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2.03: Consider the Sale of Peltzer Park (Lot 1, Block 5, Peltzer Addition) <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood reviewed the staff report and presented a draft policy for the <br />disposition of surplus City -owned lands. He estimated there were 20 distinct groups of people <br />using Peltzer Park, an average of three persons in each group, equating to about 20 hours of <br />playground use, at a minimum, in one March weekend. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated he favors selling underutilized properties but it is now clear that Peltzer <br />Park is being used so he supports keeping and maintaining the property. <br />Councilmember Strommen concurred, noting the maintenance of Peltzer Park is not that much, <br />and park use will probably increase during warmer summer months. <br />Councilmember McGlone suggested consideration whether to sell should not have labeled only <br />"utilization" but, rather, what the City can sell. He stated he is not considering the number of <br />people using the property. Councilmember McGlone noted this is one of 36 parcels with <br />potential for sale and while $1,000 in maintenance may not be a lot, it may not factor staff <br />traveling to and from the park for the maintenance. He stated the idea was to take money from <br />selling properties and put it into the park fund to pay for the system and create a better value to <br />residents for what they pay for parks in general. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated his preference to start with considering properties that are not utilized prior <br />to considering parcels that are being utilized. <br />Councilmember Backous indicated that tough decisions will need to be made to weed out the <br />quantity of parks but he believed there were easier properties the Council can consider than <br />Peltzer Park. <br />Councilmember Wise stated if this decision is delayed, he wants to make sure it remains on the <br />list of potential properties for sale so it is not forgotten. <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood presented pictures taken in Peltzer Park at ten - minute increments. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he is concerned with the policy because selling parkland that was <br />dedicated by someone for that purpose should not be taken lightly and requires foresight. He <br />stated he is struggling with this decision, understands the budget consideration, but felt it may be <br />almost impossible to buy park land in the future so he wants to be cautious and assure a good <br />thought process. <br />Councilmember McGlone asked how large is Peltzer Park. <br />Planning Intern Brama estimated close to 10 acres. <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood added it is primarily low land. <br />City Council Work Session / April 10, 2012 <br />Page 10 of 13 <br />