By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A resolution to begin condemnation proceedings of private properties included in the North Vine Street Corridor improvement plan will be considered by Hays city commissioners tonight.
Since May, WSP Engineers has been developing design plans for the construction of improvements to North Vine between 32nd and 41st Streets.
Appraisals and compensation estimates were prepared. On September 26 the city commission authorized making offers to adjacent property owners for the necessary easements and rights of way to construct the project.
According to a memo from John Bird, city attorney, city staff has not been able to successfully negotiate the acquisitions and the city now finds “it is necessary to adopt a resolution authorizing the steps required to begin condemnation proceedings.”
A resolution has been prepared by Bird declaring the necessity to acquire by use of eminent domain certain real property and to authorize a survey and description of the land and the interest to be acquired.
If the resolution is adopted tonight by the city commission, the next step would be passing an ordinance of eminent domain proceedings pursuant to K.S.A. 26-201, et seq. and K.S.A. 26-501, et seq.
Adoption of that ordinance would likely be considered at the Nov. 21 work session for action at the Nov. 26 regular meeting. The commission will meet Tuesday rather than Thursday, Nov. 28 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Other agenda items for the Nov. 14 meeting include:
- Consideration of a resolution setting a public hearing on Dec. 12, 2019, regarding establishment of the Saffron West 43rd Community Improvement District (CID) for a proposed new hotel
- Approval of construction of the fire/rescue training facility classroom