Payson council tables resolution authorizing acquisition of 1700 North Doggy Circle amid public objections

The Payson Common Council voted 7–0 on March 25 to table a resolution that would authorize the town to begin acquisition proceedings — including eminent domain if necessary — for 1700 North Doggy Circle, council members said. The tabling gives the parties roughly two weeks to pursue mediation before the council considers further action.

Why it matters: The property owners, Brian and June Dudley, say town drainage work routed excess water onto their lot, causing repeated flooding inside their home. The dispute is the subject of pending litigation and, according to speakers at the meeting, a trial scheduled to begin in less than four weeks.

Michael Harper, an attorney representing the Dudleys, told the council the family has lived in the house for decades and that the town’s installation of culverts on a neighboring parcel changed historic drainage patterns and led to flooding. “This is not a fix,” Harper said of the proposed acquisition. “This is kicking the can down the road. This is horrible for the Dudley family and I ask you not to do it.”

Neighbor Carolyn Hannaford said the house is “more than a parcel” and described the Dudleys’ long ties to the block. “I beg you to please not take this from her and her family,” she said. Resident Jeff Robbins said the publicly posted resolution did not explain why seizure was necessary and asked the town to disclose alternatives considered.

Town counsel Christina (speaker 3) characterized the item as an authorizing resolution that would permit the town to commence the statutory condemnation process; she said property owners would receive a 20‑day notice and an appraisal of fair market value and that court processes govern any subsequent dispute. Christina also said settlement offers had been made and refused.

Council action: Following public comment and a closed‑door executive session for legal advice, Mayor (speaker 1) moved to table the item for two weeks to allow mediation; the motion passed by voice vote, 7–0. Council members said mediation slots were available in the near term and directed staff to pursue that option before returning the matter to the public agenda.

What’s next: The council will revisit the resolution after attempts at mediation, or sooner if parties reach a settlement. Because the resolution authorizes the statutory process rather than automatically transferring title, council statements and staff comments emphasized that any acquisition would still follow appraisal, notice and court procedures.

Authorities and official items: The agenda listed item F1 as “resolution number 2026‑617, authorizing the acquisition of 1700 North Doggy Circle for public purposes, including necessary flooding remediation work.” The staff presentation referenced the statutory condemnation process and the 20‑day notice and appraisal that would accompany a takings action.

The meeting adjourned after the tabling vote.