Business owners and residents appearing Thursday urged the city to improve outreach after the council reviewed multiple resolutions authorizing the use of condemnation for right‑of‑way and temporary construction easements tied to federal/state‑funded flood‑mitigation projects.

Shane Hallman of Collins Holdings and Jim West (West Auto Sales) said they received only short letters about potential acquisitions and that staff had not made clear contact explaining scope or timeline. "The worst thing about it is not knowing anything," West told the council. Property owners described uncertainty about potential retaining walls, street elevation changes, and impacts to parking and business operations.

Director Merrick said consultants are negotiating with property owners and that authorizing condemnation is a standard early step when federal funding requires acquired right‑of‑way before plans can be accepted by the Iowa DOT and placed on a bid schedule. Merrick said condemnation is rarely the desired outcome and that staff prefer negotiated agreements and will remain in contact with owners throughout design and construction.

Members of council from wards affected urged staff to meet property owners today, to provide diagrams and timeline information, and to include a named contact on notification letters. Council also heard several residents who said earlier outreach had been inconsistent and asked for more in‑person meetings to reduce hostility.

Why it matters: Flood mitigation projects require right‑of‑way to qualify for DOT bidding; delayed right‑of‑way can push back bidding and construction and jeopardize federal funding timelines.

What happens next: Staff committed to follow up promptly with affected owners, to share plan details where possible, and to provide a clearer communication path while pursuing negotiated easements.