(a) The City, by authorization of the City Council, expressed in a resolution for such purpose, may lease, purchase or acquire an interest in real property needed for a public purpose on such terms and conditions as the Council shall determine. No purchase shall be made until a qualified independent appraiser has appraised the property and given the Council an opinion as to the fair market value of the land unless the Council, upon resolution so finding, determines that the best interest of the City will not be served by an appraisal.

(b) Rights-of-way and easements may be accepted or issued by the City Manager after approval by the City Council for utility lines and services of all types and for necessary rights-of-way easements. This requirement does not apply to rights-of-way or easements dedicated through the City and Borough platting process.