Perry council tables MacQueen House upkeep resolution, asks attorney to revise draft

Council members discussed a proposed resolution intended to clarify the City of Perry’s financial and operational role in maintaining the MacQueen House and decided to postpone action so the city attorney can make revisions.

The draft resolution, as printed, would define “upkeep” narrowly — limiting city responsibility to routine maintenance necessary to preserve structural integrity and public safety (examples cited include minor roofing and exterior repairs and routine grounds maintenance). The draft explicitly states that restoration, cosmetic improvements and historical preservation efforts would remain the responsibility of the Perry Historical Society and would not be paid for by the city.

The resolution text also requires that any upkeep-related expenses be reviewed for compliance with the City of Perry Charter, zoning ordinances and the city’s standard budgeting and procurement procedures and that the City Council provide prior approval for such expenditures. The draft includes a clause reserving the city’s right to renegotiate the agreement with the Perry Historical Society if future financial or legal circumstances change.

Council did not adopt the resolution this evening. Instead, members asked the city attorney to make a few changes to the draft and tabled the item until it can be revised and returned on a future agenda. The resolution remains on the draft as written but will not take effect until formally adopted at a later meeting.

The council listed the MacQueen House upkeep resolution on the next meeting agenda for further review.