Medical Lake's Waterfront Park sits on land leased from the state.
MEDICAL LAKE – The City Council unanimously approved Resolution 24-648, which allots more time for the city to discuss leasing options for the state-owned Waterfront Park site.
The discussion took place during a Jan. 2 council meeting.
According to Mayor Terri Cooper, there have been changes that may impact the renewal process.
"It was a 50-year lease agreement, and we want to buy some more time," Cooper said.
A change in state law now requires the lease to be at fair-market value, which is more than the previous lease agreement.
Cooper said the city will ask the Legislature to amend the law this session to exclude government agreements.
Cooper said she wants to see government agreements be priced "at cost" rather than "at fair market value."
The state did give the city an extension, so further discussions can take place.
City Administrator Sonny Weathers said the state was agreeable to extend the process through June due to the Gray Fire.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
Reader Comments(0)