ADMINISTRATION - Dan Schluender, City Engineer
Title
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY FOR STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Background
On May 10, 2018, staff presented to council the current intersections programmed for signalized. One of the intersections identified in that presentation was the intersection of Xylite Street and Radisson Road (CSAH 52). The city had an intersection study conducted to see if this intersection met warrants for signalization. The study concluded that warrants were met for a signal to be constructed. Staff then approached Anoka County Highway Department to see if they would lead a joint project for construction of this signal system.
On February 14, 2019, county staff presented to council the project scope and timeline. Unfortunately, the project has stalled with the process of acquisition of temporary and permanent easements needed for the proposed plan. To keep the project moving forward the property needed for the construction of the signal system, as shown in the attachments, needs to be acquired.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City staff have outlined and provided the City Council plans for street improvements and the installation of traffic control devices at the intersection of County-State Aid Highway 52 and Xylite Avenue in the City of Blaine; and,
WHEREAS, the street improvements and street infrastructure improvements require the acquisition of real property in the area to be served; and,
WHEREAS, Anoka County and the City have worked together on this project, with Anoka County having engaged in negotiations with the affected property owners to secure the necessary real estate rights to facilitate the project; and,
WHEREAS, Anoka County has been unable to successfully conclude negotiations with the property owners; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that it is necessary and feasible for the City to pursue the proposed street improvements and street infrastructure improvements, and finds it necessary to authorize City staff and legal counsel to formally pursue the acquisition through condemnation of the affected properties for the propose of city street improvements and street infrastructure improvements;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that:
1. The City Attorney and City staff are authorized to pursue condemnation of all real property interests necessary to facilitate the street improvements and street infrastructure improvements as it affects real property identified in the attached Exhibits A, with legal descriptions of easements to be acquired as set forth in the attached Exhibit B, C, and D;
2. That upon acquisition of the real property interests, the Mayor and/or City Manager are authorized to execute the necessary legal documents.
3. Appraisals for the subject takings are hereby proved as the official appraisals of the City.
4. City staff and legal counsel are hereby authorized to take all necessary steps to acquire possession of the subject property pursuant to the quick take provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 117.042.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 6th day of July, 2020.