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Lampman Park Sale

At a glance

  • What: Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cal Kunkel for sale of approximately 6.04-acre Lampman Park property.
  • Where it stands: PSA approved October 12, 2026, with sale price $834,800 (contingencies for land-use mapping and zoning).
  • Why it matters: Park sold after disposition process initiated in 2013. Public comment raised concerns about traffic, speeding, school safety, and neighborhood attachment to park.

Transaction Details

Listing and Offers

  • Listing price: $825,000
  • Three offers received
  • Two at asking price
  • Cal Kunkel submitted offer of $834,800 (highest offer)
    • Contingencies: land-use mapping and zoning approval

Future Land Use

  • Planning and Community Services Director Friday explained distinction between Urban Residential and Urban Residential Limited future land use designations
  • Anticipated net proceeds could be allocated to parks projects through amendment to prior resolution (rather than existing Lampman Strip designation)
  • Future land use map action will be needed

Public Hearing Comments (October 12, 2026)

Opposed to sale:

  • Casey O'Malley opposed selling Lampman Park, arguing neighborhood traffic, pedestrian safety near Big Sky Elementary School, and long-term open space opportunities favored retention as park
  • Stan Bayley urged Council to consult nearby residents about possible neighborhood funding for park improvements and expressed concern about traffic from future development
  • Mary Pankratz expressed concern about speeding, school children, potential multi-family development; asked for single-family zoning if sale proceeded
  • Ryan Icopini described neighborhood use of undeveloped park area, preferred retaining it for children and families; alternatively favored single-family housing

Neutral/Process:

  • Don Sterhan said his company made full price offer and asked City to review how competing offers were communicated and evaluated
  • Brittani Hunter, City's listing broker, described marketing and offer process; stated prospective buyers informed of multiple offers and could amend/replace offers before submission

Related concern:

  • Erin Gallagher requested formal review of school and crossing-guard safety practices near Boulder Elementary School and throughout Billings Public Schools, expressing concern about traffic incidents, outdated procedures, inadequate follow-through on parent safety complaints

Council Discussion

  • Councilmember O'Donnell questioned whether proposed housing would fit surrounding lot sizes and raised concerns about offer process
  • Councilmember Kennedy proposed postponing decision 30 days so all three bidders could resubmit offers
  • City Attorney Dahl cited BMCC Section 22-902(b), explaining Council has discretion to select, conditionally accept or reject offers if deemed in City's best interests
  • Councilmember Aspenlieder opposed reopening process already underway, though supported clarifying bidding procedures for future sales
  • Councilmember Neese stated City's broker described equal notice to prospective purchasers
  • Councilmember Aguirre opposed sale, citing correspondence describing wildlife and neighborhood attachment to park
  • Councilmember Lindley recognized concerns about speeding and traffic on 30th Street, urged review through future development process
  • Councilmember Aspenlieder suggested staff consider traffic-calming measures and appropriate intersection controls on 30th and 31st Streets
  • Councilmember Shaw discussed City's limited parks funding, previous unsuccessful funding proposals; supported retaining proceeds for improvements at established parks near neighborhood; called for better future disposition procedures
  • Councilmember O'Donnell left meeting at 7:14 P.M., returned at 7:17 P.M. (absent during final vote)

Vote (October 12, 2026)

Substitute Motion (Failed)

  • Motion: Pause sale 30 days and allow all three bidders to resubmit offers
  • Moved by: Councilmember Kennedy
  • Seconded by: Councilmember O'Donnell
  • Vote: 2-9 (FAILED)
  • In favor: Kennedy, O'Donnell
  • Opposed: Shaw, Nicholson, Neese, Pitman, Aguirre, Aspenlieder, Lindley, Boyett, Mayor Nelson

Main Motion (Approved)

  • Motion: Approve Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cal Kunkel for purchase of Lampman Park
  • Moved by: Councilmember Boyett
  • Seconded by: Councilmember Neese
  • Vote: 8-2 (APPROVED)
  • In favor: Shaw, Nicholson, Neese, Pitman, Aspenlieder, Lindley, Boyett, Mayor Nelson
  • Opposed: Kennedy, Aguirre
  • Absent during vote: O'Donnell

Sources

Log

2026-10-12 - City Council

Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cal Kunkel for approximately 6.04-acre Lampman Park approved, sale price $834,800. Six residents and one broker provided public comment; concerns raised about traffic, speeding, school safety, neighborhood attachment to park. Councilmember Kennedy proposed postponing 30 days; motion failed 2-9. Main PSA motion approved 8-2, Kennedy and Aguirre opposed; O'Donnell absent during vote. Future land use map amendment and park proceeds allocation to be determined subsequently.