Council declares Peacock Springs parcel surplus; discusses trading 30 acres for public works construction

The Gunnison City Council declared a city-owned parcel near Peacock Springs surplus during its Jan. 7 meeting and discussed terms for a potential land trade with an adjacent property owner.

Staff described the parcel as roughly 32 acres historically held to protect a municipal water source; the county assessor valued the land at about $24,000 last year. Under the proposal discussed in public hearing, the city would trade approximately 30 of those acres to a neighboring landowner (identified in the discussion as Mr. Vio Brown) in exchange for construction services that staff said would exceed the assessed value of the ground — specifically, the construction of a 40-by-60 metal shed estimated at more than $80,000 and the provision of a water connection to the owner's shop.

Councilors and staff discussed how much acreage the city should retain to protect the water source, with talk of retaining a minimum footprint but increasing retention from the originally proposed 2 acres to about 2.86–3 acres so the city preserves access and operational area. Staff also noted a surveyor’s work identified an overlap with state-owned land on the south end of the parcel that affects the precise acreage the city controls.

Council members agreed to declare the property surplus at the meeting and proceeded to discuss sale mechanics, easement retention for overflow water and a water-line easement, and whether to sell via auction or negotiated exchange. The declaration clears the way for staff to return with detailed transaction terms and to proceed with any required public-notice or disposal processes under city code.

The council's declaration that the parcel is surplus is procedural; any final sale or exchange, and associated documentation, will be subject to future council action and public-notice requirements.