Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	R. Scott Wagner, Management Analyst
CC:	Toni Ramirez Wheeler, Director of Legal Services Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works
Date:	July 12, 2007
RE:	Right of Way Acquisition –Stoneridge South benefit district

Please place this item on the July 17 consent agenda for consideration.

A special assessment benefit district for the construction of Stoneridge Drive, south of West 6^th Street, was reformed on March 6, 2007 with the adoption of Resolution 6701.  Right-of-way on the east side has already been dedicated.  An additional 40 feet of right-of-way is needed on Tract 1 – Collister property (map -approximately 2.123 acres of right-of-way and 1.327 acres of temporary construction easement are needed).  An appraisal report was prepared by Keller & Associates to determine an estimate of just compensation for the needed takings.  The report valued the right-of-way taking at $24,525 and the temporary takings at $1,575.  On June 4, 2007 an offer of compensation based on the appraised valuation was sent to Ms. Collister.  Funding for this acquisition will be financed through the benefit district. Per the above resolution, costs incurred to obtain needed property interests will be assessed back to the benefit district and this tract.

The City’s offer of compensation was accepted on July 10, however, the acceptance was contingent upon several additional conditions.  City staff will continue to negotiate and meet with Ms. Collister regarding her additional concerns with the project.  However, in an effort to keep this project on its current timeline, staff is requesting initiation of condemnation proceedings.

Action Requested

Adopt Resolution 6729, initiating condemnation of the required property interests for the Stoneridge South project.