Arlington City to buy 36.93 acres for future potable water well; landowner to donate $200,000

Jim Kelly recommended that the council approve the purchase of five contiguous parcels totaling 36.93 acres on the north side of the Stillaguamish River for a long-term potable water well site. He told the council the parcels were appraised at $1,300,000, the city negotiated a $1,200,000 price, and the landowner, Simon Costar, agreed to donate $200,000 toward the purchase, making the net city payment $1,000,000.

The recommendation came after staff reviewed five candidate sites and concluded the parcels lie within the city's potable water-right withdrawal area and provide the best long-term option to protect water supply for Arlington. Jim Kelly said the purchase is a proactive step in response to anticipated climate impacts on the Haller South well field and river flooding and summer droughts.

During council discussion a member asked for confirmation that the contract shows $1,200,000 but that the city will pay $1,000,000 due to the donation; Jim Kelly confirmed that was correct. A council member moved that "the city of Arlington approve the Coster LLC property purchase and authorize the mayor to sign the property procurement documents subject to final approval by the city attorney." The motion was seconded and the council voted in favor; the mayor was authorized to sign the documents pending final city-attorney review.

The purchase agreement, as described in the meeting, includes the donation and is subject to final legal review. The council did not specify a closing date in the discussion recorded in the meeting; those dates were not specified. The acquisition advances the city's plan for an alternate potable supply to mitigate risks identified in prior county studies.

The council action was procedural and limited to approving the purchase and authorizing signature; staff will complete final legal review and closing steps. No amendment or separate funding source was specified during the motion.