Woodinville council approves $8 million land purchase for proposed recreation center

The Woodinville City Council on Nov. 2 approved revised offer packages to buy two parcels (9517100190 and 9517100195) together totaling about 3.42 acres for a proposed community aquatic and recreation facility. Mayor Millman moved the measure and the council approved it by a roll-call tally of five yes votes and two abstentions; the motion authorizes the city manager to proceed with acquisitions and directs staff to reflect the changes in the budget ordinance brought forward in December.

City staff said the purchase plan started as three parcels but was reduced to two after one parcel proved infeasible and potentially more costly. Staff presented updated appraisals, noting appraisals typically expire about eight months after completion; the updated values produced a recommended increase in offers totaling $449,000 across the two parcels. Staff also reported that a Phase I and Phase II environmental assessment found “no concentrations above required cleanup levels” on the sites, though limited off‑site disposal of construction soils could be required during development.

The council was told the budget proposal already included an $8,000,000 allocation for acquisition; staff recommended modifying the proposed mid‑biennial budget ordinance to add $578,000 to cover the updated costs and appraisals. Staff estimated reappraisal work typically costs roughly $3,000 per appraisal. The presentation also noted one parcel is leased through mid‑2027 with a six‑month extension option and that relocation costs for an on‑site tenant should be coverable within the outlined amounts.

Mayor Millman stressed the city was not pursuing condemnation and said expediting the acquisition could avoid appraisal expirations and place the property in the city’s hands before the North Shore Parks and Recreation Service Area (NPRSA) board meets in January. “There is no eminent domain,” Millman said, adding that expediting the transaction could save an estimated $8 million to $10 million compared with pursuing condemnation.

Councilmember Taylor questioned whether the decision was time‑sensitive and whether it could wait until the council’s December meeting; staff replied it could wait but moving now reduces the risk of appraisals expiring and preserves negotiation leverage. Councilmember Bess Campbell said she would abstain, citing concerns about the timing of the special meeting and the perception that the public had been insufficiently informed; Councilmember Taylor likewise abstained. The recorded vote was: Evans Yes; Edwards Yes; Bess Campbell Abstain; Millman Yes; Arndt Yes; Taylor Abstain; Deputy Mayor Randolph Yes.

Next steps: staff will bring a revised budget ordinance to the council in December to cover the added appropriation, and the city and NPRSA will continue coordination — including community surveys by NPRSA on design concepts — before any design or construction decisions and before any levy or voter action.