ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Approve the INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT with the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF PEORIA SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 150 for the Transfer of Real Estate Commonly Known as (OLD) WASHINGTON SCHOOL Located at 839 WEST MOSS STREET, Peoria, Illinois.
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BACKGROUND: The Board of Education of Peoria School District No. 150, Peoria County, Illinois ("Board") currently holds title to the Adult Education facility (old Washington School) located at 839 West Moss Street and has determined that it no longer needs the property for educational needs. Because the Board recognizes the property's historical significance to the community and desires to see the property is developed in a manner consistent with the surrounding neighborhood, the City and Board signed an Intergovernmental Agreement in November 2013 for the transfer of title of said real property to the City upon the City's obtainment of a purchaser approved by both the City and the Board. This initial Agreement expired on February 28, 2014. The City was not able to find a suitable purchaser under this original Agreement and in March 2014, both parties agreed to a mutual extension through August 31, 2014. The City's Request for Proposal (RFP) yielded a viable party and in July 2014 the City Council approved sale of the property to Montessori Children's Home of Peoria. However, due to budget constraints and higher than anticipated costs of renovating the property, Montessori has withdrawn its offer. Since the Agreement between the City and Board has expired, an extension is required. The Superintendent has indicated her and District 150's support for a revised Agreement (attached) that extends the deadline through July 31, 2015. This will be considered by the School Board at their January 12, 2015 meeting.
Under the terms of Agreement, the City must make reasonable efforts to secure a purchaser for the property for a price no less than $150,000. As before, the purchaser must develop the property in a manner that preserves its historic significance and that is consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. Upon the Board's approval of the proposed purchaser, the Board will convey the property to the City upon which the City will then sell the property to the purchaser. The proceed minus the cost of the closing from the sale of the property to the final purchaser will be transferred to District 150. City staff has prepared a new RFP that will be released upon approval of the Agreement by both the Council and Board.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City agrees to continue covering reasonable cost of utilities and maintenance during this marketing period.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: The City has hosted a public meeting for surrounding residents to discuss the range of development options for the property. Any proposed use will likely be discussed at a meeting of the Moss-Bradley Residential Association before being brought forward to Council for approval.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Assist the Board in obtaining a final purchaser of the Old Washington School to develop the property in a manner to protect the historic significance and be consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
IMPACT IF DENIED: Under the Illinois Local Government Property Transfer Act, Board will be limited to selling property either through a public auction or highest bidder through a sealed bid process which affords no protection on the preservation of the historic significance and no control on the use being consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Improve District 150.
2. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office