Seward council declares property surplus, requires proof of refrigerant reclamation for AC unit

The Seward City Council voted unanimously to declare several city-owned items surplus and set conditions for selling an air-conditioning unit at an East Seward Street property that contains refrigerant.

The action, introduced as resolution number 2025-13 and passed by a 7-0 vote, directs staff to offer the items for public bid and requires proof that refrigerant has been reclaimed and the unit tagged before removal.

Council members said the surplus list includes old street signs (the price was noted as reduced to $10 from $20), a bicycle and a cordless grinder that were held at the police department, and one HVAC unit at the recently acquired East Seward Street property. Council discussion focused on legal and environmental limits around removing and disposing of refrigerants from the AC unit.

“It's illegal to just cut the Freon and let it go into the environment,” Doug Overhauser said during the meeting. “They have to come out and reclaim the Freon, tag it, and say that it's safe to remove.”

Tim, a city staff member who spoke about value and disposal logistics, said scrap value for the unit is about $60 but the HVAC component could be worth substantially more. “I'd say ... have whoever buys it bear the cost,” Tim said, adding that the purchaser must produce the required red tag showing certified reclamation before the unit can be removed.

Council members and staff discussed options for handling the reclamation expense if a buyer cannot be found. Staff noted the reclamation work typically costs “a couple hundred dollars,” and one proposal put a minimum (reserve) bid at $200 so the city would not pay reclamation costs without a sale. The council also set a timeline for the reclamation/tagging process tied to the sale process; staff reported a target completion date of June 13 for required steps related to the surplus disposition.

The resolution directs staff to proceed with public bidding for the declared surplus items and to require documentation of proper refrigerant reclamation for any HVAC equipment sold. No amendment changing the legal requirement was proposed; council discussion focused on who pays and on ensuring the city does not allow illegal venting or unpermitted disposal.

Councilmembers voting in favor were Francis Scott, Kayla, Tanya, S. Quilterman, Singleton, Streisand and Morgan. The motion carried 7-0.

Staff follow-up will include finalizing the surplus bidding brochure and confirming the minimum bid and reclamation verification procedures before the items are posted for sale.