Board approves purchase agreement step for Ottumwa Park land for baseball/softball complex

The Ottumwa Community School District board approved moving forward with a purchase agreement between the city of Ottumwa and the district for park land intended for a baseball and softball complex. Mike, a district staff member who presented the proposal, told the board the agreement includes outs if the district decides not to proceed and that, "we would pay a dollar for the land, if it does go through," and that the district would pay for the survey. He said the agreement would include reversion language similar to a prior baseball purchase such that the land would revert to the city if the district later sold it for profit or stopped using it for athletics. Mike said the next step, if the board approved, was for city staff (Phil) to present the plan to the city council for their approval; if the city approves, the district would return to the board with contract details. Board members discussed ensuring that elementary facility needs, particularly on the north side, are met before committing extensive funds to the complex. The board moved and seconded approval and the motion passed by voice/hand vote. The district will pursue city approval and later present a detailed proposal with costs and timelines.