By Kate Reynolds, Sept. 21, 2023
Like two weeks ago, this week’s Marseilles City Council meeting was standing-room only. Two weeks ago, Mayor Jim Hollenbeck and the board indicated a vote on an ordinance authorizing the mayor to ‘execute a purchase contract for the Illinois Valley Cellular building, 200 Riverfront Drive, could be on the agenda for the Sept. 20 meeting. Last night, Hollenbeck said no action would be taken on the issue pending more information the board has requested.
Two weeks ago, two commissioners requested more information during a two-and-a-half-hour meeting. The council voted 3-2 to continue discussions to acquire the property for $1.45 million. Commissioners Bobby Kaminski, Accounts and Finances, and Melissa Small, Public Health and Safety, voted yes with Hollenbeck in favor of continuing negotiations; Commissioners Jim Buckingham, Public Property, and Mike Scheib, Streets, voted against the purchase contract negotiations.
Buckingham voted no due to a lack of transparency and the council’s decision not to obtain another building inspection report; he expressed concerns about the building’s elevator. Scheib asked for at least two more building appraisals so the city would have more options to go with the $1.45 million quote the town has received.
“It was suggested at the last meeting that we get three appraisals,” Hollenbeck said. “We decided to get one more appraisal, so we’re waiting on that. Because of Commissioner Buckingham’s suggestion, we’re working on getting more cost factors regarding our building inspection.”
MTCO Communications owns the property, building, and grounds at 200 Riverfront Drive. The council is considering a potential new home for city hall, its offices, and the Marseilles Police Department. The appraisal for the IV Cellular building is $1.6 million. The $1.45 million quote for the 27,000-square-foot facility includes 6.4 acres of riverfront property.