In January 2010, Council requested PRPL staff to study a procedure to evaluate parkland for potential disposal.  In January of 2011, Council gave direction to staff to proceed with evaluation of parklands.  In January of 2012, the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board (PRC Board) formed a sub-committee to work with staff to evaluate and recommend properties to be sold.  Of the more than 500 properties evaluated, 38 properties were identified as having the potential to be sold.  Recently staff was made aware of interest in purchasing a parcel of parkland in the Rolle Subdivision which had been previously identified by the Sale of Parkland Committee and staff as being suitable for sale.   The property is a 4.08 acre flag lot located on the south side of Alkali Creek Road with an approximate 40 foot wide street frontage between the addresses of 248 and 336 Alkali Creek Road. The bulk of the property lies mid-block between Alkali Creek Road and Airport Road.  The tax Identification Number is A13375. This parcel was dedicated as parkland when the plat for Rolle Subdivision was originally filed.  Staff ordered a certified market analysis which valued the property at $88,900, and that would be the minimum acceptable price. 

The proceeds from the sale of this parkland will be utilized in the same way as past sales in the following order:   

• Pay for costs incurred in the sale process.
• Proceeds to pay for park improvements in the area where the land was sold.
• Proceeds to pay for development of Community and Regional parks in Billings.

Staff recommends that Council conduct a public hearing and then consider the resolution authorizing the property sale.
 

City Council may:

• Accept the recommendation to sell the parkland parcel in Rolle Subdivision and approve the resolution authorizing the sale, or,
• Not approve the sale of this parkland and provide direction to staff.
      
   

The sale of this parkland parcel will generate revenue and reduce liability exposure to the City. 

Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the resolution approving the parkland sale in the Rolle Subdivision to the highest bidder with the minimum bid being $88,900.