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Department Approval .� Item Description BACKGROUND l�'�, Jy REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: 3/09/2009 Item No.: 12.b City Manager Approval Authorization of the use of Eminent Domain for the acquisition of parcels for street and utility purposes within the Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area In the spring of 2008, the City Council authorized staff to hire WSS Engineering to design the Twin Lakes infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, and storm water) for the area between Cleveland Ave. and Fairview Ave. The design has been ongoing since that time and will be complete by the end of March. In the fall of 2008, the City Council approved the completion of final plans for the first phase of the infrastructure improvements. Phase I improvements include the construction of Twin Lakes Parkway from Cleveland Avenue to Mount Ridge Road and Mount Ridge Road from County Road C2 to Twin Lakes Parkway where it will terminate in a roundabout. Phase I also includes the associated sewer, water, and storm water infrastructure improvements in those areas. The City Council authorized the improvements to be put out to bid this spring, with the expectation that the improvements will be constructed in the 2009 construction season. In February 9, 2009, the City Council authorized the hiring of consultants to conduct appraisals (Dwyer, Dahlen, and Foley) and negotiate the acquisition of land for the needed right-of-way and easements for the Phase I project (WSS Engineering). This work is ongoing and the appraisals are expected to be completed by mid-March. Once the appraisals are complete, WSS Engineering will draft an offer letter to the property owners for the purchase of the right-of-way and easements. On March 23, 2009, it is planned for the City Council to consider the release of the offer letters. On February 23, 2009, the City Council authorized entering into an inter-agency agreement with Metropolitan Council for Metro Transit's Park and Ride Facility on Iona Lane. As part of this agreement, the City committed to the construction of the Phase I Twin Lakes infrastructure would be complete by the end of 2009. Staff believes the construction of Phase I of the Twin Lakes infrastructure is important to undertake at this time since the completion of the first phase will allow for the necessary infrastructure to be in place for when development arrives in the Twin Lakes area. The construction project will also open up the area so it has better visibility to the public and development interests. Finally, the construction of the Phase I infrastructure will demonstrate that Twin Lakes is a"real project" and it is "open for business". The City fully intends to make every attempt complete a direct transaction with the property owners. Initial contact with all of the affected property owners regarding the purchase of land Page 1 of 2