Council discusses buying former BLM 'Veil Site' parcel for $173,000; no formal vote recorded

Ray Peters, a member of the Farrant City Council, told colleagues the city has an opportunity to buy a former Bureau of Land Management parcel commonly referred to in the meeting as the Veil Site for $173,000. Peters said the federal process has unfolded over about eight years and that the city can complete the acquisition now if it is still interested.

"We, finally, after about 8 years... the city can pay that for $173,000," Peters said, urging the council to consider paying the full amount and finish the transaction rather than making a partial payment and leaving the purchase open. He said the federal decision was rendered on June 11 and that a grant could be finalized on Aug. 11.

Peters described the parcel as roughly 153 to 157 acres and said the timeline at the federal office and helpful work by state and field offices made acquisition feasible this year. He also said neighboring stakeholders had pursued a separate acquisition for a solar project and moved quickly, which helped prompt the federal office to act on the Veil Site sale.

Council members voiced support for completing the purchase. One council member said Peters’ contacts and experience had helped advance the sale. The council did not record a motion or roll-call vote on the purchase in the transcript provided; minutes or a subsequent agenda item may record any final authorization or payment instructions.

If the council proceeds with a purchase and final payment, Peters said the city could pay part now and the remainder later or pay the entire amount up front to finish the process. He recommended paying the full amount to have the transaction concluded.

Next steps referenced in the meeting: council members directed staff to follow up (Peters and staff confirmed a finalization timeline) and watch for documentation needed to complete grant and conveyance steps. The transcript does not show a formal authorization vote during the meeting.

Why this matters: acquiring this parcel would add a substantial acreage to city-held land and could affect future land use, development and maintenance responsibilities. A final sale and any related grant or condition will be reflected in subsequent council records if the city formally approves payment.