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Council opts to auction small lake frontage strip; sets $7,704 minimum bid
Summary
Council amended a surplus resolution to dispose of Lot 58A (a narrow 6‑ft strip of lake frontage) by public auction rather than through an appraisal board or realtor and set a minimum bid of $7,704 (average prior lake‑lot $/sq ft). The resolution passed after resident comment and discussion of sale methods.
Council debated how best to dispose of a small city‑owned strip (Lot 58A) adjacent to 111 South Harmon Drive, then amended its surplus resolution to use a public auction and set a $7,704 minimum bid based on the average price per square foot from recently sold lake lots.
Staff outlined the history: the strip was platted decades ago and intended for past disposition but never sold; for legal compliance the council must declare property surplus and follow statutory notice and sale procedures. Council members considered using an appraisal board, sealed bids, a broker listing or a public auction. Several nearby residents spoke, saying prior owners believed the strip belonged to their property and asking the council to consider fairness and an accessible process.
After an amendment to remove appraisal‑board language and change the disposition method to auction, the council voted to approve the resolution as amended and directed staff to publish notice and set auction logistics. Staff said notice periods could be as short as 10 days under statute but that the city would sequence advertising and auction timing to allow comparable offers.
Why it matters: the decision resolves a long‑standing title/planning ambiguity and establishes a transparent sale method that, council members said, avoids paying broker fees and gives nearby owners equal opportunity to bid.
What’s next: staff will publish statutory notice, finalize auction terms and schedule the auction; if bids do not meet the minimum the council may reject them or pursue alternative disposition steps per statute.
