year Built: 1972 Interior Features Restrooms: 2 restrooms both handicap accessible Office area 1: 4 work areas with 5 offices Office area 2: break room, 1 work area, 2 conference rooms t ~'! f> * yT r ~: ~~~~~ M ~ _ _ Y G9G9G9 ~L .f -~ ~~lwa t'o~~ ~ - .i.. M w }, r 7 `, ~ ~ ;. .. ; ~. ~~ 1 ~ ~ '., ~._ .' '_.. st s?' ...ice EVALUATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES ~» Interior Features -Work areas are divided by public hallway which lends itself to poor traffic flow, inadequate layout, limited privacy and security. -The public hallway is the only waiting area available for taxpayers. -Several office areas are only accessible through existing offices. -All work areas and offices are currently occupied by staff. -The interior design of the existing facility does not allow for future growth. Exterior Features -Currently our parking does not accommodate the taxpayers utilizing our facility. -The two entrances to our facility are shared by the Health Department, Building Maintenance, Courthouse Security, and County Court at Law. -Both entrances are in the rear which makes for poor visibility of our facility to the taxpayers. CAD NEW FACILITY REQUIREMENTS Land Data Location: downtown or within proximity of downtown New Braunfels Zoning: C1, C2 or C3 Site(in acres): 0.5 ac (minimum) Shape: Rectangular Topography: level Flood plain: no Access: Good with more than 1 point of entry Visibility: Good Parking spaces: 40 spaces total (minimum) 2 handicap accessible spaces Improvement Data Building Type: free standing Gross Building Area: 3500sq ft+ # of buildings: 1 or 2 Year Built: not applicable Interior Features Restrooms: 2 restrooms both handicap accessible General work area: open concept for maximizing staff layout Conference rooms: 2 areas to accommodate Board of Directors, Appraisal Review Board hearings and staff meetings PROPOSED ACQUISITION Situs: 904 S Seguin Avenue New Braunfels, TX Legal Description city block 1061, lot 1, 2, 3, pt of 6, 14, 15 & 16 Mapsco: 458E5 Doing Business As: Sears Property Use: Retail & office Sales Information Listing price: $595,000 Contract price: $525,000 Land Data Location: corner of Seguin Avenue and Nacogdoches Street Zoning: C3 Site(in acres): 1.372 AC Shape: Rectangular Topography: level Flood plain: no Access/Visibility: Good/Good Parking spaces: 103 spaces total 3 handicap accessible spaces Improvement Data Building Type: free standing Gross Building Area: 10,800 # of buildings: 1 Year Built: 1997 Interior Features Restrooms: 3 restrooms total 2 handicap accessible Retail area: Open area with multiple electric outlets 6084sq ft Vinyl the Central heat/air 2 entrances/exits Office area: Reception area with 4 offices, 2 conference rooms 1788sq ft Ceramic the and carpet Central heat/air 1 entrance/exit Storage area 1: large storage area with 2 offices 2340sq ft Unfinished floor Forced air/heat 1 entrance/exit + 2 garage doors Storage area 2: small storage area with utility room 588sq ft Unfinished floor Forced heat only 1 entrance/exit PROPOSED ACQUISITION D Q ~~s+SrLz - S"-- ar~~:~ _ _ ~2i.'J'~,''q Existing floor plan of building. PROPOSED ACQUISITION Photo of front elevation. PROPOSED ACQUISITION k -. 'i;: - ~, r;~, P' r ,r~ , s!~t > ~ ~ n ~ ~~ a• ~, .ash '~- ~4T ~ n J~'~ x .1 y4~ f'. c ~~ ~F 5° ~,' . ~r ~.,~ , ~ .~-_ ~, ~ ~ f~. Aerial map of subject. ~ r~:~ ~ ~ _~~ ~~ ~ ,n~"'. ,~~~ ~ a eh, R ., 4 ~. .. .~: n : . `r ~- 'c V r 4~y ~ i F, a ~ L~ ~ i ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .sir Y ~P r~i, 4 ~ ~ ~ 1 1 ~ y. ;v ~ '~ r 1 r e M1 - .,. w .. ~ _ _ Aerial map of subject and surrounding area. AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSAL Situs: 511 S Business IH35 New Braunfels, TX Legal Description Unicorn Heights NW, block4, lotl Mapsco: 458D6 Doing Business As: Ace Hardware Property Use: Retail Sales Information Listing price: $699,000 Land Data Location: corner of Business IH35 and Magazine Ave Zoning: C3 Site(in acres): 0.697 AC Shape: Rectangular Topography: level Flood plain: no Access/Visibility: Good/Good Parking spaces: 40 spaces total 2 handicap accessible spaces Improvement Data Building Type: free standing Gross Building Area: 6800 # of buildings: 1 Year Built: 1995 ~~: #~ `~ ~.~ ~t~ >.. ~ r'~fw~t~ H ~ ; ~, a ~ .~ ~r ~ - 5 ~ , , i r,a ~' , '::i' 3.'~: c. AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSAL Situs: 1687 S Business IH35 New Braunfels, TX Legal Description Sir Gerald 2, A-608 Sur-21 Thompson City AC South Mapsco: 458B7 Doing Business As: Ramco Motors Property Use: Retail Sales Information Listing price: $795,000 Land Data Location: between Business IH35 and IH35 Zoning: C3 Site(in acres): 1.016 AC Shape: Rectangular Topography: level Flood plain: no Access/Visibility: Good/Good Parking spaces: 29 striped spaces 2 handicap accessible spaces 34+ additional spaces Improvement Data Building Type: free standing Gross Building Area: 3760 # of buildings: 1 Year Built: 1955 COMPARISON OF AVAILABLE FACILITIES FEATURE EXISTING CAD OFFICES PROPOSED ACQUISITION AVAILABLE ALERNATIVE 1 AVAILABLE ALERNATIVE 2 SITUS 199 Main Plaza 904 S Sequin 511 S Business IH 35 1687 S Business IH 35 New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels, TX DBA Sears Ace Hardware Ramco Motors Property Type Office Retail & Office Retail Retail Year Built 1972 1997 1995 1955 Gross Building Area 5231sq ft leased 10,800sq ft 6,800sq ft 3,760sq ft Land size (in acres) 1.849 1.372 0.697 1.016 parking spaces 23 103 40 63 Listing Price $595,000 $699,000 $795,000 SUMMARY The property located on 904 South Seguin Avenue not only meets but exceeds the goals. The site is within the downtown area of New Braunfels. The site offers ample parking for current and any future needs. The facility has a layout which is appropriate for the use of the Comal Appraisal District. The facility will be move-in ready with minimal changes necessary. Any renovations and moving expenses will be funded out of the Comal Appraisal District's existing Capital Replacement/Improvement Reserve Fund. Additionally, the annual budget to maintain this new facility will be below the Comal Appraisal District's current 2011 budget. Again, the primary goal of the Board of Directors and the Comal Appraisal District has been to complete this project without the taxing units providing additional funds. The acquisition of this new facility is believed by the Board of Directors to be in the best interests of the citizens of Comal County, the Taxing Units and the Comal Appraisal District. The desire to continue serving the citizens of Comal County and the Taxing Units with professional and efficient services will be enhanced with this new facility.