Mayor, city manager report ongoing negotiations over potential city hall locations; council to receive update next week

Mayor Eaton and City Manager Randy Dowling told council they had met with representatives of two property owners about possible city hall locations and that both properties remain under consideration.

Councilmembers asked whether the authorized negotiation team had met with the two specific properties the council previously identified; the city attorney and city manager confirmed meetings had been scheduled and that negotiations remain in progress. The transcript referenced two properties discussed publicly during the meeting: the historic Robert E. Lee property and the former BB&T building; staff said other private entities have also expressed interest in the same properties.

City staff said they could not present finalized terms until negotiations conclude, and advised the council that ongoing discussions could not be shared in full while talks remained active. The city attorney said she and staff will return to the council with a public update once negotiations are complete or when there are concrete items that require council action.

Councilmembers requested a status update and one member asked that any demolition costs (for other properties under consideration) be presented to the council for approval before money is spent. Staff said an asbestos survey for the previously authorized North City demolition would begin after staff selected a vendor based on three quotes and that bidding for demolition would follow the survey results; council confirmed any demolition contract exceeding $25,000 must return for council approval.