As the city transfers T’Chookwap Park to the park district – after contentious discussions over the possible sale of the property to private parties – some city councilors hope to establish a process to guide future surplussing of public land.

“It is a need, a requirement for satisfying transparent due process,” said Councilwoman Debbie Vancil, who has repeatedly urged the council to consider enacting guidelines for the transfer, trade or sale of city-owned properties. “From my point of view, open and accountable public process is not optional.

“It is in the public’s best interest that these procedures include a predictable public process component.”

Some residents objected to the possible sale of T’Chookwap, a small parcel on Port Madison Bay. The city Open Space Commission had recommended the council consider selling the park to raise funds to purchase other properties of greater value to the community.

While not opposing future property sales or transfers, Vancil is calling for “a predictable procedural criteria” that may include a public comment period and recommendations by the Open Space and Planning commissions.

Vancil hopes to gauge support for such a proposal and gather input from the council and citizens before she initiates council action on the new guidelines.

“This should be a cooperative effort that incorporates everyone’s major points, while addressing the needs for the city,” she said.

Open Space Commission member Dwight Sutton agrees with the premise, but hopes the commission will retain some “elasticity” to negotiate land transfers in “creative and thoughtful ways.”

“I think it’s important that we have an understandable process that’s not convoluted,” he said. “We shouldn’t be making things up as we go along.”

Councilman Jim Llewellyn has expressed reservations about Vancil’s proposal.

“We have plenty of public processes,” he said. “I don’t need a checklist. I can list the merits as they are presented.”

Vancil says she understands concerns that a new process and criteria for land transfers may bog down some elements of city government.

Still, a process for evaluating proposals will help the city put public sentiment into action, Vancil said.

“For some, public process is a pain in the neck that reduces government efficiency,” she said. “As a community, we have always valued public input, and must evaluate all of our decisions based on it. It isn’t enough to have a public meeting. We must also be prepared to respond to what we hear at that meeting.”