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Deputy County Attorney Will Collins explained the background as follows: About a year ago Public Works advised that they were going to need a few more feet of right-of-way on 53rd Street at U.S. 1. to widen the intersection. This is the intersection where Indian River Boulevard meets U.S. 1. He said a title search disclosed the subject property was involved in litigation with twenty parties and it is now at the point where a judicial sale has been ordered, which would take place at 11:00 today. Attorney Collins was requesting authorization to bid on the property to have an opportunity to purchase the property and avoid condemnation. He said he did not know whether -we would be the successful bidder but at least the property would be sold free and clear of all the liens and would belong to one owner. The agenda item is a request to authorize a bid of $17,000 for the property. Commissioner Scurlock and Commissioner Bowman clarified that $17,000 would be a "not to exceed" figure. Commissioner Eggert asked what aggregate liens are on the property and Attorney Collins said it was $170,000 but that it would be sold free and clear of all liens. Chairman Bird asked whether the intent is to bid on a portion of the overall site that will be auctioned. Attorney Collins stated the bid would be on the entire tract because by taking out 21 feet for right-of-way it would probably leave an unbuildable lot. Commissioner Eggert asked what is the assessed value. Public Works Director Jim Davis said staff determined a value for the parent tract and came up with about $50,000 per acre in - that area. Attorney Collins explained that he had spoken to the attorney representing the ninety percent owner and discovered that the owner had paid $42,000 for his ninety percent interest a year ago. Commissioner Scurlock asked how much that 21 feet is worth to the County and Director Davis responded that it is worth the market value plus any severance damage that may incur to the property. He further explained that the $17, 000, in staff's opinion, is what the 21 feet is worth based on $50,000 per acre in that area. However, in a bidding environment, people with certain interests may end up bidding more; $17,000 was our authorized upper threshold. Commissioner Scurlock felt that if we absolutely require the 21 feet and we must acquire that through this auction or through subsequent condemnation, or at least through contract with the owner, it would be better to submit a reasonable bid with the hope of acquiring it and avoiding the other processes in the future. 29 NOV 0 5 1991 GOOK 04 :L-0_