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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,January 29,2018 <br /> Page 19 <br /> Nays: None. <br /> g. Consider Resolution Authorizing of the Use of Eminent Domain for the Ac- <br /> quisition of 2719 Lexington Ave. for Public Purposes <br /> City Manager Trudgeon provided an overview of the staff report as detailed in the <br /> Request for Council Action (RCA) dated January 29, 2018, noting this item re- <br /> lates to the Lexington Shoppes directly north of the City Hall, which the City <br /> would continue using for an expanded licensing and passport center. <br /> Mr. Trudgeon noted the seller is aware of this matter tonight and does not object. <br /> There is a federal tax code provision that is advantageous to the seller as well. He <br /> added that there are additional steps that would have to be taken after this resolu- <br /> tion tonight to actually proceed with eminent domain. <br /> Mayor Roe summarized that this resolution does not initiate eminent domain, but <br /> this is the first necessary step if the Council decides to proceed with it down the <br /> road. <br /> Mayor Roe offered an opportunity for public comment, with no one coming for- <br /> ward. <br /> Etten moved, Willmus seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11486 (Attachment <br /> B) entitled, "A Resolution Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property for Public <br /> Purposes." <br /> Council Discussion <br /> Councilmember Etten appreciated this is a tool in the City's toolbox. <br /> Councilmember Willmus stated this is being pursued with the full knowledge of <br /> the seller, and the seller has not raised objection to this path. It might typically be <br /> a little different than what folks are used to hearing about eminent domain. <br /> Councilmember McGehee stated there has to be a justification that this is a neces- <br /> sary public purpose, and she does not think there is. This does not pass for what <br /> is legal use of this tool; therefore, she does not support it, as the City is doing it as <br /> a tax accommodation to the seller. She does not believe this purchase would be <br /> essential, is unnecessary, and puts the City in a position of being business people <br /> in the community,which is a role the City should not take. <br /> Councilmember Laliberte stated she will not support this resolution, since she will <br /> not be supporting the next item on the agenda either. <br /> Councilmember Etten stated the City has important needs that this acquisition will <br /> address. <br /> i <br />