A newly created policy pertaining to surplus city property and a local improvement project both received approval during the Emporia City Commission’s recent action session Wednesday.
Commissioners unanimously approved the establishment of a policy for the sale of surplus real property within the Emporia city limits. The new policy will allow the city to place surplus property onto a list at which time bids or offers can be made to purchase said property.
Assistant City Manager Lane Massey explains the policy does not come with any properties currently set to be sold. He says the policy just gives the city a formal process to follow for potential property sales in the future.
Massey says the policy allows for a range of property to be placed on the list and to be utilized for a variety of different projects. The city is planning to draft a “layman’s terms” version of the policy to ensure full transparency and understanding for any individuals interested in purchasing city-owned property in the future.
Massey also made it clear that just because a property is placed on the list of surplus properties it does not mean it is set to be sold immediately it just means the city is interested in hearing proposals for a possible sale.
Separately, commissioners also approved an agreement and release of liability for an impending improvement project at Peter Pan Park’s Monkey Island. The agreement was made with local resident Rick Eubanks who is planning to fund the improvements himself.
Eubanks tells KVOE News, being a native Emporian he felt it was necessary to step up and help improve the aging infrastructure of the well-known community staple.
Per the agreement, the city will still maintain all ownership rights of the property and will reserve the right to make additional alterations if necessary in the future. The city will have no financial obligation for the project.
Work is set to begin immediately according to Eubanks and should wrap up before the end of the month weather permitting.
Additionally Wednesday, commissioners also approved an ordinance for a beer garden in the 800 and 900 blocks of Commercial Street as part of the annual Dynamic Discs Open block party.
Commissioners adjourned Wednesday’s meeting until 10 am next Wednesday ahead of the commission’s regularly scheduled study session. Both meetings will take place inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
