Council considers condemnation for final easements to advance West Regional Collection System

Interim public works director Travis Cossie briefed the council on the West Regional Collection System, a multi-year sewer infrastructure project begun in 2022 to serve west and southwest areas of Nixa. Cossie said the project requires enlarging an existing lift station and obtaining approximately 35–40 easements overall; despite extensive negotiation staff has reached four property owners who have not been willing to grant required easements and recommends authorizing condemnation for the final four to start construction.

"We feel it's necessary to bring this ordinance to you to request that you authorize city staff to move forward with condemnation for the final 4 property owners and final 4 easements needed in order to get this project started," Cossie said. He told council the condemnation step is the last necessary action before construction can begin on the larger West Regional Collection System.

The council opened and closed the public hearing without additional speakers; the ordinance was presented at first reading. Staff emphasized the condemnation would allow the project to proceed to construction, with the stated intent of serving existing customers and accommodating future growth in the west and southwest parts of the city.