Agenda - Council - 02/25/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CASE # INITIATION OF CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE PROPERTY REQUIRED FOR WELL #3 AND WELL HOUSE g2 FOR THE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM By: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Background: As the City Council is aware, the City is in the process of developing a second well field west of County Road #56 (Ramsey Boulevard Northwest) and north of the extension of the County Road #116. This additional well field is intended to serve the needs of the industrial area and overall future capacity needs of the municipal water system. In conjunction with these system improvements, the City, in April 1996, identified a possible location for Well #3 and proceeded to acquire a right-of-entry from the property owner to determine if the site was adequate for the construction of the well and subsequent well field. The City has determined that the area can support Well #3 and, in the future, the currently proposed well field. At this time, the City has contacted the property owner regarding the proposed purchase of the property for use for the well and well house and the possible purchase of the entire property. If this purchase would encompass the whole property, approximately 45 acres would bought. The City has estimated, from half-section maps, that one-third of the site is wetland, leaving approximately 30 acres available for well field development. The proposed resolution for condemnation proceedings is only for the proposed Well #3 and Well House #2 and covers about one-half acre. The property owner has been unavailable to complete negotiations on this property since the end of December, 1996. While he (Jack Menkveld) is expected to again be available shortly after March 1, 1997, it is in the interest of both the City and the property owner to assure that negotiations do not become protracted. The City Attorney has advised that the most efficient method within which to provide certainty in property control is to pass upon an eminent domain resolution which defines a date certain for which ownership will pass. During the 90-day process, the City would continue to negotiate in an attempt to complete the transaction prior to hearing dates. Attached for your review are the following items: 1. Site location map ~ properties 1 and 2 2. Letter to the property owner proposing the purchase of the property 3. Resolution initiating the condemnation proceeding Staff Recommendations: .C!t.y S. taff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the ~nmauon of condemnation proceedings by the City and authorizing the City Administrator/City Attorney to negotiate the purchase of the proposed property and to take steps necessary to prepare for condemnation should negotiations fail. Council Action: 7