Property owner raises dispute over public parking lot use, offers lease proposal to Ellsworth

Property owner Richard Jones addressed the Ellsworth City Council on Sept. 23 about a downtown parking lot tied to his property, asking the city to clarify whether the lot will remain public, who may park there and how liability will be handled. Jones said he offered the city a deal that previously had allowed public parking and maintenance at no cost, but that a recent exchange left him concerned and confused.

"I purchased property from... Planning Credit Union" and "I was gonna present to you the final agreement," Jones told the council, arguing the lot is used by about a dozen people — some city employees and other public‑service users — and that signage and enforcement should be clarified. He said an earlier city message and the posting of private names on a public document opened the city to potential liability and that he hoped a lease could settle responsibilities.

Council staff said they had proposed the city help maintain the lot (weed mitigation, rock and snow removal) and discussed drafting a lease. Staff recommended generating a lease for review and noted liability insurance and maintenance expectations would be included. Staff also said the office would draft a lease and return it to the council if the parties agreed.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about whether school or recreation events would still be allowed to use the lot and whether signage and towing procedures would be needed for unauthorized parkers. Staff said they would coordinate with the owner and prepare a draft lease and recommended the owner work with city staff and a city attorney if necessary.

Council directed staff to draft a lease and return it for council consideration at an upcoming meeting; no final action was taken at the Sept. 23 meeting.