Altoona council authorizes sewer project that may require land acquisition; resident raises easement concerns

Altoona’s City Council voted Sept. 18 to authorize a public improvement for the Muchikinock Creek Trunk Sewer Phase 2 project that may require acquisition of agricultural land.

The project drew public comment from resident Ted Griffieon, who said negotiations over a permanent easement affecting his property were still ongoing and expressed concern about the impact to his land. "Negotiations were still ongoing for the permanent easement with regards to his land and this project," Griffieon said during the public hearing.

City Engineer John Dostart described the hearing as the step that allows the city to proceed with condemnation if staff cannot reach a voluntary agreement. "This is a public hearing to authorize us to proceed to condemnation if we can not reach a voluntary agreement. Negotiations are still ongoing, and we are going to do everything we can to reach a voluntary agreement," Dostart said. He also told the council that any settlement payment would require council approval.

After the hearing closed, the council approved the resolution by roll call (recorded as 4-0). The transcript does not specify individual vote choices beyond the tally. The city did not record any immediate settlement terms in the meeting minutes; Dostart emphasized continued efforts to negotiate before pursuing condemnation.

Next steps: staff will continue right-of-way negotiations and, if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached, may return with a condemnation recommendation and proposed settlement for council approval.