By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald
Looking at two proposals that offered similar benefits, members of the Enumclaw City Council last week selected a buyer for a piece of city-owned land.
The parcel in question sits at the intersection of Garrett Street and Battersby Avenue and, until recently, was home to a kid-friendly BMX facility. The city had decided the land was no longer needed, but promised a new BMX course would arise as part of any sales agreement.
In fact, it was spelled out that anyone seeking to purchase the city acreage would agree to relocate the BMX course.
The city's request for proposals brought two neighboring, would-be buyers. Making an offer were Douglas and Sharon Kirby, doing business as Gator NW, and Tom Nilles, doing business as Auto Transport Co.
In explaining the twin sales offers, City Attorney Mike Reynolds first noted the similarities. Each offered $230,000 for the land; that was no surprise, since that was the assessed value. The Auto Transport proposal noted the potential for 16 additional jobs, while the Kirby proposal suggested 15 new jobs. Each had agreed with the stipulation that the buyer pay for creating a new BMX course.
Reynolds suggested the Kirbys should get the nod for two reasons. Their proposal was to construct a building that would be worth more, thus creating greater property tax revenues for the city. Additionally, the Kirby proposal calls for a building with multiple tenants, a situation that would, in the city's view, be a safer proposal over the long haul.
Council members agreed with Reynolds' findings and authorized Mayor John Wise to enter into an earnest money agreement with the Kirbys.
The Kirbys own property across Garrett Street from the land in question, and have proposed to build a light-industrial park that would span both sides of the street. Nilles owns land adjacent to the city parcel and said he would use the additional land to build a maintenance facility and office space.
Councilman Glen Jensen asked if the city has decided where the BMX course might be built. Larry Fetter, who heads the Parks and Recreation Department, said there are a couple of possible sites but offered no further details.
In other action during the Aug. 13 meeting, council members:
€ listened as Wise read a proclamation declaring Saturday “Marine Memorial Day” in Enumclaw. The annual event is tied to the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park and honors the 32 Marines who were killed in 1946 when their military transport plane crashed into the side of Mount Rainier.
A formal marker was placed on the mountain and a replica sits at the Enumclaw park.
€ heard from citizen Richard Elfers, who expressed concern over recent developments in town. It appears the trend is to put large, two-story houses on small lots, he said, adding that such a move “doesn't fit with what Enumclaw is.”
€ were reminded of two upcoming community events, the Mud Mountain Dam Run and the annual Duck Race down the Green River. The city-sponsored run is planned for Oct. 6 and registration forms are available at the Expo Center. The Duck Race benefits the Rotary Club and Enumclaw Regional Hospital Foundation; it is planned for Sept. 8 and entries can be purchased now.
Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.
