Commissioners discuss possible sale of city-owned land behind vacant hospital; access and valuation questions remain

City staff told commissioners that several residents have inquired about buying a portion of city-owned land adjacent to the vacant hospital building to build a small shop. Staff said the applicants trimmed their request to avoid the EMS building and proposed a parcel behind their home near the city easement area.

Commissioners raised concerns about access, noting there is no plotted alley with gravel access behind the lots and that utilities and easements would need to be examined. One commissioner recommended notifying the two adjacent homeowners about the proposed sale so neighbors are aware of a potential transaction. Staff said a survey has been completed but a lot split at the county and a legal description have not been finalized.

Staff discussed options for limiting any sale to the portion directly behind the requesting property, how to price the parcel (staff estimated roughly $800 for a small parcel based on recent appraisals of nearby lots), and whether adding an alley or easement would be necessary for future access. Legal counsel said selling the land by quitclaim deed would be possible but emphasized that staff should return with contract language describing access and any buyer obligations.

The commission did not finalize a sale at the meeting. Instead, commissioners asked staff to prepare a contract, draft a legal description, and return with more details and the affected property owners present. Staff said they would bring the item back at a future meeting once the contract and access information are prepared.