Council approves easements for Northeast Sewer expansion; most owners cooperating

The City Council on July 24 approved a second set of temporary construction and permanent sanitary sewer easements for the Northeast Sewer Expansion project, which will include a pump station, force mains and gravity sewer lines.

City staff member Mrs. Abel told the council the easements are necessary to extend sewer service toward Woodland and said the city has obtained two more easements and believes only one or two property owners remain in negotiation. “We will continue to negotiate with anyone who wants to negotiate,” she said, and added that one property will be deeded for the pump station rather than taken as an easement.

Council approved a motion to authorize the mayor to sign the easement agreements and to authorize payment to property owners as outlined; the motion carried 4–0. Staff said the project will extend the sanitary system and includes permanent sewer easements, temporary construction easements and at least one deed of dedication for the pump station site.

Staff emphasized the city’s preference to avoid eminent domain and said negotiations remain ongoing with a small number of property owners. The item was procedural; the council gave staff authority to complete the documented easement transactions and make payment as required.