Council approves Denton Acres land swap and Enclave East buyout, agrees to pursue GEM grant for park study

Developer Tony Crockett presented a green‑space plan for the proposed Denton Acres Subdivision that would provide roughly 4.07 acres of green space, including a 2.58‑acre parcel to the city and a teardrop piece the council discussed including in the dedication.

Councilmembers proposed multiple versions of motions to accept the green‑space proposal, revise acreage totals and have legal counsel draft final agreements; several motions were withdrawn or died for lack of a second. Ultimately Councilmember Chris Larsen moved and Councilmember Terry Larson seconded approval of a land‑for‑land swap; the council approved the motion unanimously and directed legal counsel to finalize the exact numbers and assurances regarding the teardrop parcel.

Separately, Attorney Lyle Fuller presented an Open Space Buyout Agreement for Enclave East LLC allowing the applicant to pay $63,000 in lieu of dedicating 1.85 acres; Councilmember Todd Thomas moved and Councilmember Terry Larson seconded approval of the buyout agreement, which passed by unanimous vote. The Enclave East Subdivision will have one acre of dedicated open space under the agreement.

Council also agreed to pursue a $50,000 GEM Grant (with a 20% cash match requirement) for a study of architecture and development at the park and recreation complex on the city’s northeast section after Molly Beseris of the 4CASI Alliance offered assistance; the motion to pursue the grant was moved by Councilmember Chris Larsen and seconded by Councilmember Terry Larson and passed unanimously.

Council directed legal counsel to draft final compacting agreements and to return the documents for future council approval.