Councilors press for deed restrictions, colleagues caution on long‑term ownership

Councilors and EDC members discussed safeguards to preserve the property's intended economic‑development use, proposing restrictive language in the resolution or deed to memorialize intent if future leadership seeks different uses.

"It would be an attorney in question, but to see if you could put some kind of restrictive clause, either add it to the resolution or add it to the warranty deed that kinda memorializes the intent of the property," one council member said during discussion. The council debated whether such a clause would have legal effect once ownership transferred and whether voter approval would still be required for some types of construction.

City staff noted that the EDC's attorney recommended the corporation consider funding projects rather than owning property going forward, citing differences in insurance, staffing and enforcement capacity between the EDC and city. A council member also voiced concern about non‑development uses, saying, "I don't wanna see a bus barn there," and urged protections to prevent maintenance yards or similar public‑works facilities from occupying the site without voter approval.

The exchange ended with the board and council affirming the conveyance but acknowledging the suggestion to explore deed language and other safeguards as the development process advances.