A former California couple, Al and Rosalie Ladie, who purchased the lot last December for $25,000, reduced from the original city asking price of $30,000 taking into consideration the city's "as is" description. The couple discovered later there were no available water and sewer lines to the site intended to be their new home.

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A "hold harmless release" agreement from the Ladies to return the property to the city in return for their $25,000 purchase price entered the picture Tuesday during the council session with realtor Roger Athens, who handled the sale on behalf of the city, expressing his concern and that of the buyers on learning of the lack of available utilities services.

Questioning how the city had been allowed to sell the property without water and sewer, Athens challenged the statement by council member Delana Ihrke that the information had been made available in council information provided at a December public hearing indicating that "water and sewer lines were to be provided by the buyer" of the property and expressed concern as well that "it has taken from December until May" for the matter to be fully clarified.

The question of the unavailable sewer and water lines then fast forwarded to of the probability of the city installing the lines and the question of the cost of the work.

After considerable discussion at this point, Councilman Ken Nelson moved, with the second by Ihrke, to suggest that City Administrator Scott Langel and city staff proceed to install a sewer line to the property in the "most expedient and economical" location for the line. The Ladies would have the option to retain the property or make way for the city to find a new buyer. Cost of the line, Langel said, would be approximately $1,000 to $1,500 for the city with the Ladies' cost approximately $2,000.

The resolution passed on a 4-1 vote with Councilman John Rexwinkel, who has earlier advocated the property for future park purposes, opposing the measure.

Council members have asked Athens to contact the Ladies and to report back to the council at its next session regarding any change in their ownership of the lot as a result of the city's agreement to install a sewer line along Central Avenue that would allow them possible affordable hook-up with their property.

A public hearing is anticipated on the matter following Athens report to the council.