Council authorizes sale of air easements near Ty Park, directs proceeds to park projects

The McMinnville City Council approved Resolution 2026-31 to authorize sale or release of certain city-owned air easements affecting properties between Northwest 25th Street and Ty Park. The resolution sets a general term that a property owner may acquire a release of an easement for 10% of the appraised easement value; that price is valid for five years, after which a new appraisal that covers remaining unsold easements would be required.

City attorney David Lightenberg summarized statutory notice requirements, an attached appraisal and the proposed terms. During public testimony, property owner Jason Atinson questioned the appraisal’s methodology and told the council he believed the appraisal used the combined square footage of two tax lots when the easement covered only the rear tax lot; staff said the outside appraiser assessed the easement value based on highest-and-best-use assumptions for the combined ownership pattern.

During council deliberations, a council amendment was adopted directing that proceeds from any sales of these easements be dedicated to maintenance and park-development projects at Ty Park. The motion to adopt the resolution with that amendment passed by roll call vote 4 yes, 1 abstain, 1 no (Benner, Giri, Chennowith, and Council President Peralta voted yes; Cunningham abstained; Tokolski voted no).

Staff said the appraisal and sale process follow statutory requirements and that the 10% pricing is intended to provide an incentive for owners to address the easements within five years; councilors discussed whether the fee should apply only to the north rear lots or to assembled front/rear ownerships and weighed fairness and administrative practicality.