17.00.150 Eminent domain guidelines.
Whenever the city determines that there is a need to exercise the right and power of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring any interest in real property, the following guidelines shall be followed by the city, whenever desirable:
A. Site Selection. The city administration shall explore all feasible sites and determine which site will best meet the needs of the city.
B. Title Report. Once a primary site has been selected, a preliminary title report should be obtained for review by the city attorney.
C. Engineering Evaluation. Whenever appropriate, the primary site shall be reviewed by the city engineer to determine whether or not the site is suitable for the intended city purpose.
D. Appraisal Report. Whenever appropriate, the city administration shall obtain an appraisal of the primary site.
E. Local Government Contact. Whenever appropriate, the city shall contact the governmental entities which may be affected by the acquisition.
F. Final Evaluation. After all of the preceding steps have been taken, if appropriate, the city shall determine to proceed with the acquisition.
G. Contact With Owner. After a final site selection has been made, there may be contact with the property owner, when appropriate, for the purpose of attempting to negotiate a purchase of the site. Negotiations should consider special needs of the property owner. If a contract is negotiated with the owner, the contract should include all issues with the property owner and be reduced to writing, subject to approval by the city council.
H. Eminent Domain Proceedings. If the property cannot be acquired through negotiation or, if negotiation would not be in the best interest of the city, the city council should adopt a resolution directing the city attorney to acquire the property interest through the exercise of eminent domain. [Ord. 08-17-2021B § 2 (Exh. A)].