Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/31/2012

Home

The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to make amendments and move this permit application forward to the City Council's regular session on August 13, 2012, for formal approval. 2.03: Consider Sale of Surplus City Owned Land: Case of Windsorwood Property Management Analyst Brama reviewed the staff report and recommendation to move forward with the sale of Windsorwood, which has been identified as surplus City -owned unrestricted land. It was noted this property is valued at $51,000, and buildable. A letter was mailed to property owners located within 350 feet of the subject property and the two adjacent property owners expressed interest in the property and do not want to see it developed. David Pomroy, 8950 178 Circle, adjacent landowner, stated he is very interested in buying the property, would like to know the price, and the tax base. He has lived at his address for ten years. Mr. Pommy explained the other adjacent property owner was not able to attend but also wants the property left as it is. He noted that three property owners have actually expressed interest in purchasing the property. Councilmember Tossey stated he understands the resident's interest in purchasing the land and would like to give them the ability to purchase the property without involving a realtor to keep their costs down. Councilmember McGlone stated he can appreciate the resident's wanting to purchase it and asked Mr. Pomroy to consider that if one property owner purchases the property, it would create an "L" shaped lot that could be developed. Mr. Pommy stated he is against co- purchasing the property with another party in case there is a fight or legal issues in the future. He stated he would like to buy the property himself. Councilmember McGlone stated he would not want to do anything without first getting an appraisal. He stated he does not care if a house is built on this property, but does not want to mow it again. City Attorney Goodrich advised that the City cannot sell any property without first enacting an ordinance at a public meeting. City Administrator Ulrich recommended an appraisal to establish a minimum value and offered the option of holding an auction with a reserved value as established by an appraisal. He noted the property is zoned Open Space so it would need to be rezoned and the land use changed prior to offering for sale. Councilmember Strommen stated she favors negotiating with neighbors first and rezoning prior to the appraisal, even if a better price can be gained by another method. Councilmember Backous noted City staff is limited and asked why the property should not be listed with a realtor to do the work and negotiate with the neighbors. City Council Work Session / July 31, 2012 Page 6 of 18