Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding Order No. 2023-04. An order of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Luis, Arizona, (1) authorizing and directing the acquisition of all property necessary for the construction to widen Cesar Chavez Boulevard by dedication, donation, purchase, exchange, or under the power of eminent domain as a matter of public necessity, (2) authorizing the transfer of funds to make up a short-fall from a federal grant and the general fund for the acquisitions, and (3) authorizing the City Manager to take any and all actions in furtherance of the acquisitions.  (Jenny Torres, Assistant City Manager)

On January 12, 2022, the city awarded a contract to Consultant Engineering, Inc. for the acquisition of property for the widening of Cesar Chavez Boulevard. The consultant was directed to conduct appraisals, prepare offer packages, conduct negotiations, secure purchase agreements, and open/close escrows of 11 private properties. The city allocated $803,816.00 for the private right-of-way acquisition from a Federal Highway Administration grant and general fund. Based on the current appraisals, offer packages, and the remaining negotiations of 9 properties, we estimate that we will have a financial gap of approximately $598,000.00. Staff is requesting authorization to reallocate funding from projects that will not be able to be completed this fiscal year and allow for the progress of the right-of-way acquisition, and to authorize the City Manager to take any required action to complete the purchase for the right away related to the Cesar Chavez Blvd. project. Staff will allocate funding in the next fiscal year to complete the acquisitions of two properties that require additional research. If negotiations fail, staff requests the authority to acquire the property by eminent domain.