Watertown City Council Approves Land Sale for New Kennel Facility
- Steve Jurrens
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council has approved the sale of approximately 1.4 acres of city-owned land to the Watertown Development Company, allowing for the construction of a new kennel facility.
The motion to approve the real estate purchase agreement for the lot located near Highway 20 passed with a 6-0 vote. Councilman Jurrens made the motion, which Councilman Schutte seconded. Councilman Peters abstained from the vote.
City Manager Alan Stager provided details on the agreement during the meeting, explaining that the property is situated north of 10th Avenue Northwest, in the vicinity of a proposed new street facility.
"This agreement before you tonight is to sell approximately 1.4 acres of property located north of 10th Ave. Northwest," City Manager Stager stated. He noted that the initial land purchase for the street facility was larger than necessary, prompting the city to plat and actively market the surplus parcels.
The purchasers, identified as the Ingens, intend to operate a kennel facility on the site, an operation that has already received necessary approval from the Board of Adjustment.
Councilman Schutte inquired about the long-term planning for the city's Street Department facility, seeking assurance that the sale was being handled resourcefully with future growth in mind. Mr. Stager confirmed that the city is retaining additional property on the north side of 10th Avenue, which will allow for flexible configuration of the street facility and yard storage.
"We are retaining some additional property on the Northside of 10th Ave. at this point, which will allow us to configure a street facility and yard storage in multiple different ways depending upon what's most cost-effective," Mr. Stager explained. He added that the sale of the 1.4-acre parcel was recommended as the city did not have an immediate use for the property, and its proximity to other developed areas made it suitable for the proposed kennel development.
Following a brief clarification that the "kennel operation" referred to a dog kennel, the Council proceeded to cast its votes, resulting in the successful approval of the purchase agreement.
