Commission approves two property purchases to expand electric department site

The Garden City Commission approved two real-estate purchase agreements that will give the Electric Department additional land adjacent to existing facilities for future substation and electrical-infrastructure expansions.

The governing body authorized a purchase from Schneider Radio Service Inc. for approximately 8.33 acres at 145 South Parmalini Road for $100,000, and separately approved a purchase agreement with American Warrior Construction Inc. for approximately 4.57 acres in the North Taylor addition for $68,550. Staff said the 8.33-acre tract adjoins city-owned property at 4570 E. Highway 50 and will allow expansion of electrical facilities; the 4.57-acre parcel will accommodate a future substation site to replace existing Substation No. 5.

Staff noted the American Warrior purchase is contingent on bankruptcy-court approval in a seller's Chapter 11 case (case number cited in staff memo), and that the city is under no obligation to buy additional acreage included in an option if the seller later offers the remainder for sale.

What the commission decided: Both purchase agreements were approved by motion and second; funding for the land purchases will come from the Electric Department's 2025 budget line for land purchases and will be reflected in a revised 2025 budget adjustment.

Why it matters: The purchases secure land needed for planned electrical infrastructure, including replacement of aging equipment and a planned substation; staff said having adjacent parcels reduces project risk and delays related to right-of-way or site acquisition during future capital projects.