Commission directs staff to study sale of city water‑tower property, retain tower parcel

Commissioners voted to explore a possible sale of city‑owned property that includes a water tower and an adjoining parcel with a sinkhole, directing staff to obtain a survey, a market valuation and to outline the competitive sale process.

Staff told the commission the two parcels are city‑owned and would require closing a right‑of‑way and redrawing legal descriptions; any sale would carve out and retain the water‑tower footprint. The parcels are currently zoned R‑2; staff said a purchaser seeking commercial use would need rezoning. Security and Department of Homeland Security considerations for tower access, fencing requirements and potential costs were noted as items on the staff checklist.

Commission discussion covered whether the city pays property taxes on the parcels (staff said they do not, as the property is public), whether any equipment or storage is currently housed in the roundhouse buildings (staff said some storage is present but public works would clear useful items), and whether leasing the Canoe Outpost or other city assets could be an alternative revenue source.

A motion to investigate the sale process and report back on surveying and valuation passed. Staff will return with cost and timeline estimates and will follow procurement rules for any subsequent sale or solicitation.

Next steps: staff to obtain a survey and market valuation, estimate security/fencing costs for the retained tower parcel, and present options including competitive sale or leasing scenarios.