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Board to investigate two small park parcels near dam; authorizes survey if needed
Summary
Park board discussed long‑running paperwork issues around two small parcels near Blacktail dam owned by the county and authorized staff to investigate and, if necessary, hire a surveyor to clarify property lines before deciding on sale, lease or easement options.
The park board spent extended time on two small park parcels adjacent to the Zavalni/Greg Zavolni property near Blacktail dam and agreed to continue investigation; the board also authorized staff to obtain a survey if existing records are insufficient.
Board members and multiple longtime residents recounted a decades‑long history in which parcels around Blacktail were surveyed and sold to lot residents in the 1990s. One speaker, a former board participant, described a process in the mid‑1990s in which lots were offered to occupants for $995; he said a final parcel was intended to be transferred but paperwork was never returned to the park board. "The original intention was to make that lot whole just like we made all the other lots whole," he said, reporting that a deed swap took years and ‘‘it never went back to the park board to be finally approved." The board heard that Greg Zavolni (sometimes referenced by speakers with variant spellings) believes he has signed or unsigned documents and deed copies that relate to the transfer.
Parks staff summarized options considered to resolve the matter: sell at public auction (required if above a certain amount), sell at negotiated price, lease, or grant an easement. Staff warned that selling parkland could prompt additional requests from other residents who have eyed small park parcels. Board members stressed caution and asked for documentary evidence before taking final action.
After discussion the board approved a contingent motion authorizing staff to proceed: if a document is presented that satisfies staff and legal review, no new survey would be needed; if no reliable recorded document exists, staff are authorized to hire a surveyor to determine precise parcel boundaries and report back. The motion passed by roll call.
Speakers noted that Game and Fish (state wildlife agency) has expressed safety and management concerns about a boat ramp and other uses near the spillway; staff said one of the two small parcels is largely underwater and the other is mostly clay and not suitable for recreational improvements such as a boat landing.
The board instructed staff to collect any documents Greg Zavolni can provide, review minutes and deeds, and return with survey results or the found documents at a future meeting before considering sale, lease or easement.
