Property within the city may be appropriated for any public or municipal purpose, and subject only to the limitations on appropriations imposed by the state Constitution, appropriation shall be made in the manner provided in this article. By appropriation the city may acquire a fee simple title or any lesser estate, easement or use. Appropriation of property located outside the city shall be made according to the requirements of and in the manner provided by the general law.
When it is deemed necessary to appropriate property council shall adopt a resolution declaring its intent, defining the purpose of the appropriation, setting forth a pertinent description of the property, and identifying the estate or interest to be appropriated. At least one reading of the resolution is necessary prior to its adoption.
Immediately upon the adoption of the resolution required by Section 10.2, the clerk of council shall cause written notice to be given to the owner, person in possession or person having a recorded interest in every piece of land sought to be appropriated, or to his or her authorized agent; and the notice shall be served by a person designated for the purpose and return made in the manner provided by law for the service and return of summonses in civil actions. If the owner, person or agent cannot be found, notice shall be given in accordance with the notice provisions adopted under Section 2.11, and council may then pass an ordinance, by a two-thirds vote of all members of council, directing the appropriation to proceed.
On the passage of any ordinance directing that an appropriation proceed, the director of law shall apply to a court of competent jurisdiction. The application shall describe as correctly as possible the land or other property to be appropriated, the interest or estate to be taken, the object for which the land is desired, and the name of the owner of each lot or parcel sought to be appropriated, and all the subsequent proceedings with regard to appropriation shall be undertaken in the manner provided by general law for the appropriation of property by municipalities in the state.