(Arnolds Park)– A request from a developer to purchase some city-owned land sparked controversy at Wednesday’s Arnolds Park City Council meeting.
John Wanninger recently purchased land along Highway 71 near Dam Road where he plans to build a 36-unit condominium complex. Wanninger wants to expand that to 42 units, with three buildings, but additional land is needed to meet zoning requirements.
Wanninger was represented by Randy Kram, a Mason City architect who’s designing the project. Kram told the council Wanninger wants to purchase some neighboring city-owned land to accomodate the expanded project. There was a stipulation though. Wanninger wanted to buy it for a dollar.
While council members Susan Munsen and Mitch Watters were in favor of the concept, council members Jason Christensen and Mike Koppert expressed concern it could set a precedence. But Munsen argued the eight and-a-half million dollars in additional valuation the project would bring the city would make it well worth it.
After further discussion, a motion was made to sell the land at a negotiated price. It was defeated on two-two tie vote with Munsen and Watters voting yes and Koppert and Christensen no.
After even more discussion, another motion was made to offer to sell the property to Wanninger at a favorable price to be negotiated, with certain restrictions on the land to protect green space, drainage, and other issues. That motion passed on a vote of four-to-nothing.
Councilman Jim Jensen was out of town.
Restrictions on the land will be put in writing and an appraisal will be obtained prior to the city entering negotiations with Wanninger on a purchase price.
