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Easement talks stall for Emerald Valley stormwater ponds; council considers condemnation
Summary
Council updated negotiations with Randy and Trish Amundson over a 1.2-acre easement needed for two stormwater ponds and a 15-foot pipe to the North Zumbro River; the city has offered $5,000 and discussed condemnation if talks fail, while nearby developer Dan McPherson said he will not build until the easement is secured.
The Wanamingo City Council received an update on May 11 about outstanding easement negotiations with property owners Randy and Trish Amundson for stormwater ponds serving the Emerald Valley subdivision.
City engineer Brandon Theobald and Mayor Ryan Holmes said the city needs roughly 1.2 acres for two northern stormwater ponds and a 15-foot pipe connection to the North Zumbro River. The city has made a $5,000 offer for the easement and said it has explored condemnation as a fallback, acknowledging condemnation would add appraisal and attorney costs for both parties. Theobald told the council discussions continue and that a meeting with the Amundsons was scheduled for May 12.
Developer Dan McPherson told the council he will not begin building until the easement is finalized and the stormwater connection is in place. Councilmembers debated whether to press for condemnation or continue bargaining: Councilmember Stuart Ohr said the city should avoid paying more than $5,000 and was reluctant to buy land outright; Flotterud urged obtaining a counteroffer from the Amundsons and signaled readiness to proceed with condemnation if negotiations make no progress.
No formal action to condemn or purchase was taken; councilmembers directed staff to continue negotiations and report back following the May 12 meeting.
