2023/07/26 Council Agenda Packet

City Council Agenda Item Cover Sheet Project title: An Ordinance Providing for the Acquisition by Eminent Domain of the Property Located At 1301 Lombard Avenue, Everett, Washington, Commonly Known as the Waits Motel, for the Purpose of Eliminating Neighborhood Blight Council Bill # interoffice use CB 2307-37 Project: Acquisition of Waits Motel Partner/Supplier: N/A. Location: 1301 Lombard Avenue Preceding action: Resolution Fund: General Fund Agenda dates requested: July 19, 2023; July 26, 2023; August 2, 2023 Briefing Proposed action Consent Action Ordinance X Public hearing 8/2/23 Yes X No Budget amendment: Yes X No PowerPoint presentation: Yes X No Attachments: Ordinance Department(s) involved: Police, Legal Contact person: Chief Dan Templeman David Hall Phone number: 425-257-8493 (Templeman) 425-257-8624 (Hall) Email: dtempleman@everettwa.gov dhall@everettwa.gov Initialed by: Department head Administration Council President Fiscal summary statement: Acquisition cost is fair market value, in accordance with applicable law Project summary statement: RCW 35.80A.010 authorizes the City of Everett to condemn property that "constitutes a blight on the surrounding neighborhood." This statute provides that a property is a "blight on the surrounding neighborhood" if any two of the following factors exist: (1) If a dwelling, building, or structure exists on the property, the dwelling, building, or structure has not been lawfully occupied for a period of one year or more; (2) the property, dwelling, building, or structure constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare as determined by the executive authority of the county, city, or town, or the designee of the executive authority; or (3) the property, dwelling, building, or structure is or has been associated with illegal drug activity during the previous twelve months. The statute further requires that the City Council must adopt a resolution declaring that the acquisition of the property is necessary to eliminate neighborhood blight. The City Council adopted the required resolution on July 12, 2023. Next a condemnation ordinance is needed, which is scheduled for first and second readings on July 19 and July 26, with third reading, public hearing and action on August 2, 2023. Passage of the ordinance authorizes the City Attorney to file a lawsuit in Superior Court to acquire the Waits Motel. Recommendation (exact action requested of Council): Adopt Ordinance providing for the Acquisition by Eminent Domain of the Property located at 1301 Lombard Avenue, Everett, Washington, commonly known as the Waits Motel, for the purpose of eliminating Neighborhood Blight.