Said Austin Utilities board may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, appear and prosecute unto final judgment in any court, or elsewhere, in the name of said Austin Utilities board, have a common seal and alter the same at pleasure. They may employ all proper engineers, surveyors, clerks, or other agents or assistants necessary or convenient for accomplishing the purposes contemplated by this chapter, and may enter upon any land or water for the purpose of making surveys for alterations or extensions for the same. They may prosecute any action in the name of said board, against any person or persons, for money due for the use of water, electricity, gas, heat, and power; for the breach of any contract, express or implied, touching the execution or management of the water works, electric and gas plant, or any other system of lighting, power or for heating, and the distribution of water, electricity or gas, or for any promise or contract made to or for them; and also for any injury, trespass or nuisance done, caused, or procured to be done or caused to the water courses, and pipes, public electric wires, lines, conduits and machinery and gas pipes and mains or any other apparatus belonging to or connected with any part of the water works and electric light and power plant, and gas plant or for any improper use or waste of water or gas. Said board may acquire land or any interest therein by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise in its own name for the purposes contemplated by this chapter and any other purposes herein to implement the powers set forth herein. In acquiring property by exercising the power of eminent domain, the board shall proceed according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 117 or other applicable law.