Board reviews title history and RFP schedule for sale of Can Redemption Center; partners seek proceeds for Hope Haven

During a work session following the April 7 regular meeting, Des Moines County staff reviewed title and deed history for a parcel containing the Can Redemption Center (block 7) and three adjacent lots and discussed options for selling county‑owned properties.

Staff said a series of 1970s deeds and subsequent consolidations left the county with clear title to the parcel now described as block 7; while Partners for Persons with Disabilities (formerly ARC) previously owned or conveyed nearby lots, staff and a Partners representative said Partners has no current claim on the sale parcel. Partners and Hope Haven representatives requested that proceeds from any sale be used to benefit Hope Haven or services for people with disabilities.

County staff discussed logistics: a request for proposals for realtor services was imminent (dates mentioned included April 9 and April 14 as potential reference points), and staff advised that selling the parcel as a whole or as subdivided lots would be matters for a realtor’s analysis. The board also discussed whether selection of a realtor or contractor required a closed session under personnel rules; staff said past practice used a small evaluation group plus one board member and then a report back to the full board.

Next steps: County staff said they would issue the RFP/RFQ and return to the board with proposals; Partners asked that any proceeds from the sale be handled in a way that benefits Hope Haven and clients previously served by ARC.

Provenance: Work session discussion and title review recorded during the April 7 meeting.