City staff updated council on the North Ward Elementary property (locally designated and on the National Register of Historic Places), reporting two independent appraisals with divergent values (approx. $1.6 million and $2.7 million). Staff said roofs on the historically contributing structures are nearing the end of their lifespan; thermal scans showed no active leaks at the time of inspection, but staff recommended planning for stabilization to prevent deterioration.

Options discussed included a full roof replacement and a temporary "shrink‑wrap" or membrane stabilization as a short‑term measure. Staff noted $200,000 had been set aside for initial stabilization and that Quality Roofing provided cost estimates for different scenarios. Council members asked for details on the longevity and durability of temporary covers and requested further information to evaluate whether to spend $83,000 for a temporary cover or invest in longer‑term repair.

Assistant City Manager and staff outlined a pre‑marketing strategy: 5–6 months of outreach to curate developers with preservation expertise, site tours, marketing collateral and possible RFQ prequalification to attract qualified adaptive‑reuse partners. The team recommended launching a formal solicitation in the May–June 2026 timeframe to capitalize on increased downtown construction activity and market interest.