11/09/2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• If federal dollars are not available we will be in a position to complete improvements to Lake Drive without the new bridge. The city has already obtained $400,000 from Mn/DOT's Municipal Agreement Program for construction in 2006. The remainder of the project funding will be covered by the Legacy at Woods Edge Tax Increment Financing District as previously planned. Land Acquisition Process In either scenario land acquisition will be required to complete the improvements. As part of the design process the City has identified the need to purchase additional road right -of -way and /or permanent and temporary easements for construction of the improvements. In some cases existing direct access points to Lake Drive will need to be closed and relocated. Under Minnesota Law, the State and certain other Governmental Agencies, including the City, may acquire property by gift, direct purchase, or eminent domain proceedings. This right may be used to acquire private property for public purposes, including public roadways. In certain cases the City will not need to purchase the actual property but will need to purchase certain "Rights" from the property. These rights may include drainage easements, extinguishment of access, temporary easements, etc. We are currently in the process of identifying the extent of acquisition necessary and contacting property owners. The acquisition process is fairly extensive, time consuming and subject to several state and federal laws. Wilson Development Services is assisting us in this process. They have been involved in several city projects including Elm Street, 62nd Street, and Holly Drive. Prior to any acquisition of property, surveyors from the City's Engineering Consultant, SEH, Inc., will be present to obtain information for the development of the project. This may include setting of stakes to identify the extent of right -of -way boundaries and /or construction limits. The primary purpose for the surveying is to provide both the appraiser and land owner visual information regarding the extent of the acquisition. Secondly, the City will send a qualified independent fee appraiser to estimate the market value of the City's proposed acquisition. The appraiser will contact property owners prior to the appraisal. Property owners are given the opportunity to accompany him/her during the inspection of the property. Jerry McKinze of McKinze Appraisals in performing this service on behalf of the City. Mr. McKinze has begun contacting property owners and setting up property visits. In certain instances, property owners may be contacted by City representative to meet with staff and design engineers to discuss specific design improvements that affect their property. Mark Dierling, our design engineer, Dan Wilson, Jerry McKinze and myself met with Ken and Bernie Skoglund on November 4, 2005 for this purpose. Once these items are completed the City will begin the process of purchasing property. Every effort will be made to acquire property through direct purchase. Direct purchase 2