DeKalb Times

At its Jan. 9 meeting, the DeKalb city council voted to sell two properties it owns, 330 Grove St. and 217 South Fourth St. Council heard that the buildings were getting too expensive to maintain.

“Well, for 40 years, the one building and for a long time, almost as long, the 217 location have been solely the city's not just to own to and operate, but also to maintain,” city manager Bill Nicklas said. “So that means roofs and boilers and carpet and all the HVAC and electrical and plumbing, and all the rest that goes with it. To my knowledge, we have not been compensated for any of that." 

Nicklas listed the work the buildings would need. 

"As we were surveying city properties, I had to report that we were looking at some very significant expenses," Nicklas said. "The roof on the property at 330 Grove, where the senior center is, was going to need to be replaced in another year or two. The boiler had failed a couple of times. The HVAC systems which are on the roof of that building and also 217 had failed several times in the previous year. And we have gotten them going and so forth. Coincidentally, just over the weekend, the 'brain box' for the boiler that supports 330 ... gave out and there haven't been any parts made like that since 2010…And so as a property owner, that is your challenge and dilemma."

Nicklas explained the nonprofits using the properties have not put any money toward maintenance.

"We have heretofore over the years asked for some support so we could build up a sinking fund for large expenses like this," Nicklas said. "We do not have such a fund. We've never been offered anything from any of the agencies using these facilities. Whatever good works they do, whatever kind citizens such as these people who are here tonight and others maybe served, there has been no source other than general revenue from the city for this.”

 Nicklas told council a request for proposal (RFP) was put out and after going through the proposals the city received, he suggested accepting Pappas Development's proposal to purchase both buildings from the city for $100,000 (due to high maintenance costs), renovating the 217 building and demolishing the 330 building to create a drive-through type business plan.

Despite pleas from seniors at the meeting to not sell or redevelop the property housing the senior center, council voted to accept Pappas Development's proposal.

The board will meet again at 6 p.m. on Monday in the DeKalb Public Library’s Yusunas meeting room at 309 Oak St.