City staff recommended that the council postpone local expenditures for title work and a record-of-survey on the proposed Beta Street/Davis Street park acquisition until after the state Land and Water Conservation grant announcement anticipated in February 2026. The council voted 3-0 to continue the item to a future meeting.

The city manager (presenting in place of an absent staff member) said estimated costs for title reports and survey work are roughly $3,000 to $4,500, and that a previous 2014 survey would need an update because a large solar field has altered boundaries. Staff also warned that most of the facilities under consideration need substantial investment for parking, dugouts and ADA compliance.

Staff explained that typical state park grant mapping tools disadvantage parcels within a certain distance of existing parks and that potential match requirements could obligate the city to provide about 15% of acquisition costs. The manager recommended delaying local payments for title and survey work until after the grant outcome to avoid billing the school district if a grant would instead cover those costs.

One council member who had requested the item said she plans to attend the school board meeting to ask the district to consider including a small additional parcel adjoining the ball field in any sale; she described the extra piece as helpful for expanded amenities and said she would report back after the school board’s decision.

After discussion, a motion to continue the item until February 2026 carried 3-0. Staff will return later with updated lot definitions, school-district positions and clearer cost estimates should the grant application be successful or if the city decides to proceed without grant funding.