Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sherburne County approves permanent easement acquisition — possible eminent domain — for Princeton road project
Summary
County commissioners authorized staff to proceed with acquisition, including eminent-domain authorization if voluntary negotiations fail, to secure a permanent easement needed for grading, storm sewer and slope work on a Princeton-area street project.
Sherburne County approved acquisition of a permanent easement, authorizing staff to pursue eminent-domain procedures if necessary, to secure additional right-of-way needed to complete grading, storm-sewer and slope work for a city street project near Princeton.
County staff described the parcel and displayed maps showing an existing drainage easement and adjacent trail easement. The requested permanent easement extends beyond the existing drainage easement so that county crews can adjust curb lines, storm sewer and slopes to facilitate traffic movements from the commercial district and a nearby hospital, the staff presentation said.
Staff told the board they had attempted voluntary negotiations with the property owner and with Casey's (previously involved on the parcel), but negotiations had not concluded. Commissioners were told the eminent-domain authorization would be a procedural step to keep the project on schedule if negotiations did not resolve the acquisition.
Commissioner Hall moved to approve the acquisition; Commissioner Schumacher seconded. The motion passed. Staff said they anticipate voluntary settlement but requested pre-authorization to complete the project on schedule should negotiations falter.
Why it matters: securing the permanent easement allows the county to implement curb, drainage and slope changes that staff say are necessary to complete a street-improvement project serving commercial areas and a hospital access corridor; the item touches on property-rights procedures and potential use of eminent domain if settlement fails.
Discussion vs. decision: staff asked for authorization to pursue permanent easement acquisition and pre-authorize eminent-domain procedures if required; the board approved the request while noting staff would continue negotiation efforts.
Next steps: staff to continue negotiations and, if necessary, commence eminent-domain proceedings to obtain the permanent easement so construction can proceed on schedule.
