Council approves ordinance to authorize condemnation for Johnson Drive reconstruction

The Mission City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of land or interests by condemnation for the 2026 Johnson Drive reconstruction project between Lamar and Metcalf. The measure, described by staff as "step 2" in the process, lists all required right‑of‑way and easements (21 parcels) and precedes filing a petition in district court for any properties still outstanding.

"The ordinance before you this evening is step 2 in that process," staff member Laura told the council, explaining that the ordinance includes legal descriptions for each parcel. Laura said the next step after passage would be a district‑court petition for condemnation where needed, and that the city must have easements certified to KDOT by the third week of November to maintain the project's letting schedule.

Councilmember debate was limited. When Councilmember Debbie asked whether property owners had reacted positively or negatively, staff said an appraisal team and staff have met with both owners who have signed and those who have not; the city sent payment checks for the six previously accepted easements the week after the July 16 meeting. Staff also noted many affected properties are corporate entities whose decision‑makers are not local, which can slow approvals, and that concerns often center on access and the temporary impacts of construction. "Loss of business is not compensable as part of this process," Laura said when describing common owner concerns.

A councilmember moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote with all present voting "Aye." Staff indicated passage authorizes the city to proceed toward filing the necessary legal petition for any parcels still without recorded easements. The council did not take additional amendments or direct further study in this session.