City attorney: title cleared for community center parcel; staff to prepare notice, RFP and advertisement

The city attorney told the commission on Oct. 23 that a revised title commitment shows the city holds fee-simple clear title to the former community center parcel, clearing prior deed restrictions and reverter clauses that had appeared in earlier records.

The attorney recommended the city proceed with a public notice of intent to dispose and an accompanying request for proposals (RFP) inviting proposals for redevelopment of the CRA-owned parcel downtown (the community center site). The attorney said a new boundary survey was recommended by the title insurer but not required for closing; staff proposed requiring a buyer-paid survey to protect a purchaser, while avoiding an immediate expense by the city.

Staff explained the RFP package would ask applicants to demonstrate the public purpose of their proposal, provide financial feasibility documentation and include a proposed timeline; the commission would later evaluate submissions and could require a selection committee. The city attorney said once the notice and RFP are ready staff would publish the materials and accept proposals; unsolicited inquiries received previously would be welcome to respond through the formal RFP process.

Commissioners indicated they wanted transparency in the process, and the attorney and staff agreed to return draft RFP and advertising language at the next meeting. Staff said the RFP and notice could be on the next agenda for formal approval prior to publication.