Commission authorizes negotiation on sale of 14-acre parcel to Marquette Golf Club

The Marquette City Commission on April 28 authorized the city manager to negotiate the potential sale of roughly 14 acres of city-owned Parcel 0515550 to the Marquette Golf Club and to bring a resolution of sale back to the commission if negotiations succeed.

Commissioners approved the motion on a 7-0 roll call after a presentation by Ken Raschka and other representatives of the Marquette Golf Club. Commissioner Kyle Gottlieb moved the motion and Commissioner Davis seconded it. Mayor Hanley cast the deciding “yes” on the roll call.

The commission’s approval authorizes the club to begin due diligence work needed to determine feasibility and price. City staff told commissioners the club will be responsible for obtaining a survey identifying exact boundaries of the portion it wishes to buy, an appraisal to establish value and any necessary environmental evaluations of the land. The city clerk stated there is no fiscal effect from the commission’s authorization to begin negotiations.

During discussion, commissioners and staff raised questions about future traffic and access, the scope of potential development on the parcel and whether the parcel’s prior use could limit future uses. City staff and the golf club representatives said the parcel includes portions that have not been active and that the property has constraints because it was previously used as a landfill; they indicated environmental work would likely be part of any future purchase process.

Representing the golf club, Ken Raschka described the club’s long history and said the acquisition would “help us protect our boundaries and align with our long term vision to enhance recreational opportunities in the community.” The club highlighted a letter of support from the NTN Trail Network and said it expects no interruption to existing trail connections if the sale proceeds.

Commissioners who spoke said they saw potential community benefits — preserving trail connectivity and returning unused land to productive recreational use — but several asked for more detail about likely uses, traffic impacts on Pioneer Road and environmental constraints before approving any final sale. City staff noted that the commission’s action at this meeting was to permit negotiations and that any final purchase agreement and resolution of sale would return to the commission for consideration.

Motion: “I move to authorize the city manager to negotiate the sale of portion of Parcel 0515550 and authorize the mayor and city clerk to sign the resolution.” — Commissioner Gottlieb (mover); Commissioner Davis (second).

Vote: Roll call 7–0 in favor (Davis: yes; Gottlieb: yes; Larson: yes; Mayer: yes; Ottaway: yes; Mayor Pro Tem Schlegel: yes; Mayor Hanley: yes).

Next steps: The Marquette Golf Club will be allowed to undertake the survey, appraisal and any environmental testing needed to inform a potential purchase agreement. If negotiations succeed, staff will present a draft resolution of sale for commission approval at a future meeting (the club suggested a fuller presentation on May 12).