Agenda - Public Works Committee - 06/20/2000

Home

PW CASE #5 UPDATE ON 153/155 PROJECT LAND ACQUISITION By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: Improvement Project #99-51 is the extension of 153/155 fi:om 155th and Variolite to 153rd and Armstrong Boulevard. This 0.7 mile stretch of highway is the last remaining segment of a cross- city, east/west MSA roadway corridor in the City. The last remaining issue before this project can be constructed is the acquisition of the right-of-way. At the May 16, 2000 Public Works Committee meeting, it was reported that three of seven parcels required have been obtained. Below is an update of the status of the remaining unacquired parcels. Parcel two, owned by Jeff Schroeder, has an appraisal value of $100. It is a very small parcel, less than 500 square feet. The project could actually be constructed without this parcel. City Council had directed that the offer to Mr. Schroeder be raised to $500 and that the project be constructed without the parcel if Mr. Schroeder declined. At the time of this writing we have no news of Mr. Schroeders response to this offer. Parcel three is owned by M. Thomas Auel. The property has been appraised at $4,400. We have met with Mr. Auel and he has indicated that he thought the property was worth $10,000, although he declined to get an independent appraisal at the City's expense. We have extended a second offer to Mr. Auel for $6,000, which was arrived at by increasing the appraisal price by 25% plus paying the $500 for the appraisal that he is entitled to at the City's expense. Mr. Auel has counter offered $6,500. The Committee needs to make a recommendation on this counter offer. Parcel seven is owned by Lowell Vasseur. Although the parcel necessary for the roadway is listed on the plans as 3.899 acres of permanent and temporary easements, the City is acquiring the entire 40.59-acre parcel since the vast majority of this 45-acre parcel is wetland. The original appraisal was modified and a revised offer of $4,400 was made to Mr. Vasseur. Staff is awaiting a response fi:om Mr. Vasseur. Finally, Parcel 4 is a partial taking of the Donald Volkman property. This taking has been appraised and offered for sale at $54,200. Mr. Mike Schroeder, the City's land acquisition consultant, has been in contact with the Volkmans who have indicated that they do not want to proceed to condemnation. The Volkmans were in the process of obtaining an independent appraisal to confirm the validity of the offer. Council had directed continued negotiation with the Volkmans. The latest information will be provided at the meeting. Committee Action: Provide direction as for settlement on parcels to be acquired. Reviewed by: Copies also distributed to: City Engineer City Administrator City Attorney Director of Public Works PW: 06/20/00