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City council sets $310,100 negotiation cap to pursue "Knockback C" property
Summary
In executive session the City Council voted to authorize staff to negotiate up to $310,100 to pursue purchase of a parcel referred to as "Knockback C," after debate over a seller counteroffer of $320,000, state cost-share and possible hidden costs.
The City Council voted during an executive session to authorize staff to negotiate a purchase of a parcel described in the meeting as "Knockback C" with a maximum negotiation cap of $310,100.
Council members debated whether to increase the city's prior authorization of $300,000 to match the seller's $320,000 counteroffer. Staff told the council the estimated cost to make required improvements was $286,000 and that the state had offered to cover about 65% of that estimate — roughly $185,900 — leaving any purchase premium above the state's share to be paid by the city.
A council member proposed using an odd-numbered figure as a firm negotiating limit and moved to cap negotiations at $310,100; a second was recorded. The council then discussed the small-dollar trade-offs, with one member arguing the extra amount would be minor relative to anticipated future construction costs and another urging restraint and the option to avoid returning to council for small increments.
Members also raised practical concerns: the property has roughly two years of delinquent taxes that would have to be brought current before a sale, and the clerk noted about $25,000 in outstanding items that could affect net cost. Several members warned that nearby large construction projects and the potential for low-bid engineering costs could push improvement expenses beyond the $286,000 estimate.
The clerk called the roll on the motion to set a $310,100 negotiation cap: Pitner yes; Roger yes; Ross yes; Burlingame yes; Evans yes; Janer no. The motion carried by majority vote.
The council characterized the authorization as negotiating direction only. Staff will continue talks within the newly authorized cap and will return to the council with any final purchase terms or motions required for formal approval.
