IC Commission considers offers

J&J presents four options for three city-owned parcels

 

IMLAY CITY — What to do with the three city-owned properties continues to be a topic of discussion at city commission meetings.

Such was the case at the December 3 meeting last week which was also the first meeting for new commission members Tom Blount, Stu Davis and Luke Stempien who were sworn in to office in the early stages of the meeting.

The city has unsuccessfully tried to sell the old fire hall, DPW building and what’s known as “The Old Sign Shop” to numerous potential buyers over the past several months, including Sage Creek Winery.

Prior to exploring other options for the property, the city commission agreed to a five-month lease with J&J Liquidation, formerly of Almont, to bring his business to town.

A few weeks later, at the last commission meeting, held in November, the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority approached the city regarding a subsidary of the DDA, known as “IC Holdings” to buy the property for $1.

The plan was not only to remediate the contaminated soil through the use of available grants the city does not have access to, but also to use the old fire hall on E. Third St. for their Farmer’s Market and other venues throughout the year, inicluding an alternate (indoor) site for Concerts in the Park, should weather be an issue.

Last Tuesday night, the commission was presented with four options from J&J Liquidation, to purchase all properties, or any combination thereof, for as much as $150,000, depending on the deal selected.

The city had been shopping the properties in the early stages for $50,000, knowing extensive remediation of contaminated soil needed to take place.

In the proposals presented last week, J&J offered to demolish the Sign Shop, at no cost to the city.

In the written proposal to the city, owner Jim Slack said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the City of Imlay City for allowing J&J Liquidation to lease the old fire hall. The response from the community has far exceeded our expectations. As you may have noticed, we have generated significant traffic in the downtown area, with our parking lot consistently full.”

Slack says he has been encouraged by both residents and business owners, to consider making Imlay City their permanent home.

All three offers for the properties were for over $100,000. A fourth option is for the city and J&J to enter in to a long-term lease agreement.

While admitting his real hope is to own the fire hall and DPW building, Slack stated, “Our ultimate goal (at J&J) is to establish a long-term presence in Imlay City, where we can continue to contribute to the vitality and growth of the downtown area.”

During public comment time, Imlay City resident Earl Gass encouraged the commission to reach an agreement with the new business and let them stay at the current location on E. Third St.

“The city has spent hundres of thousands of dollars on this property over the years and has nothing to show for it,” Gass pointed out. J&J is a great business and helping fill a void in downtown Imlay City. In my opinion, there is no legal reason not to sell this property to J&J and keep them in town.”

Newly chosen Mayor, Barb Yockey, said she will be appointing an adhoc committee to meet and discuss the city’s options and come back with a recommendation at the January 7 commission meeting.

Commissioners Al Ramirez, Tom Blount and Bob Tanis volunteered to serve on the committee, representing the city.