Arden Thomas, water resources manager for Public Works, asked the board to set a public hearing to consider exercising condemnation authority to acquire right-of-way and temporary construction easements for two Whiskey Creek parcels. Thomas explained the work supports the "Whiskey Creek at Ellensburg Water Company siphon project for flood alleviation benefits" and said staff "have not been able to reach a voluntary agreement with the property owner, so we are requesting the board set a public hearing to consider the exercise of condemnation authority."

The agenda item cites state statutory authority in the request. The transcript records the request and Thomas' explanation but does not include a vote or the full statutory citation text beyond the meeting's verbal reference.

Why it matters: exercising condemnation authority initiates a legal process for acquiring private property rights for public projects; setting a hearing begins the county's deliberative and legal steps toward potential acquisition. The transcript does not include the appraisal amounts, parcel ownership names beyond parcel numbers, or a recorded decision during the excerpt provided.

Next steps: if the board sets the hearing, staff will provide legal notices and supporting materials, and property owners will have an opportunity to comment at the hearing.