Forest Park council authorizes purchase of property at 1990 Waycross, adopts two resolutions and accepts finance report

The Forest Park City Council voted 6–0 on March 17 to authorize the city manager to execute documents needed to purchase real property at 1990 Waycross Road. The ordinance (02-2025) authorizes acquisition of the parcel and declares an emergency so the city may complete the purchase, which city staff said would allow the city to control property adjacent to public works and a corner lot the city already owns.

City Manager Don explained the property is the former racquetball court and said the city negotiated a purchase price below the appraised value. "This is the old, the racquetball court. And, it's up for sale. And the city has negotiated with the current owner to purchase the existing racquetball court at a price which is actually below the appraised value," Don said. He added the parcel abuts city-owned property and the purchase would give the city control of a larger development site or allow reuse of the existing building.

Council suspended rules to read the ordinance by title only and then voted 6–0 in a roll-call vote. A procedural issue briefly arose when members realized an earlier roll call occurred before a formal motion and second; council re-took the roll call and the ordinance motion passed 6–0.

The council also suspended rules and adopted two resolutions. Resolution 09-2025 authorizes payment of vendor invoices and, according to comments during the meeting, addressed a retroactive expense requiring a new purchase order to ensure proper funding allocation. Council member Sylvester moved to adopt Resolution 09-2025 and the roll-call vote recorded all six members voting yes.

Resolution 10-2025 supports participation in the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations and allows Forest Park to apply for related grants. The clerk read the resolution by title and the council voted 6–0 to adopt it.

The council accepted the general fund summary report as contained in departmental reports by voice vote after a motion from Council member Sylvester and a second; the chair announced the motion carried.

Other business noted during the meeting included a city manager reminder about tax-filing assistance through April 15, two new police officers starting their assignments, and the City Clerk reporting that Ordinance 02-2025 and Resolutions 09-2025 and 10-2025 had been posted as required.

Actions recorded at the meeting were procedural and financial approvals; the city manager will execute purchase documents for 1990 Waycross Road and staff will process vendor payments and apply for grant opportunities related to the 250th anniversary participation.