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Florence council approves sale of Bruning Camp building; council earmarks proceeds for redevelopment uses
Summary
Council accepted a $190,000 offer and approved an ordinance selling the Bruning Camp building to a current occupant, concluding the town’s review of proposals and opening the way to use proceeds for redevelopment projects.
The Florence Town Council voted Aug. 5 to authorize the town manager to execute documents to sell the Bruning Camp building at 291 N. Bailey St. for $190,000.
Town staff said the sale candidate, the current occupant, scored highest in a committee review that evaluated maintenance plans, historic preservation experience and compliance with code. Town Manager reported the buyer received 388 out of 400 points from the review committee; council approved the sale by unanimous vote.
Why it matters: The town owns several historic buildings and covers their maintenance costs. Manager Walls told council that proceeds from the sale would flow into the town’s redevelopment area and could be used for façade improvements, redevelopment projects or other uses allowed in the redevelopment plan.
Public comment: Bonnie Barriola, a member of a planning committee preparing a Jason Lopez memorial event, asked council to consider using some of the Bruning Camp sale funds to underwrite a life‑size bronze statue and related plaques and signage for a memorial planned for Dec. 27 in Jason Lopez Heritage Park. Barriola said local foundries make bronze statues and urged staff and council to consider the feasibility of using redevelopment funds as a backup if private donations fall short.
Council action and next steps: After staff described the procurement and review process and the committee scoring, council adopted the ordinance authorizing the sale and declared an emergency to finalize the transaction. Councilmembers said the purchaser’s track record and the proposed stewardship of the property informed their vote. Staff said they would return with closing documents and a notation in minutes that the sale proceeds are to be available for redevelopment‑area expenses in line with the redevelopment plan.
