HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 177-24old - Resolution - Amending Authorization of Acquisitions and Eminent Domain for Project No. J8707
RESOLUTION
Amending Property Acquisition Authorization for the LINK Bus Rapid Transit
Project J8707.
WHEREAS, by Resolution 014-24, dated January 2, 2024, the Common Council of the City
of Rochester authorized the acquisition of real property interests needed to construct,
operate, and maintain the LINK Rapid Transit Project, Project J8707 (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 014-24, the Common Council found it reasonable, necessary
and for a public purpose in furtherance of the Project to acquire the real estate interests
identified in Exhibit A to that resolution (“Acquisitions”); and
WHEREAS, the Project design has advanced since January 2024, requiring modifications
to certain Acquisitions and requiring the addition of one new parcel, Parcel 47A; and
WHEREAS, the Acquisitions identified in Resolution 014-24 also omitted the easements
needed from Project Parcel 3 in the hope of securing those easements during the course of
the landowner’s independent development of Parcel 3; and
WHEREAS, the Parcel 3 easements have not been acquired to date, are necessary for the
Project, and must be acquired in time to preserve the Project schedule; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council finds that it is reasonably necessary, convenient, and in
the interest of the general welfare that the City acquire for the Project the real estate interests
depicted on Exhibit A-2, attached (“Amended Acquisitions”); and
WHEREAS, the Common Council finds that title to and possession of the Amended
Acquisitions is required before construction of the Project can begin and before the filing of
the final report of the condemnation commissioners to be appointed by the district court; and
WHEREAS, the City has engaged independent real estate appraisers to provide the City
with the appraiser’s opinion of damages caused by the City’s taking or purchase of the
Amended Acquisitions; and
WHEREAS, City teammates and consultants will continue to work with the property owners
to purchase the Amended Acquisitions if possible;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Rochester
that:
1. City ownership of the Amended Acquisitions is necessary and for a public purpose
in furtherance of the Project;
2. The proper City officers and agents are authorized and directed to secure the City’s
ownership of the Amended Acquisitions by direct purchase and, if necessary, through
the exercise of eminent domain;
3. The City Administrator is authorized to approve the appraised values for the
Amended Acquisitions for the purposes of using the “quick take” procedure under
Minn. Stat. § 117.042;
4. The Strategic Initiatives Director is authorized to directly purchase, and to settle the
takings of, minor Amended Acquisitions with a total value of $50,000 or less;
5. The City Administrator is authorized to directly purchase, and to settle the takings of,
Amended Acquisitions with a total value above $50,000, in amounts no greater than
15% above the approved appraised value;
6. The City Attorney or his designee is authorized and directed to take all steps
reasonably necessary on behalf of the City to commence eminent domain
proceedings to take the Amended Acquisitions that cannot be timely purchased,
including using the “quick take” procedure under Minn. Stat. § 117.042.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2024.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2024.
___________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)
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