City seeks real estate acquisition firm for West Fifth project; planning items include conditional-use, historic designation, Weinbrenner RFQ selection team

The city will issue an RFP to hire a real estate acquisition expert to negotiate temporary easements and handle closings for the West Fifth Street reconstruction project, which is currently scheduled for 2027.

Steve Barker said most reconstruction projects require temporary easements for construction access and restoration; the city typically receives grant funding for such projects and is responsible for real estate acquisition. Barker described the RFP purpose: negotiate temporary easement payments, close documents and ensure properties are restored after construction. He said the state grant split for similar projects historically has been about 80/20 (state/city) but that exact program terms are set by the granting authority.

Barker also previewed a plan commission meeting on a single-item conditional-use permit for a company building in the city’s southeast area, and he described a planning packet request to designate 312 East Ninth Street as a local historic property. Mayor Lois Teastrick and Barker discussed the building’s architectural significance and noted the owner has maintained the exterior.

On redevelopment, Barker said the council finalized membership of the Weinbrenner redevelopment RFQ selection team: Mayor Teastrick will serve, along with three council members (Jen Dallas, Natasha Tompkins and Scott Coran), two members from the Community Development Authority including Ashley Winch and a second appointee to be chosen, City Administrator Barker, economic development consultant Josh Miller, and one community member to be selected from two candidates (Dave Krause and Marsha Bushman). Barker said the RFQ response deadline is Nov. 7.

No formal votes were recorded in the preview. The items will appear on upcoming agendas where council and commission action will be taken.