The City of Fayette grew in size last week, by just a little bit. The city council on Tuesday, December 13 voted 5-1 to annex around 20 acres of land that are planned for development.

The land lies at the south edge of town, and abuts a small portion of Highway 240. Most of the land borders the east side of County Road 401, commonly known as the Fair Grounds Road.

The lone dissenting vote was cast by Northwest Ward Alderwoman Michelle Ishmael. 

The owners of the land, Li Lee and Gene Gerlt, plan to build a small subdivision on the portion of the land that isn’t on a flood plane.

Lee said on Thursday that the number of houses to be built has not been determined.

At the council’s previous meeting, Howard Electric CEO Amber Overfelt asked the city for a franchise agreement for the right to supply power to the development, in return for a five percent franchise fee. Likewise, the Public Water Supply District asked for the same deal, also with a five percent kickback to the city.

The city voted to annex the land, even though agreements haven’t been reached with either utility.

The city is negotiating for a seven-percent fee.

“We’re 95 percent there, city attorney Nathan Nickolaus, told the council.