The Monroe on the Lake council’s committee of the whole on Sept. 23 recommended obtaining an estimate to demolish the building at Manor Beach Park as the city weighs whether to acquire the property and how it would fit the comprehensive plan.

Council members discussed recent property inspections and disagreed over valuation and repair costs. Councilman Bittner suggested basing the property value on the land, not the building; Councilwoman Wong said the building lacks Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and raised safety concerns. Councilwoman Moore questioned the cost of repair versus demolition and rebuilding; Councilman Johnson said he did not want to own a “money pit.” Mayor Eva noted the town of Mentor performs three autumn leaf‑cleanup visits weekly but had not provided an annual upkeep cost for the park and building.

Council members flagged specific inspection concerns, including sewer lines and potential asbestos, and agreed the land has value even if the building requires substantial renovation. The committee recommended obtaining a demolition estimate to compare renovation and teardown scenarios and to better understand a value proposition. Members also said the city will review inspection results for other city properties and factor expected costs into future finance planning.

During public comment later in the meeting, a speaker identified as a general counsel for a local demolition company said a contractor hired to estimate demolition had walked away after seeing the building contents and that obtaining multiple quotes would be necessary. City and committee members confirmed they plan to solicit at least three demolition quotes and to coordinate inspections with Manor (the neighboring jurisdiction) so a Manor representative can attend bid‑walks as needed.

The committee did not authorize acquisition or demolition funding; it requested estimates to inform a future decision. Council members discussed whether negotiation details should be handled in executive session if they involve bargaining strategy or specific offer amounts, and staff said such matters could qualify for executive session when appropriate.