Council signals intent to reject both bids for Stoneridge lot; staff to reissue RFP with clarifications

The city attorney reviewed statutory requirements for the sale of city property (citing the public bidding statute discussed in the packet as 15-1-112(a)) and said the city must accept the highest responsible bid unless council determines otherwise. Staff reported having received two bids for the Stoneridge lot; both appear to be responsible bidders per the attorney's review.

Councilors discussed neighborhood expectations and asked whether the city could impose development covenants or other terms as part of a reissued solicitation. The attorney advised that while the city may describe terms and conditions of sale, attempting to define a "responsible bidder" to require specific development outcomes would be legally vulnerable; existing zoning and any private covenants or homeowners association restrictions would apply and should be checked.

Several councilors said they preferred to reject both bids and reissue the solicitation with clearer terms or outreach to reflect the character of the neighborhood; staff said formal action to reject or accept must occur at a regular meeting and that staff will prepare documents for the next regular council meeting. Staff also noted that certain bid-supplement materials provided after the original submissions cannot be considered outside the formal bid record.

Ending: Several councilors expressed support for rejecting both bids and reissuing a clarified solicitation; staff will prepare the required documents and recommendations for council action at the next regular meeting.