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Council approves Miller Farm purchase after debate over timing and access easement
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 53‑25 authorizing purchase of about 265 acres from Miller Farm Properties LLC at $50,000 per acre; staff said closing required securing a permanent access easement and a phase 1 environmental site assessment. Residents pressed for more transparency and time; council voted to waive the second reading.
Council adopted Ordinance 53‑25 on Dec. 8 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a real estate purchase agreement for approximately 265 acres owned by Miller Farm Properties LLC, at a purchase price staff reported as $50,000 per acre.
City Manager Megan O'Callaghan presented maps showing the Miller and Gingrich parcels and said the acquisitions allow the city to plan holistically for transportation and infrastructure. She said closing on Miller Farms was conditioned on completing a phase 1 environmental site assessment and securing a permanent access easement from Huichard Road. CFO Matt Rubino outlined a short‑term financing structure and staff recommended waiving the second reading to preserve negotiated terms and meet year‑end timelines.
Residents reiterated concerns about process, notice and potential land uses. Todd Hemmer and other neighbors asked for more time and specific answers about easements and hydrology; Hemmer raised questions about the land’s wetness and whether the property would require significant improvements to be developable. Legal counsel explained council's charter authority to waive readings, and after discussion council dispensed with the second reading and approved the ordinance. The council recorded unanimous affirmative roll‑call votes from members present.
