Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council clears path to decommission 20 First lift station, approves easement procurements and hires outside counsel for condemnation
Summary
Caldwell approved two easement resolutions to extend a gravity sewer main needed to decommission the 20 First Avenue lift station and authorized outside counsel to represent the city in eminent domain proceedings after negotiations with property owners failed to reach agreement.
Caldwell — The council on May 5 approved two resolutions to acquire permanent and temporary easements needed to construct a gravity sewer main and decommission the 20 First Avenue lift station. Because negotiations with two remaining property owners did not produce signed easements, the council also authorized hiring outside counsel to pursue condemnation proceedings as needed.
City engineering staff said the original plan had the sewer run entirely within public right of way, but alignment changes and discussions with the surety company (Assurity) produced a design that requires easements across private properties. The city has obtained most required easements, staff said, but two property owners did not agree to the city’s offer within the project timeframe. City staff described the lift station as aging and in need of replacement or decommissioning; they said project timing and public‑system reliability made acquiring the remaining easements urgent.
Council approved the two easement resolutions (permanent and temporary construction easements) by motion (moved by Councilor Dittenburg; second by Councilor Register) and later approved a resolution to contract with Jones Williams Furman Gourley, P.A. to provide condemnation and right‑of‑way legal services (moved by Councilor Dittenburg, second by Councilor Denburn). City staff said costs associated with property takings and the condemnation process are expected to be pursued against the surety company tied to the original contractor, not absorbed as a long‑term city cost.
Why it matters: The gravity main is a major piece of sewer infrastructure that will allow the city to retire a lift station the city considers obsolete; the condemnation measure is procedural but significant because it shortens the timeline to complete the line and close the lift station.
Ending: Council approved the easement procurements and engagement of outside counsel. Staff said the city will proceed to acquire the remaining easements and complete the sewer construction documents and bids to get the project built.
