Board discusses $2 million placeholder for possible parkland purchase, DNRC negotiations ongoing

Board members asked for clarity about a $2,000,000 placeholder included in the capital budget for a potential parkland purchase.

Jordan said the figure is a placeholder and any land acquisition would need to be supplemented with other funding sources and return to the parks board, city council and county commission for approvals. Jordan said staff are still in early talks with DNRC and hoped to progress further in meetings planned for September.

Greg Tryon, the assistant city manager, told the board the county commission's letter prompted DNRC to re-engage and that initial negotiations will emphasize land and possible utility work. "The county commission wrote a very compelling letter which suddenly seemed to change some minds," Tryon said, describing how the county's advocacy affected DNRC discussions.

Jordan and Tryon said appraisals, scope and exact funding needs remain to be worked out; no land purchase was finalized at the meeting and the $2,000,000 figure remained a planning placeholder.