39:11The current owner, identified as Rick, was noted to have the authority to transfer the school to the city for a nominal fee of $1. Yet, the city faces a financial burden, with projections indicating that maintaining the school could cost approximately $150,000 annually until grants are secured. Compounding the issue is the difficulty of obtaining grants for a property not owned by the city, raising doubts about attracting partners without ownership commitment. Commissioners considered alternative solutions, such as partnering with the county, which might be more capable of managing the property and its costs. A commissioner remarked, “I think that this is the best option right now,” suggesting that the county’s involvement could alleviate some of the city’s financial responsibilities.

23:08In addition to property acquisition, the meeting discussed grant applications and budgetary constraints. The commission had explored a $50,000 grant but found the timeline too restrictive. There was consensus on the necessity of securing a knowledgeable grant writer to navigate larger grants and understanding matching fund requirements. The city’s designation as an REI community could potentially reduce its match contribution to 25%, rather than the typical 50%. The urgency of finding a grant writer was underscored, with concerns about meeting future deadlines and the city manager’s experience with grant writing being uncertain.

17:15Building maintenance emerged as another topic, with members highlighting the need for specific project cost estimates, especially for electrical work, to prepare for grant applications. Concerns about non-historic buildings’ roofs, such as those on buildings four and five, were raised, although other buildings had received new roofs. The media center’s roof was identified as particularly in need of replacement due to its advanced age.

30:33Despite these challenges, there was acknowledgment of the resources available to the city, including local architects offering assistance to reduce costs. The commission also considered a recommendation from the Blue Ribbon Committee for hiring a grant writer, recognizing the need to expedite the process.

The meeting further delved into the intricacies of grant applications, highlighting a missed opportunity due to a tight timeline. Commissioners agreed that the city should begin preparing for future grant cycles promptly. The conversation touched on the importance of early budget proposals for a grant writer to ensure streamlined approvals later. It was noted that the new city manager, set to start imminently, could play an instrumental role in this process. However, his experience with grant writing remained a topic of uncertainty.

The status of negotiations with the school board concerning the property acquisition was also discussed. There was an expressed urgency to gain clarity on ownership to avoid expending resources unnecessarily. Legal counsel was retained, but actions could not proceed without direction from the city manager.

52:21Finally, the meeting reviewed an asbestos report related to the school property. Despite the daunting nature of asbestos management, the consensus was that it should not hinder progress on the property’s future.