Cosmopolis council declares 1312 1st Street surplus, authorizes sale process

The Cosmopolis City Council voted on Sept. 17 to declare 1312 1st Street surplus and to proceed toward divestiture, a step staff said will clear the way for market analysis, boundary adjustments and a future sale process.

Councilman Lendly moved to approve the surplus declaration and Council Darden seconded; the mayor confirmed staff will coordinate with the city attorney and that an executive session will be used when the city receives an offer. The motion carried on a voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.

Background and discussion: Staff reported a market analysis and noted the platting and utility locates affecting the parcel; a preliminary market analysis figure mentioned at the meeting was roughly $74,000 versus a lower assessed value cited from county records. Staff also advised that an alley easement and a boundary line adjustment would be needed to reconcile access for the adjacent city hall entry.

Public comment: A resident who identified himself as Steve asked how surplus‑sale proceeds would be used, whether proceeds are earmarked and what formal process the city follows to divest property (auction, sealed bid, direct sale to another government), and urged clearer written policy. The mayor and staff said they will work with the attorney and noted that procedures will be followed in making and reviewing offers.

What happens next: Council action declared the parcel surplus; staff said they will pursue next steps — legal review, boundary adjustments and a sale mechanism — and will return with more information. The meeting record indicates the council approved the motion but does not contain a full recorded roll‑call tally in the transcript.