The issue was Council reaction when they learned that an additional 160 acres of Forest Land had been offered for easement at half the of the $1,000 price for the original conservation program.
City Parks Director Gary Robinson and Forest manager Jonn Lunsford's letter said, "We put the Council in the difficult position of discussing this issue at the end of the conservation process instead of briefing you earlier on. We understand the frustration that comes from being put in that position and for that we are sincerely sorry."
Related: Some Council members irked
Related: Letter to Mayor and Council (pdf)
Many Council members said they should have been involved in the new easement program earlier and more than Council member suggested the price should be the same for the new plot. Council member Bill Turner said, "I don't think you have the authority to offer it at $500. I think the Council has that authority," adding, "I have an issue here."
The apology letter did not concede the Council has authority to set the price.
The letter from Robinson and Lunsford explained that, because the new easement program involved 160 acres of what was originally to be used in connection with the city's sewer system, the city had already paid to purchase the property. "There was concern that the community would then be paying to protect this property twice- through the purchase and then through the conservation program.'
The letter concluded, "This discussion occurred with our partners and we apologize that the Mayor and Council were not informed of the decisions that were made along the way."