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Council authorizes good-faith negotiations, potential condemnation for waterline easement after owner objections
Summary
Council Bill 3308 — declaring public necessity to acquire a small easement for a waterline connection to improve fire suppression — passed 5–1 after property owners of Mt. Hood Self Storage voiced frustration and requested that Salud pay excavation costs.
Council Bill 3308 was introduced as a public-works measure to secure an easement to complete a looped waterline between Salute Medical Center and the adjacent Mount Hood Self Storage site on Mount Hood Avenue. Planning/Public Works staff explained the project is in the city's water master plan and necessary for fire suppression; they described the easement as approximately a 5-foot connection over roughly 80 square feet (described in the staff presentation as 5 by 16 feet). "This is to complete a waterline connection... for fire suppression purposes," staff said.
Two representatives of KWG Enterprises, which operates the Mt. Hood Self Storage property, spoke in opposition. Kim Griffiths said the business commenced construction in 2017 and that Salud declined to connect then; she asked why the city is now involved and requested Salud pay $38,000 to reopen asphalt for the connection. Walt Griffiths reiterated frustration and called the matter a private dispute, asserting the city should not be involved. In response councilors said the resolution authorizes good-faith negotiations and, only if necessary, formal condemnation. Council voted 5–1 to pass the resolution. The action authorizes staff to negotiate with property owners and pursue eminent-domain steps if negotiations fail, with the city attorney's office to manage any condemnation proceedings.
