Council declines to authorize lease negotiations for Hall of 50 States after procurement concerns

The Fort Myers City Council voted down a motion to authorize the city manager to negotiate a letter of intent for a lease of the city‑owned Hall of 50 States, after a contentious debate over procurement fairness and competing unsolicited proposals. The roll‑call vote produced three yes votes and four no votes, so the motion failed and the manager was not authorized to sign an LOI.

Supporters of giving the building a new use urged the council to act. Jim Becker, one of the public speakers who has sought the property for years, introduced himself and appealed directly to the council: "Jim Becker. I'm here for the Hall of 50 States." Joe Madden, representing Hall of 50 States Enterprises, told council, "We're speaking on item 17.19, and that is the authorization of the city manager to negotiate a letter of intent and terms of a lease for the Hall of 50 states." Those remarks framed proponents' request that the city allow a negotiated agreement rather than reopen a lengthy solicitation process.

Councilmembers who opposed moving forward cited procurement‑process fairness and the risk of protest if the established unsolicited‑proposal process were halted. After roll call — Councilmember Banc, Councilmember Geraldo and Mayor Kevin Anderson voting yes; four members voting no — the motion failed. The council did not adopt alternate direction at the meeting and returned the matter to staff for consideration of next steps. The council recorded no further action and the item remains unresolved pending any new direction or re‑solicitation.