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Council approves higher-cost appraiser for Melrose Avenue right-of-way work to meet DOT timeline
Summary
University Heights approved a higher-cost appraisal contract for right-of-way work on the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets project because the firm guaranteed a faster delivery (six weeks) and has more experience with public acquisition appraisals, helping the city keep a September DOT plan submittal deadline.
The University Heights City Council on May 13 approved a contract with a higher-cost appraisal firm to provide property appraisals needed for right-of-way and easement acquisitions on the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets project, citing timeline and experience concerns.
City Engineer Ryan and staff said the complete-streets project requires easement acquisition before final plans can be sent to the Iowa Department of Transportation, which needs approximately three months to review final plans before a December bid. Ryan said missing the DOT schedule could delay bidding. Two appraisal proposals were received; staff recommended the higher-cost firm because it committed to deliver reports within six weeks and has greater experience with public acquisition appraisals in the region.
In council discussion, staff noted the higher cost is within the DOT-expected range for public-takings appraisal work (approximately $1,000 to $2,500 per property) and that commercial parcels and properties used for football parking increase complexity and time. Councilmembers observed that accelerating appraisal delivery could avoid larger construction inflation costs later.
Council moved to accept the recommended appraisal contract (Resolution 25-17). The motion passed on a roll-call vote 3–0 with two members absent. Staff instructed the appraiser to prioritize the work so the city can complete easement acquisition or secure eminent-domain hearing dates in time to meet DOT deadlines.
The council did not disclose the vendor name or the exact contract amount for the higher-cost proposal in the audible portion of the transcript, only that it exceeded an alternative lower-cost quote and that staff recommended the higher-cost proposal on the basis of timeline and experience.
