Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Facility Purchase topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Urbana council moves to pursue purchase of former White's Ford for Public Works facility
Summary
The Board of Control recommended and Council put forward authorization to negotiate a $3 million purchase of the White's Ford properties on N. Main St. Council discussion focused on financing, environmental review, and consolidation benefits for Public Works.
The Urbana Board of Control recommended that the Director of Administration be authorized to finalize a contract to purchase the former White's Ford property at 1214 & 1246 N. Main St for use as a consolidated Public Works facility. The Letter of Intent cited a base cost of $3,000,000 and proposed financing in 15 estimated annual payments of $270,161.
Superintendent of Public Works Chad Hall described the existing Taft Avenue facility as dated and too small for current equipment, said the White's Ford acquisition would allow more efficient operations, and noted the realtor had the property listed at $3.5 million. "The agreement is for $3 million, while the realtor has the property listed at $3.5 million," Hall said. He added an estimated purchase price equated to about $165 per square foot versus $250 to $275 per square foot for new construction.
City officials said standard environmental reviews would be completed before a final contract and that the Letter of Intent requires disclosure of prior studies. Director of Law Mark Feinstein said the final negotiated contract could be added as a communication for Council after review.
Council voted on the Board of Control item by roll call: Mr. Scott, no; Mr. Davis, yes; Mr. Thackery, yes; Ms. Truelove, yes; Mrs. Bean, yes; and Ms. Jumper, no. The Board of Control item passed 4-2.
Finance staff noted the purchase would be charged to the Capital Improvement Fund, Water Fund and Sewer Fund and that issuance costs could be reduced by rolling debt issuance with previously approved fire-truck purchases. Council did not finalize a construction schedule at the meeting; staff said some site work such as moving the salt barn would occur internally but not immediately.
