Quincy to buy land

First offer was rejected

QUINCY - After a 29-minute executive session, Quincy City Council made an offer for the Vordahl's Department Store building and lot Tuesday.

Council entered into an executive session concerning the real estate purchase of two properties. Councilmember Jose Saldana was excused from a portion of the session due to his involvement in a sale being discussed.

Saldana sold two properties located on B Street Southwest across from city hall to the city at a previous council meeting. The properties were sold for $165,000.

After the executive session council announced their offer for the Vordahl's building and property located across the street from city hall on D Street Southwest. They offered $375,000.

City Administrator Tim Snead said there was a misunderstanding between the city and Martin-Morris Agency who is selling the property. He said the city previously made an offer of $375,000 believing it was a deal for purchasing the property. At a previous council meeting, council authorized the mayor to purchase the property for $375,000.

Agency representative Bob Konen said he took the offer to the property owner who said it wasn't enough money for the property. He said there was nothing in writing between the property owner and the city binding anyone to a sale. The property owner countered with an offer to sell the lot for $399,000, Konen said.

Councilmember Carl Worley motioned to offer $375,000 for the property a second time with the stipulation it must pass an inspection showing it's adequate for city expansion needs. Councilmember Manual Guerrero seconded the motion.

The motion passed 4-3.

"I just feel like we're stuck," Councilmember Scott Lybbert said about the city's offer.

Worley said he would rather offer $399,000 to purchase the property. Councilmember Rebecca Young agreed.

The motion passed with Councilmember Keith Anstine, Councilmember Tony Gonzalez, Guerrero and Saldana voting to approve the offer.

Lybbert and Young voted against the motion. Worley also voted against the action although he made the motion for approval.

"It wasn't unanimous, we'll leave it at that," Lybbert said.

Agency representative Curt Morris said the offer will be swiftly rejected by the property owners again.

"We will continue to try to sell it to someone else," Konen said.