Council briefed on Boysen/Albernat sidewalk project; staff may seek condemnation if negotiations stall

City staff presented design and property-acquisition details for a federally funded Boysen Road/Albernat Road/8th Avenue project that will widen a segment of roadway and install sidewalks on both sides to meet complete-streets federal grant requirements.

Mike described the project footprint and said permanent right-of-way acquisitions are typically about five feet in places (to push sidewalks back from the curb for snow storage) plus temporary construction easements for grading and driveway work. Staff emphasized that federal funding requires compliant acquisition processes and noted the city has HDR under contract to carry out acquisitions.

Planning staff (Kara) told council that three property owners have not reached agreement in negotiations; two had been vocal and one (D10) has engaged an attorney. Kara said staff would request authority for condemnation on the items where negotiations remain stalled if needed to protect the project timeline and grant conditions, while still hoping negotiations bring owners back to the table.

Council sought clarification on environmental clearances and potential construction timing; staff said environmental work is underway and that acquisitions/condemnations must be resolved before the city can let the construction contract. No formal condemnation motion was made at the work session; staff presented the anticipated next steps and invited affected property owners to speak at the public hearing.