Venice council approves $11.8 million purchase of former Douglas Jeep site for city fleet and solid-waste operations

The City of Venice City Council unanimously approved the purchase of a 4.7-acre parcel at 1280 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass South (parcel ID 0428-11-0001) from Douglas Jeep Incorporated for $11,800,000 plus closing costs, clearing the way for the relocation of the city's solid-waste and fleet operations.

Assistant City Manager Clinch told the council the property is nearly "turnkey" for the city's needs, is appropriately zoned and would accelerate the Seaboard District redevelopment while saving "a little over $6,000,000" compared with building a new facility. Clinch and Public Works staff said the seller provided environmental Level 1 and Level 2 studies that the city's real-estate attorney reviewed; Assistant Public Works Director Ashley Castle said issues identified by the seller were remediated and closed via the seller's FDP.

The council heard details about funding: Finance Director Linda Seni said the project price plus an estimated $1,000,000 in site work and renovations brings the total to roughly $12,800,000. Staff proposed splitting the cost across funds (about 65% to the solid-waste enterprise fund and 35% to the 1-cent sales-tax/general government sources and impact fees). Seni said the city expects to reduce borrowing compared with previous plans: rather than the $9 million of borrowing previously budgeted for solid waste, the city now expects to borrow roughly $6 million for the solid-waste portion. The city plans a combined bond resolution (not-to-exceed figure expected on June 24) covering this project and a planned fire station.

Council members asked about an earlier agreement for another site: staff said the eight-acre Knights Trail agreement remains active but that the city's maximum liability under that contract is the deposit (about $50,000) and the city does not intend to complete that purchase if the current transaction closes.

Council members also pressed on environmental risk at the city's existing facility, which Clinch and others described as an active contamination site. Clinch said the top priority is to move staff and operations off the current site so demolition and physical remediation can begin; he said demolition of the existing buildings is planned for October and that remediation would follow. One council member cited a previously estimated cleanup figure of about $2,000,000 as part of the rationale for urgency.

Public works estimated roughly $1,000,000 in immediate capital improvements at the new property (fuel tanks, perimeter security, restroom and wall work, exhaust and fueling systems, and wash-down facilities); staff said they will refine that number during due diligence. Clinch said staff aim to close in September and to relocate operations by the end of the year.

Mayor Pechota called the purchase motion; the council voted 7-0 to approve the commercial contract for the purchase.

What happens next: staff will finish due diligence, return with a bond resolution at the June 24 meeting, and proceed toward closing and the scheduled remediation work at the existing site. Public Works will present more detailed cost-breakdowns to the council during upcoming budget workshops.

(Article based on Council meeting remarks and staff presentations; environmental studies, funding allocations and schedule as reported to council.)