The Spring Hill City Council on July 10 approved temporary construction and permanent drainage easements necessary to complete the 190 Ninth Street roadway improvement project from Ridgeview to Renner.

Staff told the council the design is nearly complete and that the city identified 17 property owners where easements will be required for right-of-way, permanent drainage, and temporary construction access. Property-value and easement valuations were prepared by a contracted appraiser and offers were presented to owners; more than half of the owners have accepted the offers and signed. Staff asked the council to approve the signed easements and to authorize payment as offered; the council approved the motion and the vote carried 4-0-0.

Staff said negotiations remain ongoing with several property owners, including a major corner property owner at Renner and a large property to the south of 190 Ninth Street. The council was told that no owner had outright refused at the time of the meeting and that staff expected to return with a second round of easements that may include more significant right-of-way acquisitions.

Why it matters: Easements are required for the project to proceed to bidding and construction. Staff said that once all easements are secured, the city expects to put the project out to bid, likely later in the fall.