Council authorizes negotiated purchase steps for land needed for new fire station, pauses eminent domain authority

The Rockwall City Council directed staff March 2 to begin the negotiation process under Property Code Chapter 21 to acquire property needed for a municipal fire station and related public‑safety improvements.

City Attorney Garza outlined the procedural options: the city may make a good‑faith initial offer, provide required appraisals and owner notifications, issue a final offer if necessary, and only pursue condemnation if council later authorizes that step. Garza described the option to authorize staff to negotiate and complete negotiations short of eminent domain, or to give full authority including condemnation. Council chose the middle path: staff may negotiate and make required offers but may not file condemnation without returning to council for authorization.

Council clarified acreage (discussion referenced both 1.04 and 2.048 acres); the motion accepted the description of approximately 2.048 acres near East Boydston and South Clark Street for a fire station site and authorized staff to proceed with negotiations, requiring staff to come back to council before initiating eminent domain. The motion passed unanimously.