Urbana council approves 16‑month land‑use agreement with Pointe North Nature Park committee

The Urbana City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2698‑24 on Aug. 20, authorizing a 16‑month land‑use agreement that will let a volunteer committee operate the city‑owned Pointe North property on North U.S. Highway 68 in Salem Township.

Director of Administration Kerry Brugger told council the city owns the property and that earlier attempts to keep it open around the clock had not worked; the resolution is intended to give the city a designated, local group to monitor and schedule public access. Dr. Smith, who described himself as a member/organizer of the volunteer committee, said the group plans to open the park initially on weekends from dawn to dusk and to divide uses on the site — keeping the south side open for fishing and the north side closed to fishing and vehicular traffic for walking and hiking. He said swimming will not be allowed.

Dr. Smith said the committee intends to form an LLC to meet insurance and liability requirements while it pursues nonprofit status in the future and will seek corporate donations and fundraisers to support operations. Brugger said the city currently mows along the road and lakes and will coordinate operational details with the committee. Director of Law Mark Feinstein noted that law enforcement response could come from either the Urbana Police Department or the county sheriff because both have concurrent jurisdiction over the property.

The resolution was placed on the floor by Mr. Thackery and seconded by Ms. Jumper; council approved the measure by a 7‑0 roll call vote. Brugger said the land‑use agreement is set to begin Sept. 1 and that the committee will ramp up activities after that date.

Mayor Bill Bean thanked council for passing the resolution and said he hoped the agreement would better protect and allow public use of Pointe North. The council adjourned at 6:34 p.m.; its next scheduled meeting is Sept. 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.