Owner told to seek county deed transfer and plan utilities before developing sliver of county-owned land

Property owner Mike McDonald briefed the Mona City Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 3 about his intent to develop parcels adjacent to Main Street and 300 South. McDonald said a small sliver of land near his property and another sliver between mapped lines appears to remain in Jewett County ownership; he was advised to request the county transfer the parcel to Mona City.

Planning staff told McDonald the next step is to request the county commissioners to deed the land to Mona City, after which he would submit engineering design plans for a subdivision (minor or major depending on scope). Staff and commissioners discussed that McDonald would be responsible for road construction and utility extension: full road construction (not half road) would likely be required in this area, and the property currently lacks water; sewer and water lines would need to be extended, possibly to Main Street or 3200 East, and could include significant cost for the developer.

Commissioners discussed additional complications: Wilkerson family properties adjacent to the site, earlier litigation in which a piece of road was deeded to the city, potential illegal subdivisions at the back end of lots, and the need for engineering drawings to determine setbacks, frontage and a 66-foot right-of-way (33-foot half-road standard may be used where applicable).

Staff encouraged McDonald to pursue the deed transfer with county commissioners (McDonald said he will be on the county agenda in October) and to prepare design plans for either a minor or major subdivision. No formal action was taken by the commission; staff will assist with next steps and advise on engineering and easement issues.