The council was considering selling the six-acre property, but after an executive session, they decided to let the voters choose whether or not to sell the property. The item will be on the ballot in May 2010.
The council heard opposing views on what to do with the property during an open discussion with the audience.
Former council member Bonnie J. Neal said residents still utilize the park, and several families are upset at the thought of the city selling the land.
She also said the area has historical significance.
"You don't sell a historical area," she said.
The area, which has a historical marker across the street from the park, was formerly called Odessa. It was the site of the first post office in Wise County.
Mary Ann Wells, wife of council member Bob Wells, spoke out in favor of the city selling the land.
"The historical area is across the street," she said. "I've never seen anybody use the park, ever. There are no ball teams that are using the park."
Wells said she would like to see the city sell the property and use the revenue for improving other areas of the city.
Neal would like to see the park remain and receive some improvements, such as adding a walking trail and a low-maintenance soccer field.
Voters will determine the fate of the land next May.
The council passed the measure by a vote of 4-1. Council member Lucille Drain voted against it.
She said the land could possibly be used to drill a water well at some time in the future.
Meetings to be held once a month
The council also voted to limit themselves to only one meeting per month starting in November.
The council had been meeting on the first and third Thursday of every month. Starting in November, they will only meet on the third Thursday of the month.
"We'll just meet on the third Thursday," said Mayor Matt Newby. "We can always call a special meeting if we need to take care of any extra business earlier in the month."
The council will hold an extra monthly meeting once per quarter. The meeting will function as a budget workshop.
Newby said holding fewer meetings will allow city secretary Sherry Edgemon more time to focus on work at city hall and less time planning for council meetings.
Popular position
At the end of the year, long-time city secretary Edgemon will retire.
She has served as city secretary for 32 years.
The city has received more than 60 resumes for the position. Interviews began on Friday after narrowing the list of top candidates down to six.
Council member Laura Pixler said she would like to see the position filled by early November so the new secretary could be trained by Edgemon.
Edgemon said she is ready to retire after decades of service. She also cited health reasons.
