Pratt City Commission approves $250,000 purchase of Green Trails to preserve community access

The Pratt City Commission on Thursday approved the purchase of the Green Trails for $250,000, with the city fronting the payment and seeking reimbursement from two grants. The commission voted by voice after staff said grants from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the People’s Bank Heartland Foundation cover the purchase and required matching funds.

City staff member Miss Goff told commissioners she provided packets containing an award letter from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for $200,000 and an award from the People’s Bank Heartland Foundation for $50,000. "All of the funds are already in place. We will write the initial check, and then will be reimbursed by both the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the People's Bank Heartland Foundation," she said. Miss Goff said the owner signing the notice of intent is Michael Smith.

Cody, who prepared the deed for the transfer, told the commission he drafted a general warranty deed and added the owner’s spouse to avoid future chain-of-title complications. "I prepared the general warranty deed," Cody said, and explained that title issues are possible but that adding the spouse and using general-warranty language reduces the risk. Cody and several commissioners discussed title insurance; Cody said the city could obtain a policy after closing if the city pays for it but that such steps can slow the transaction.

Commissioners asked about back taxes and maintenance. Miss Goff said outstanding taxes on the parcel total less than $5,000 and that the land had been placed on a sheriff-sale list; she said the city could pay the taxes if needed. Commissioners also discussed long-term maintenance obligations, noting the property includes a pavilion and a locked restroom structure, lies in a floodplain, and contains a short motorized trail loop that grant terms require remain open to motorized use.

Miss Goff told the commission the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant is tied to federal funds and required a specialized appraisal; she said some title research occurred as part of that appraisal. She said crews from city departments have already assisted with clearing and that the city intends to annex the parcel after acquisition, which will expand city boundaries.

Chair moved that the commission approve the purchase for $250,000 to be fronted by the city and reimbursed by the KDWP and People’s Bank Heartland Foundation grants; Cody seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion by voice vote and the Chair announced, "Purchase is approved." Miss Goff said she plans to travel to Durant, Oklahoma, to complete the transaction in person. The commission then adjourned.

The approval authorizes city staff to complete the land-transfer paperwork and proceed with the closing; the meeting record does not include a roll-call vote or a recorded tally.