Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council postpones vote on acceptance of 6.35-acre donated parcel after questions about taxes and access
Summary
The council postponed the second reading of an ordinance to accept a 6.35-acre parcel (Assessor Parcel No. 410-12-035) after public and council members raised concerns about unpaid taxes, road access, possible floodplain constraints and whether absorbing back taxes effectively functions as a purchase.
Luis Pedroza presented a proposed ordinance to accept a 6.35-acre unimproved parcel adjacent to the city golf course and State Route 80 (Assessor Parcel No. 410-12-035). Pedroza said utilities are nearby and the parcel has an assessed value of $36,378 but unpaid property taxes totaling $33,154.27 dating to 2008. As part of the donation, the owner, Ray Mehan, requested that the city absorb those outstanding taxes.
Resident Steven Helffrich argued the transaction operates like a purchase because the city would pay the owner’s back taxes; Helffrich also raised questions about lack of direct road access, potential floodplain constraints and whether the parcel is suitable for commercial development under the city’s current general plan and zoning. City Manager Ana Urquijo said staff reviewed gift-clause implications and considers the acquisition consistent with the city’s growth strategy; staff will complete due diligence including a title report and access analysis.
Council Member Ida Ann Pedrego said she was not comfortable voting with unresolved questions and asked for more time. Mayor Jose Grijalva moved and Council Member Maria Dillman seconded a motion to postpone the second reading to the next regular meeting; the motion passed 4-1 (Shelton opposed).
