Redlands council approves $250,000 sale of Mentone-area city land after unsolicited offer

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council approved the sale of nearly five acres of city-owned land near Mentone for $250,000 this week after staff said the city received an unsolicited purchase offer and obtained an appraisal to support the price.

The council voted 4-0 to approve a purchase and sale agreement with Sartin Properties, LLC for the 4.67-acre parcel located across from the Mentone Scout House, south of Mill Creek Road and north of Mentone Avenue.

City officials said the offer to purchase the property was unsolicited. Assistant City Manager Chris Boatman told the council the city obtained an appraisal at the council’s direction and determined the proposed purchase price was consistent with the appraised value.

During public comment, Redlands real estate agent Trevor Casey questioned whether the city should market the property more broadly before approving the sale. 

Casey told the council agricultural land in the area can sell for significantly more per acre and suggested the city might be undervaluing the property.

“I think you'd be selling the Redlands taxpayers a little bit short,” Casey said.

Casey also asked whether the city had sought competing bids or made the appraisal available for public review.

Another resident, Steve Rogers, also questioned the process and asked why the property was being sold directly to a single buyer rather than offered more widely.

Boatman said the city did not solicit bids but brought the agreement forward after confirming the price through the appraisal process and reviewing comparable sales with a local real estate broker.

How cities typically dispose of surplus land

California cities can sell property they determine is no longer needed for public use, often referred to as “surplus land.” Under the state Surplus Land Act, agencies must first notify certain affordable housing developers and public agencies when disposing of surplus property that could be suitable for housing.

However, the law primarily applies to land that could accommodate residential development. Parcels restricted to open space or agricultural uses may not fall under the same requirements.

Cities can accept unsolicited offers for property, though some agencies choose to market land publicly or solicit bids to ensure they receive competitive offers.

In this case, Redlands officials said the price offered for the Mentone-area parcel was supported by an independent appraisal and comparable sales analysis before being brought to the council for approval. 

Council members briefly addressed a separate issue raised during the meeting regarding language in the agreement referencing potential mixed-use development that included retail, residential units and parking.

Staff said the language had been included in the document in error and that those uses would not be permitted under the parcel’s current zoning, which is designated open space and allows agricultural and other limited uses.

The council amended the agreement during the meeting to remove that provision.

The agreement includes a 30-day due diligence period for the buyer. If the buyer proceeds, escrow is expected to close approximately 30 days later.