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CASSELQERRY CITY COMMISSION <br />Minutes of June 23, 2014 — Regular Meeting <br />Page 7 of 14 <br />Mr. Newlon advised that the bowling alley had recently closed its doors and the property and building had <br />become available for purchase. He stated that the parcel included approximately 2.7 acres, approximately 170 <br />parking spaces, and a building shell amounting to approximately 32,000 enclosed square feet. He further <br />advised that the asking price for the property was $900,000 and the City's consultants and staff had inspected <br />the property and the building and felt the parcel would be a very good value for the City to consider purchasing <br />as a possible future site for a public safety complex. He explained that he and staff were requesting that the <br />Commission consider a contract offer of $850,000 for the parcel, with 45 days to conduct due diligence as to <br />the feasibility of the purchase, and to authorize $25,000 in order to conduct appraisals, a survey, and a building <br />and mechanical inspection. He added that he would also request an architectural assessment of the building to <br />determine if it would be suitable for retrofitting, or would ultimately need to be demolished. He stated that <br />after the 45 -day due diligence evaluation period, staff would bring the information back to the Commission for <br />consideration as to whether to proceed with the purchase. He added that everything would be contingent on <br />the sellers accepting any offer by the City, and if all the evaluations revealed that it would be feasible to make <br />the purchase and if the Commission desired to do so, he anticipated a closing could take place within <br />approximately 60 days. <br />Discussion: Commissioner Aramendia advised he had toured the property with the City Manager and felt <br />acquisition of the property would be very advantageous for the City and would provide a strategic location for <br />the City to locate a public safety complex, freeing up the current Police Department building parcel for <br />commercial development which would add value to the City's tax roll. He stated he felt this purchase would <br />be a good move towards the City's future visioning for the area. Mr. Newlon clarified that this parcel was <br />strategically located along the State Road 436 corridor and would be an asset as it currently existed, and the <br />City was not currently considering any annexations in the area. <br />Budget Impact: Budget Amendment #14-040 provides funding sufficient ($35,000) to pay due <br />diligence expenses ($25,000) and for the earnest money deposit ($10,000). No funds will be <br />expended unless the seller executes the contract. A budget amendment will be brought forward to <br />cover the purchase price and associated closing costs at the time the City Commission hears the due <br />diligence reports and is asked to authorize the City to go to closing. This is expected to occur August <br />11, 2014. <br />Recommendation: The City Manager recommended approval of Resolution 14-2624 and associated <br />Budget Amendment #14-040. <br />Audience Participation: The following individuals came forward to address Resolution 14-2624: <br />Assistant City Attorney Debra Babb-Nutcher arrived in the Chambers at 4:32 p.m. <br />Mayor Glancy reminded Mr. Jaynes Fraleigh to follow parliamentary rules and procedures and to use a <br />respectable tone during his comments. Mr. Fraleigh commented that he hoped the Mayor would issue the same <br />warning to everyone who spoke. <br />Mr. James Fraleigh, 23 Teresa Court, spoke in opposition to Resolution 14-2624, stating he <br />did not feel the Commission had been fiscally responsible in its purchase and sale of the City <br />Center property for a loss of over $4 million, and he felt the property being proposed for <br />