Council adopts resolution of necessity to acquire rights of way for Safe Routes to School project; final vote 5–1

City right‑of‑way staff presented a resolution of necessity authorizing acquisition of permanent rights‑of‑way and temporary construction easements for the Filling the Gaps Safe Routes to School capital improvement project (Project P21147). Jeremy Shearer, representing right‑of‑way staff, said the measure is part of a previously adopted capital project and is a critical path item to acquire parcels and easements needed for sidewalks and related improvements.

Shearer outlined that staff will negotiate in good faith with property owners to reach agreements on just compensation and that condemnation is not automatic; alternative dispute resolution options would be used if negotiations fail. He displayed an acquisition schedule and maps showing parcels and temporary construction easements (exhibit B in the staff report) and noted that some parcels require only temporary easements while others need permanent acquisition.

A motion to adopt Resolution Number 1 was made and seconded; the council vote recorded the following: Councilor Weber — yes; Councilor Moe — yes; Councilor Rodley — yes; Councilor Blackwell — yes; Councilor Doyle — nay; Councilor Stout — yes. The chair declared the motion passed 5 yeses, 1 no. Councilor DeRionne noted that her vote should not be interpreted as either support or opposition to the Safe Routes program itself but that she has an aversion to eminent domain.

The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with acquisition actions as described in the staff report and explains that some acquisitions are intended to be temporary construction easements to allow grading or driveway tie‑ins. The presentation emphasized that the improvements are designed to “be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury” and to improve walking conditions for students and residents.