Fairfield council approves purchase of 121 West Main Street

The Fairfield council approved a real estate purchase contract for 121 West Main Street after members said an inspection found no major issues, the council’s presiding member said.

The council’s presiding member (Chair) told colleagues that "the inspection was done today, and there was not any problems," and described the house as structurally sound with a few minor repairs needed. A council member noted that radon and mold tests were not performed to avoid an additional cost of about $600, and the inspector nonetheless reported the attic, joists and septic camera checks were generally satisfactory.

Council members said they had negotiated a contingency that lets the town cancel without penalty through July 11 to allow additional due diligence. "We made the changes to make sure that, that, if there's any more due diligence that you could cancel the contract without having any penalties by July 11," a council member said.

During discussion members suggested converting part of the property to office space. The Chair and other members raised egress and ADA access as factors to address if the council adds a new room on the west side; members also discussed using two upstairs bedrooms as offices and keeping a kitchen as a break room. One participant cautioned about removing a recently installed fence.

On the floor, a council member moved "that we approve the real estate purchase contract for the property at 121 West Main Street," and another council member seconded the motion. Members voiced approval in the transcript with responses recorded as "RL, yes; Tyler, yes; Michael, yes; Richard, yes." The motion carried.

Members also discussed how to fund the purchase. The Chair said the town does not have large balances in the operating account and that funds may need to be transferred out of an investment account because the town’s insured amount is capped at $300,000. The Chair added the council expects a reimbursement from the Illinois Port Authority that should help the cash position.

Council members asked about closing and signing logistics; one exchange concluded with the council noting the closing/signing could occur in mid-July, with the Chair saying he thought the 14th was likely. The council adjourned after approving the purchase.

Next steps noted in the discussion included scheduling a walk-through before any remodeling and asking a local architect-affiliated staffer to draft options and estimated costs for converting part of the house into office space.