Council moves first reading to renew lease for Raleigh Metal Clad building; aldermen press for transparency on city‑owned property

The City of Freeport moved on first reading Sept. 2 to approve a one‑year lease renewal with tenant Pete Alber for the first floor of the former Raleigh Metal Clad building at South Liberty Avenue, with annual rent at $2,000.

Manager Boyer told council the city first leased the first floor to Alber on Sept. 2, 2020, with successive renewals. The proposed fifth renewal would run from Sept. 15, 2025, through Sept. 14, 2026, at the same rent. A new provision would allow the city to terminate the lease early if the tenant expresses interest in purchasing the building; any sale would require council approval of price and terms.

Alderman Stacy and Alderman Sanders pressed for more information: who pays property taxes (Director Richter confirmed the city is billed and the tenant reimburses $142.54 for tax year 2024), whether the city advertises the building for sale, and why the council had not discussed possible sale or marketing. Boyer and staff said the city has had limited advertising for multiple downtown vacancies but that the Greater Freeport Partnership (GFP) markets available properties to prospective developers; staff also said they had not received other purchase offers.

Stacy also asked whether there is oversight of long‑term occupancy and whether council should independently inspect or market the building; Sanders urged a more thorough review before continuing renewals. Council concluded the item at first reading and agreed to move the ordinance to the next regular meeting for final action.

Ending: Staff recommended renewal at current rent while offering that the lease now contains a tenant purchase option that would come back to council for approval of price and terms; staff said they will provide any additional requested tax and marketing information at the next meeting.