Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $20,000 purchase of church lot for neighborhood park, funds moved from general reserve
Summary
The City of Aberdeen voted to buy roughly half an acre from First Baptist Church for about $20,000 to create a neighborhood park; the council amended the motion to pay from the General Fund reserve to protect the parks operating budget.
The City of Aberdeen Council approved a purchase agreement on Monday to acquire roughly half an acre of land adjacent to First Baptist Church for a neighborhood park, voting to pay $20,000 plus closing costs for the parcel.
Mayor Shoneman and council members discussed the proposal after parks staff and the mayor described the site as an opportunity to serve a nearby neighborhood with many young families and limited walkable park access. The council initially moved to approve the purchase agreement for the parcel and then voted on an amendment to fund the land purchase from the General Fund reserve so the Parks and Recreation Department would not be required to absorb the unexpected expense within its operating budget.
The council voted to amend the motion to use the General Fund reserve for the payment. The amendment passed in roll call with the following votes: Ronan — Aye; Foburg — Aye; Liebelt — Aye; Ward — Aye; Johnson — Aye; Ekonger — Aye; Nilsson — No; Norbstrup — Aye; Mayor Shoneman — Aye.
After the amendment passed, the council approved the purchase agreement by roll call. The purchase agreement vote was: Nordstrom — Aye; Nilsson — No; Ekonger — Aye; Johnson — Aye; Ward — Aye; Liebelt — Aye; Foburg — Aye; Ronan — Aye; Mayor Shoneman — Aye. The motion carried.
City staff described a low‑cost plan to assemble playground equipment that had been decommissioned at the state School for the Blind and move it to the new site as a cost‑effective way to build the neighborhood playground. The mayor thanked the First Baptist Church congregation for a unanimous vote in favor of the sale, a step their bylaws required.
Council member objections focused on long‑term maintenance costs; one council member said existing parks can serve the area and expressed concern about additional mowing and upkeep. Supporters said the site is closer to apartments and multiunit housing in the neighborhood and that crossing Melgaard Avenue is difficult for young children, arguing the new park would better serve nearby families.
The council directed that the land purchase proceed; parks staff will manage park construction and equipment placement with the city covering the land cost from the General Fund reserve.
Purchase price: $20,000; estimated closing costs: approximately $1,500; estimated total to be moved from General Fund reserve to Parks Department: about $21,500.
