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Property purchase for fire station to be finalized
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007 |
BELLEAIR BLUFFS – The city is due to finalize the purchase of two properties needed for a possible new fire station by the end of this month, despite one city commissioner’s insistence that the price is too high.
The City Commission Monday took steps necessary to close on a loan to buy the properties, located at 2749 and 2765 Bayway Avenue, and to rent out two homes on the site.
The financing action was required by Sun Trust Bank and will enable the city to obtain a loan for $1,031,849 on the morning of Nov. 30, and then purchase the properties for $877,000 at 2 p.m. that day, City Attorney Thomas Trask said.
After the meeting, Mayor Chris Arbutine said the loan is tied to an existing loan that the city had obtained to make improvements to the City Hall/Community Center complex. A tie-in to the existing financing allows the city to pay a lower interest rate, Arbutine said. Approximately $150,000 of the total loan amount is for the refinancing.
Responding to a citizen’s question at Monday’s City Commission meeting, Arbutine said the property would become the location of a new fire station or other city use.
“We’re talking down the road,” Arbutine said regarding the timing for development of the site. He said the city did not want to be obligated to the fire station use “in case something happens, like the county taking over the fire operations.”
The vote to authorize the loan was 3-1. Commissioner Hunt Brand was absent. Commissioner Robert Russo dissented, saying the city was “paying too much for two pieces of property.” Russo had previously objected to the purchase price of the properties.
In a related action, the commission agreed to allow the renter of the property at 2749 Bayway to continue to pay $525 rent on a month-by-month agreement until details of a new lease agreement can be worked out. The owners of the property at 2765 Bayway would be given the same deal.
Trask said the new rental agreement would likely double the amount in order for the city to cover estimated additional taxes and other expenses related to the properties. Taxes on the properties will likely increase significantly due to the increased valuation and because one is currently homesteaded, Trask said. Even though the city would not normally have to pay taxes, in this case they would because renting the properties is a commercial use.
Arbutine said he believed the city can “definitely get the valuation price lowered” because the price of the property is related to a special use. That would lessen the tax burden somewhat.
The monthly rental agreement would be in effect for at least two months, as the city must give the tenants a minimum 30 days notice of any change. Arbutine said he and Public Works Director Robert David will talk to the tenants and work out a longer term lease agreement that can be discussed at next month’s workshop.
Both residents have indicated their desire to remain in the homes until the city decides on a permanent use for the property, Arbutine said.
Special Master orders condo cleanup
The city’s Special Master, hired to decide code enforcement cases, has given the owners of a proposed condominium development until Dec. 8 to clean up the site. The owners of the property at 2675 Sunset Drive, behind Albertsons, will have to remove a silt fence and mounds of dirt from the site if they do not renew a permit to build the condos, David said. The owners will be responsible for maintaining an on-site creek regardless of whether they resubmit plans for the condos.
The project has been stalled for some months, and the condition of the property has been the subject of complaints from nearby residents.
Shimkus announces re-election plans
Commissioner David Shimkus announced he is planning to seek a fourth term in office next year. Shimkus said his decision to run again came after much consideration and discussions with his wife. The couple had a new baby this past year and have lived outside of Belleair Bluffs during a prolonged renovation process.
Shimkus said the “hell” that he has gone through on the house proves that he intends to stay in the city long term. The Shimkuses hope to be back in their home by Christmas, he added.
Home holiday decorating contest entrants wanted
Judging for the city’s best decorated homes will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. Residents interested in entering this year’s contest should contact City Hall at 584-2151.
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Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007
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