AUBURN – The Auburn City Council voted Monday to pursue purchase of 35 acres on the western edge of town for a housing development.

The city directed JEO Consulting to survey and design a development plan for the Westgate Addition, which is now under the trusteeship of Dennis and Carol Wheeler.

The decision followed a 17-minute closed session called to negotiate the sale of the land.

Mayor Chris Erickson said the city has a need for housing, there are utilities available at the Westgate Addition and it has been identified as a good spot for housing development.

The JEO agreement includes $24,650 for topographic and boundary survey and $7,500 for a conceptual master plan.