Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Swap topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews land swap with Stewardship Ranches to secure power-plant parcel, votes to approve pending county sign-off
Summary
Council members discussed and approved a proposed land exchange with Stewardship Ranches that would return full ownership of a parcel containing part of the city’s power plant, subject to county approval and recording. The swap would trade roughly 1.5 acres for 1.2 acres.
Mount Pleasant City Council on July 30 discussed and approved a proposed property exchange with Stewardship Ranches that would transfer city ownership of a narrower parcel adjacent to the power plant and grant Stewardship Ranches land they can use to gate and store equipment.
City staff explained the swap followed a survey conducted while building the new water treatment plant, which showed fractional ownership and existing rights-of-way crossing the disputed parcel. The proposed exchange would consolidate the parcel that contains the city’s surge pond and the hydro facility under municipal title, while giving Stewardship Ranches a contiguous parcel and an easement route to reach its cabins.
Staff said the exchange would be close in acreage and value: the city would trade about 1.5 acres and receive about 1.2 acres, a difference of roughly three-tenths of an acre; part of the larger parcel contains easements that limit development, so staff said the net buildable area is comparable. The swap would also let Stewardship Ranches move a gate and collaborate with the city on fencing along the county road to better protect springs and the water treatment site.
The council emphasized that the exchange requires county recording and approval. Staff said the city attorney had advised that no public hearing was legally required but that notifying the public was prudent; the item was discussed in the public meeting to collect questions.
After discussion and public questions clarifying access, easement routing and whether the swap would affect campsites or parcel splits, Councilmember Kate moved to approve the property exchange pending county approval; Councilmember Paul seconded. The council approved the motion on a roll call vote. Staff said they will check county recording requirements and pursue the recording process if the county approves the swap.
