Council approves sale of two Vaughn Road lots to local builder

The City Council approved the disposition of two vacant lots on Vaughn Road to local builders David and Monica Lauder on April 27. The sale price is $15,000 per lot ($30,000 total) plus the purchaser's cost to extend utilities to serve the lots.

City staff explained the property had been acquired by the state through tax foreclosure; proceeds beyond the city's incurred expenses would be returned to the state, so the city does not expect net profit. The Lauders will pay for utility extensions to city specifications; once the utilities are built and dedicated to the city, the city will complete the roadway extension, curb and gutter to serve the new lots.

Council discussed precedent for developer-funded utility extensions and special assessments; staff said builders have borne the cost to extend utilities in some past projects and that the purchased infrastructure must meet city approval prior to dedication. The resolution to introduce and adopt the sale and agreement was placed on the table and then adopted by roll-call vote.

The offer was placed on the table (30-day posting period referenced in staff materials) and council then moved to introduce and adopt the accompanying resolution; council took roll-call votes supporting the motion. The council scheduled further procedural handling as required for closing and public-notice steps.