City of Mercer accepts donated land for community center, sets seven-year timeline

The City of Mercer council on Jan. 13 voted to accept a conditional donation of land from the Co‑op Elevator of McClusky for a proposed community center, approving a motion that directs the city to pay the legal fees for a quitclaim deed and to negotiate a seven-year agreement governing use of the parcel.

Mayor Lori Stute presented the offer, saying the Co‑op had proposed donating the parcel on the condition the city pay legal fees and use the land for a new community center; under the Co‑op's original terms the land would revert if not used for a center within five years. "Five years is a tight timeline," Council member Erika Lorenz said, and she proposed extending the period to seven years — "five years to raise the funds and two years to build."

Council member Barb Stute moved to accept the donation and to negotiate a seven-year deal with the Co‑op Elevator of McClusky, including city payment of all fees for the quitclaim deed; Randy Zinke seconded. Barb Stute, Erika Lorenz and Randy Zinke voted aye and the motion carried. Council member Gary Volochenko was recorded absent during roll call.

The motion indicates the city will pay the legal costs required to complete the deed and pursue negotiations to formalize a seven-year reversion clause; the council did not record further funding sources or timelines beyond the seven-year framework. The council then recessed after a unanimous vote of members present to adjourn the special meeting.

No additional action items or staff assignments related to fundraising, design, permits or a construction schedule were recorded in the meeting minutes. Future steps and any formal agreement language will be subject to negotiation with the Co‑op Elevator of McClusky and further council review.