At a joint meeting on Jan. 6, the Herington Land Bank completed annual reorganization business and reviewed a development plan to keep a small housing project moving.

The board appointed Larry Mann as chairman by unanimous consent. Staff reviewed an updated set of bylaws (reducing required meetings to six per year) and presented the annual report and a parcel inventory showing 15 available lots in the development area.

Staff explained a specific lot-purchase situation: Samantha Mulvaney Smith and Ryan Smith had previously entered a purchase agreement that included covenant number 6, which would normally require a buyer who breaches the agreement to transfer title back to the seller (the land bank). The land bank discussed and proposed waiving that clause so the Smiths could sell directly to the builder, Gilmore and Associates Homes, LLC, and recommended protecting the land bank by keeping the original refundable $5,000 component and executing a development agreement with the builder that would require timely permits and development obligations.

A board member moved to approve the development agreement between the Herington Land Bank and Gilmore and Associates Homes, LLC. The transcript records the motion, but a roll-call or final vote on that motion is not shown in the available excerpt.

Staff said the annual report and lot list will be published online to comply with state statute and suggested returning to the commission in March for further transfers and a more detailed review with staff (including planner Brad). The meeting concluded with routine closing items and a motion to adjourn.

What happens next: staff will finalize the development agreement documentation, publish the annual report and lot inventory online, and the land bank expects to return in March with additional recommendations on lot transfers and policy updates.