Libraries' capital needs would be met. Kimball told the committee that he is anxious to work on this proposal and is seeking feedback from the committee members. Rather than develop legislation, an eminent domain booklet was compiled. John Inglish, UTA, told the committee that every other transit authority and local government has the power of eminent domain. When UTA was only a bus company, there was no need for eminent domain, but now that the company is working on rail lines, it needs eminent domain.
Federal procedures assume that transit districts have eminent domain.
Alternatives to eminent domain were then discussed. Salt Lake City Councilmember Carlton Christensen asked what would require UTA to work with municipalities if that contact was no longer needed for eminent domain. UTA representatives said that the cities would still control the board of directors. Conditional use permits and processes would keep UTA in contact with municipalities. Paul Morris, West Valley City Attorny, Paul Morris asked if UTA would consider drafting a requirement for planning commission approval or city council approval, as well as an exemption of public property.