Council discusses surplus shop and garage: appraisal, potential trade with Crooks Development Corporation

Council reviewed options for surplus and disposition of two municipal properties: the 2002 East Main Street shop and the 207 North 1st Ave garage. Staff reported an appraisal for the new shop of about $185,000 and discussed a potential trade with the Crooks Development Corporation; the council said the trade could be a package deal and agreed to order appraisals for both properties so the finance/closing process could proceed.

Members cautioned about selling a garage that sits partly in the right‑of‑way and noted the implications of upcoming street work that could require tearing back portions of a structure. The council discussed auctioning the property in November versus negotiating a trade; staff said auction timing could complicate bank financing and refinancing steps. A council member estimated the costs to upgrade the shop building for new uses (bathrooms, sewer hook‑ups) could push work costs into the mid‑$200,000 range if extensive renovations were required.

Council directed staff to obtain necessary appraisals and to invite the Crooks Development Corporation to the next meeting to discuss a possible trade. The council framed several paths forward — trade, auction or rental pending demolition — and asked staff to provide clearer options and costs at the next meeting.