Edmore council tables decision on disputed lot at 320 N. Third after resident appeal

A dispute over a narrow parcel south of 320 N. Third dominated public comment at the Village of Edmore Council meeting on Jan. 12 as the property owner described decades of maintaining the land and urged the council not to require a purchase.

Jim Clark, the owner of 320 N. Third, told the council the parcel in question — identified in meeting materials as parcel #041-621-933-00 and described by staff as an old railroad bed — has been maintained by him since the 1980s. Clark said he previously offered $1,000 to purchase the lot and volunteered to pay for a survey; Village Manager Mark Borden told the council the village had countered with $3,000. Clark said he did not feel he should have to buy land he had maintained for years. The transcript records no direct quotation beyond Clark’s account of the history and his position.

Councilmember Kanine moved to table a decision on the parcel until the February council meeting while legal action between the owner and the village continues; McParland seconded. A roll-call vote was unanimous, 7-0.

The manager’s report preceding the discussion noted the matter is the subject of ongoing legal activity and that the village and property owner have exchanged offers; the council did not vote to accept or reject any purchase offer at the Jan. 12 meeting. President Chet Guild asked council members to consider the issue and said a determination would be expected at the February meeting.

Next steps: the decision remains pending and the council will revisit the parcel at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026. No formal sale or transfer was approved at the Jan. 12 session.