HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC-06-19-00-03 Monon PropertyRESOLUTION NO. CC-06-19-00-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA,
REGARDING THE ACQUISITION OF MONON TRAIL PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the City of Carmel, Indiana, has determined, in coordination with the Carreel/Clay
Parks Department, that the acquisition and construction of a linear park and recreational trail on the
abandoned Morton railway corridor between 96~1' Street and 146t" Street in Hamilton County, Indiana (the
"Monon Trail") is in the public interest and for public purpose; and
WHEREAS, for over two (2) years, the City, through the earnest efforts of Mayor Brainard, City
Attorney Haney, Department of Administration Director Staehler, Parks Director Auler and outside
counsel, have done everything reasonably possible to ascertain and accommodate the legitimate needs,
concerns and wishes of the landowners whose property abuts the Morton Trail; and
WHEREAS, through the efforts of the above individuals, and with the support and assistance of
the Common Council, the City will, by June 15, 2000, have settled with all but eight (8) of the landowners
of the approximately two hundred forty (240) parcels of property comprising the Monon Trail; and
WHEREAS, negotiations with these remaining eight (8) landowners have been carried on by the
City, at a significant cost and use of staff time, for over one (1) year, both through negotiations with the
landowners' counsel and through the use of an impartial mediator; and
WHEREAS, despite promises to the contrary, it appears that there exists no desire on the part of
these eight (8) remaining landowners to come to any reasonable agreement with the City that would allow
the City to construct the Monon Trail in a timely manner. To the contrary, the record in this case suggests
that the goal of these landowners may be to simply delay the City's acquisition process as long as
possible, thereby preventing the citizens of our community from having and enjoying the Monon Trail;
and
WHEREAS, the City has, to date, not aggressively pursued eminent domain litigation against
these Monon Trail landowners, seeking instead to informally and amicably settle their cases through
negotiation and compromise; and
WHEREAS, it now appears that further discussions with these remaining eight (8) landowners
will not be productive nor lead to a good faith compromise and settlement of this remaining Monon Trail
eminent domain litigation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARMEL, INDIANA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the foregoing Recitals are incorporated herein by this reference.
Page One of Three Pages
2. That the Mayor, as chief executive officer of the City of Cannel, Indiana, immediately
advise the following eight (8) landowners:
Thomas and Linda Harleman
Vera Hinshaw
Drew and Lisa MacDonald
Bradley and Sallie Peeler
Cynthia Heimlicher
Patricia Jorczak
Julian and Mary Mykyta
William and Barbara Thornsen
that all current settlement offers as regards their Monon Trail property shall expire as of 2:00 p.m. local
time on July 14, 2000.
3. That the Mayor, through the City's legal counsel, as soon as possible after 2:00 p.m. on
July 14, 2000, obtain prompt and certain trial dates in the City's eminent domain lawsuits against the
landowners of all properties that have not, as of such time and date, closed with the City as to their
property interests at issue.
4. That the City's counsel pursue the eight (8) eminent domain lawsuits referenced above
with due haste and vigor, and to the fullest extent allowed by law.
5. That this Resolution shall take effect upon its passage by the Common Council and
signing by the Mayor as required by law.
PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana this J~ day of ~_Jl U cO
2000, by a vote of t7 ayes and tO nays.
COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CA L, INDI
~ ~rby ~ ven
°be~ ~~. ,~/.
~' WX~A. Wilson
Diana L. Cordray, i%reasurer
Conuqaon Council Resolution No. CC-06-19-00-03
Page Two of Three Pages
Pre nted by me to the Mayor of the City of Cannel, Indiana the ~ day of
2000.
' Diana L. Cordray, I~rer
2A0p~?ved by me, the Mayor of the City of Cannel, Indi~thi~~
afm~es Brainard, Mayor
A T
Common Council Resolution No. CC-06-19-00-03
Page Three of Three Pages
NEW AGENDA ITEM
TODAY'S DATE: JUNE 12, 2000
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS (ORIGINAL AND 7 COPIES)
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