Council approves resolution letting mayor and recorder manage sale of Century Armor building

The council voted to approve Resolution 682-24, authorizing the mayor and the city recorder to manage the sale of the Century Armor industrial building to prospective buyers.

Supporters said the sale could bring new jobs and tax revenue. One council speaker said the initial offer would place 20 jobs at a starting salary of "60,000 each," with plans to add another 20 positions the following year. The council was told multiple companies are interested in purchasing the property and investing in upgrades.

At the same time, members raised repair-cost concerns. Council discussion included a state assessment that found the building’s structure sound but the roof and electrical systems in poor condition. The council cited estimates for roof and electrical work in the discussion; one speaker said the roof estimate was "looking about 1,000,001 half" as transcribed and another cited an electrical upgrade estimate in the range of "3 to 500" (transcription unclear). Council members said those costs might otherwise fall to taxpayers if the city retained or leased the property.

The resolution was approved by roll call. The transcript records affirmative roll-call responses from 'Mister Shorey', 'Miss Burkhart', 'Mister Bertha', 'Mister Tenants' and the presiding officer. The motion as recorded in the meeting packet is identified as Resolution 682-24; the transcript does not specify who made or seconded the motion on the record.

The council did not adopt a detailed funding plan for repairs during the meeting; members said potential buyers indicated they would invest in building upgrades. City staff and the mayor and recorder were authorized to proceed with managing the sale under the terms discussed.

The council moved on to other business after the vote.