Work Order 09-15 Grand Avenue will widen Grand Avenue from Zimmerman Trail to Shiloh Road.  The City Engineer's office has been negotiating with the adjacent owners for the necessary right-of-way.  The needed right-of-way was identified on the design plans for the project and must be acquired prior to construction.  Michelotti Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary Inc. owns the property at 3605 Grand Avenue, known as the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.  The company has agreed to sell the necessary right-of-way for $37,550.00 and grant a temporary construction easement, as shown on an attachment to this report.  The property was appraised by The Appraisal Group.  This is the first of three properties that must be acquired.  Negotiations are still in process with the other two property owners.

City Council may:

• Approve the right-of-way Agreement and warranty deed with Michelotti Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary Inc., or;
• Disapprove the right-of-way agreement and warranty deed.  If not approved, there will not be enough right-of-way to widen Grand Avenue.

The cost of the right-of-way and construction easement from Michelotti Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary Inc. is $37,550.00.  This will be paid out of Arterial fees budgeted for the project.

Staff recommends that Council approve the right-of-way agreement and warranty deed with Michelotti Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary Inc.