Council agrees to open upset-bid process on small parcel, moves forward on closing for 64.99‑acre sale

Council considered two separate municipal land matters. For item six, staff described a 2.25‑acre, R‑10 city parcel adjacent to Flowing Place Church that the church has expressed interest in buying. The parcel is identified by staff as having significant wetland area and a tax value of approximately $30,000. Administration told council the process would mirror a recent upset‑bid procedure: the city would publicly advertise an initial offer, wait 10 days, and then accept upset bids before returning a final figure to council. Council discussed wetland constraints, potential utilities or gravity lines across the site, and options that include directing staff to obtain an appraisal before any sale. A motion to entertain the sale with an appraisal passed by voice vote.

On item seven staff updated council on a previously advertised sale of 64.99 acres. The administration said the upset‑bid period produced no additional offers and recommended proceeding to closing with a purchase‑and‑sale contract and standard closing steps handled by the city attorney. Council moved to coordinate closing proceedings and the motion passed by voice vote.

Council discussion in both items emphasized protecting city utility easements, confirming wetland and infrastructure constraints, and using appraisal or staff-prepared valuations before final acceptance of offers. No final sale price beyond tax value reporting was adopted on the 2.25‑acre parcel during the meeting; the 64.99‑acre sale was advanced to closing.