What: Sale of city hall building proposed For:
Prospective buyer interested in turning building into laundromat
More:
Utilities connected to adjacent garage present challenge
Council to explore options on attached garage
Special to the Cassville Democrat The Purdy City Council received a second inquiry about selling the former city hall building, prodding city leaders to revisit the question.
The latest inquiry came from parties expressing interest in turning the building, located on Hwy. C on the east side of the railroad tracks, into a laundromat. Another request came a year ago without a pressing offer.
The issue that stalled the last prospective sale still stands. The city hall building, originally built as a restaurant, has utilities connected with the adjacent garage built to the north. Mayor Brian Bowers determined on his previous research that the city could have the property surveyed and split the two buildings into separate lots, and that separate utility meters could be installed dividing service.
Still at issue is wheth- er replacing the garage would cost more than the city could get selling it. Kevin Cook, public works foreman, said the only builder he approached last time wanted $70,000 and insisted on a concrete pad underneath. Cook described several simpler designs and said he would again reach out for quotes. Both parties expressing interest in the city hall building also said they would buy the garage if available, but it remains unclear if the garage would go up for sale.
Equipment storage remains an issue for the city. Council members agreed to sell the city’s red pickup truck, which has been sitting outdoors by the water tower, having no interior storage site. Cook confirmed the truck bed has significant rust. Proceeds for its sale will go toward the recently acquired new truck. The council approved advertising the truck and plans to review purchase proposals at its April 12 meeting.
At the council’s Jan. 13 meeting, the city’s 1986 Ford dump truck was sold for $4,300, the highest of four bids received.
Following the January meeting, council members agreed to move their monthly council sessions to 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month to avoid scheduling conflicts, particularly for those with children who are active in school functions most other weeknights.
Cook reported at length on plans Monett businessman Jason Kurima has advanced in converting 702 Washington into three apartments. Cook placed each apartment on a separate water meter. Council members settled on a tap fee and trash arrangements for the property.
The council agreed for Cook to schedule spring clean-up during the week of April 12.
In department reports, Police Chief Jackie Lowe reported a tangled incident with an Autumn Woods Apartments resident who reported a rape. The subsequent investigation determined that no rape had occurred, and that the victim, a regular user of psychogenic chemicals, had a psychotic incident. She ended up in a mental health facility and the suspect was cleared.
Officer Russ Nichols filed a report on a student at the high school caught with a pack of cigarettes. A marijuana cigarette was found in the pack, resulting in the subject being turned over to the Juvenile Office.
The theft of license plate from a parked vehicle ended up connected to a subsequent theft of $2,400 in merchandise from a Walmart in Rogers, Ark. The capture of one suspect led to the arrest of a second person and the recovery of the lost merchandise and the license plate.
The council will next meet on March 12.
