Council split on potential sale of parkland to private owner; Hoffmans may pursue land-use process

Scott Hoffman asked whether the council was willing to reopen a prior offer to purchase a small piece of city-owned parkland near the Montana Street sledding hill.

The mayor and staff told the council the matter would have to restart as a public process through the land-use board — including notices, public hearings and fees — and that the parcel is currently public parkland. City attorney Pete noted the land is "owned by all the citizens within the city of Deer Lodge," and staff described a potential boundary relocation as a cleaner administrative process than an abandonment.

Council members expressed mixed views. One councilor said the parcel "has some potential that we can use" and favored keeping it; another said the city should say no now to avoid additional work and expense. The mayor summarized the council as roughly split — two opposed, one in favor and several undecided — and emphasized the Hoffmans retain the right to petition the land-use board regardless of the council’s discussion.

No motion to sell or to start the process was adopted at the meeting. Staff said if the Hoffmans wish to proceed they must refile and go before the land-use board for the public review and decision-making required by local code.

What happens next: The Hoffmans may file an application with the land-use board; if they do, the board will schedule public notice and hearings and the council will consider the outcome if the matter advances.