TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Peter Fernandez, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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Acquisition of Property for the Shelton Ditch Improvement Project
Ward(s): 2
Councilor(s): Linda Nishioka
Neighborhood(s): Southeast Salem
Result Area(s): Natural Environment Stewardship; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure.
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SUMMARY:
summary
Shelton Ditch is a key component of the City’s stormwater system, providing flood relief to Mill Creek and several Salem neighborhoods. The ditch has experienced significant erosion over the years, becoming increasingly deep and wide. This project will address embankment erosion along Shelton Ditch by providing long-term stabilization of the creek banks in the affected areas (Attachment 1, Project Location Map). The design of the project has progressed to the point where it is necessary to begin acquiring easements and property for the proposed improvements.
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ISSUE:
Shall City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-59 (Attachment 2), declaring a public need to acquire, and the City of Salem’s intent to negotiate for the acquisition of easements and property for the construction of the first phase of the Shelton Ditch Improvement project?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-59, declaring a public need to acquire, and the City of Salem’s intent to negotiate for the acquisition of easements and property for the construction of the first phase of Shelton Ditch Improvements project.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
This project will improve and protect a portion of Shelton Ditch and adjacent properties by sloping and reinforcing the banks to minimize further erosion. The project is being designed in the public interest to stabilize approximately 500 feet of ditch embankment, and there is a need to acquire easements along six properties and to purchase one property to construct the required improvements.
The City will negotiate with property owners to acquire the required easements and property and will pay just compensation for all acquisitions. The property owners of record are identified in Attachment 3.
A separate resolution authorizing eminent domain will be issued at a later date if right-of-way negotiations between the City and a property owner fails.
This is the first section of Shelton Ditch that will be improved, and the estimated cost is $2,040,000. Additional sections will be evaluated and funded in a future Capital Improvement Plan.
The project is scheduled for construction in 2024.
BACKGROUND:
Shelton Ditch was constructed in the mid 1800’s for flood control relief of Mill Creek. The ditch diverts water from Mill Creek at Shelton Dam and proceeds westerly, eventually discharging into Pringle Creek at Pringle Park. The ditch is approximately 2 miles long.
Brian D. Martin, PE
City Engineer
Attachments:
1. Project Location Map
2. Resolution No. 2022-59
3. Identified Properties (Exhibit 1 to Resolution)