Council discusses school parking plan and options to license versus sell city land

Council members discussed a school district plan to use a narrow strip of city land near the school for parking and temporary buildings. The attorney advised that vacating a road or selling city-owned right-of-way requires formal public procedures and notice to adjacent property owners; by contrast, the city could license the land for parking use or charge a monthly fee and permit the school to pave and stripe the surface while the city retains ownership.

"You don't have to sell the land," the attorney said, adding that the city could issue a license or parking permit and negotiate a payment or maintenance arrangement with the school. He also recommended a traffic study and consideration of lighting and liability as part of any improvement agreement.

Council members noted that the school may have capital funds for property acquisition but that a license arrangement could be a quicker path to get parking improved for staff while preserving city control of the land. The council discussed options including licensing, charging a monthly fee, or proceeding through procurement and public notice if a sale is pursued.