North Logan authorizes eminent domain for Elkridge Park parcel after long debate with property owner

The North Logan City Council voted 4-1 on May 14 to approve a resolution authorizing the use of formal eminent domain to acquire part of Parcel 04-088-002 (about 933 East, 2200 North) for expansion of Elkridge Park.

The vote followed more than an hour of public and council discussion. Wayman Stodart, an attorney representing the property owner, said his client had not understood until recently that eminent domain was a live possibility and urged the council to reject the resolution so negotiations could continue. "I would urge the council to vote nay on this resolution," Stodart told the council.

Mayor Lindsay Peterson, council members and staff framed the decision as a response to contractual obligations tied to a multi-jurisdictional land-swap and environmental-review process the city entered into to accommodate the Green Canyon High School site. City staff summarized a multi-year negotiation record and said a formal offer and required ombudsman materials were delivered to the owner earlier this year.

City staff cited an appraisal completed Dec. 14, 2024, that valued the portion of the parcel the city seeks at $714,800 for about 2.94 acres. The council was told the property was identified in a Bureau of Recreation (BOR) exchange and that North Logan must secure comparable acreage to satisfy federal requirements tied to earlier transfers involving Cache County and other municipalities.

Council members said they did not take the use of eminent domain lightly. "We would if we were voting tonight on whether we want to do eminent domain, the answer would be no across the board," Councilmember Kenny said during debate before the roll call, but ultimately voted in favor.

Councilmember Kenny cast the lone dissenting vote; Buzzy Molkell, Emily (last name not provided in the transcript), Mark (last name not provided) and Joni Kartchner voted aye. The council did not immediately file a court complaint; city attorneys and the mayor said the council would continue settlement discussions even after approving the resolution.

The council's action authorizes the city to pursue a court process if negotiations fail. Officials told the public they would continue to invite the owner to present a written counteroffer and to engage with the city before the filing of any formal condemnation complaint.

Why it matters: the parcel is tied to a years-old interlocal agreement and federal requirements stemming from a land swap related to Green Canyon High School; the decision affects required park acreage and triggers legal procedures that can include a judicial determination of fair-market value.

What council did: passed a resolution authorizing eminent domain for Parcel 04-088-002 to acquire land for Elkridge Park; vote 4-1.

Next steps: city staff said they remain open to negotiation and will continue efforts to reach a voluntary agreement before pursuing litigation.