Councilmembers to determine next move as they seek resolution to property line issue at community center site
Two Tracy residents, each carrying their own axe to grind with the City, appeared before the Tracy City Council on Monday to state their case about a property line on the west side of the former ADO building, which is being transformed into the town’s new community center.
George Tanguy and Dave Anderson both addressed the council, arguing that community center contractors hired by the City are trespassing as they work on the exterior of the building and its grounds to the west.
TRACY RESIDENT GEORGE TANGUY addressed the Tracy Council on Monday concerning a property line at the community center. The image at left shows Tanguy’s trailer parked close to the building to prevent workers from gaining access to the west wall; it is one of two trailers parked there. Photos / Per Peterson
City Attorney Matthew Gross kicked off discussion of the issue at hand. The land in question, to the west of the future community center, is owned by Tanguy and Anderson; Gross said the property line is about 2 feet or less from the west wall of the building. The two property owners have literally drawn a line, signifying where they say their property begins.
They have also parked two trailers at that area.
“It appears that is the survey line; however, there is a sidewalk or a piece of cement that’s right next to the building that juts out from there, and that’s been there for many, many years,” Gross said.
Gross said he spoke with Anderson last week to see if there was any room for negotiation that would allow the City to perform work on the west wall — or at least acquire an easement. Anderson indicated that neither he nor Tanguy were willing to comply, Gross said.
“This is an issue that’s likely going to persist going forward, giving the pending construction on the building,” Gross said. “The City needs to figure out a way to resolve the issue with the property line … even though the boundary line may be where it’s at, that doesn’t automatically establish that that’s the boundary line that’s been recognized over the years.”
Gross said the City has two alternatives. Because the line is so close to the building, the City could pursue an action to have the court determine the property line to the edge of the existing piece of cement that would extend it 3 to 4 more feet to allow crews access to that area. That would mean the City would need to pursue a lawsuit that could include a public nuisance statutory cause of action to prevent Anderson and Tanguy from placing items up to or near the property line.
“Without any legal action, the City is likely going to be rendered ineffective to that area,” Gross said.
A more immediate course of action, Gross said, would be for the City to purse a harassement restraining order against the Tanguy and Anderson.
“Given the timeliness of the project, it’s something that needs to be addressed,” said Gross.
Councilmember Jeri Schons said she would prefer not to pursue any litigation and wondered if there was any way that could be avoided. To that, the floor was open, and Tanguy took his turn.
Tanguy said it was not his intent to answer any questions from the council Monday. Instead, he suggested the council structure any questions in a letter.
“I have no problems communicating with you guys, but the reality is, that property was purchased at auction December 21st of 2025 — that means there were four months and 13 days that you guys could’ve reached out and contacted us,” Tanguy said.
Tanguy said he has contract agreement with the contractors stating that they need to get written approval from us.
“If you go back to Minnesota property law, you guys are supposed to reach out to us and there’s supposed to be 30 days for us to respond,” Tanguy said. “None of that’s happened. My working relationship with you guys and the City of Tracy is terrible. The past history is bad, and now we’re dealing with this.”
Tanguy said he is more than willing to have a cordial conversation about the issue, “but there are some acknowledgements that need to be addressed; I’m willing to work with the contractors. If we want to play games and say that we’re the bad guys and we’re harassing the City … we’re not.”
Anderson said it is his knowledge that the contractors were given the green light to carry on with their work and, “more or less, go ahead and break the law,” he said. “Nobody from the City of Tracy, except (Police Chief) Jason (Lichty) has touched base with me personally since we bought the property.”
The council tabled the issue and agreed to get together in a special meeting this Friday to deliberate as to how it wants to handle the situation.
In other business Monday … • The council approved the removal of the old playground equipment at Central Park and the removal of two of the four swings on the west side of the park. It is hoped that the work at the site of the old playground will be completed and grass seed put down this spring in advance of Burgers, Bands & Brews. Climbing features east of the new playground will be left alone. Also, the City will remove damaged playground equipment at Sebastian Park in August. The site will then be prepped for new a playground to be installed right after Labor Day, with the project finishing up this fall.
• The council OK’d resolutions to raze hazardous, tax-forfeited buildings at 424 Rowland St. and 200 Union St.
• Jason Everson was appointed to fill an open spot on the Police Commission.
• Bids for the Phase E project
