(A) (1) Where city property is to be sold, including property formerly used as a right-of-way, the Council shall pass a resolution giving the description of the parcel(s) to be sold, stating the names of the parties who are proposed buyers and the price for the parcel(s), calling a hearing thereon and directing the Clerk-Treasurer to publish notice thereof, giving time and place, and the recital of description, proposed buyer(s) and price(s) proposed.
(2) Where property is to be sold, unless the public benefit dictates otherwise, the Council shall inform the public, either by notice or in the published minutes, that it contemplates the sale. It may negotiate with the buyer(s) that the Council deems proper, but the negotiated sale price of any city property shall be as close to market value as feasible, but in no case less than the cost of the proceedings, including publication and preparation of the deed if there is little market value. Preference shall be given to abutters but in all cases the sale shall serve the public interest and support the most equitable end result. The time of notice shall be as required by state law.
(B) Where a vacated street or alley is to be immediately sold, the notice of vacation and hearings may be published simultaneously with notice of hearings on sale, but the vacation shall be decided upon and precede the sale. Upon hearing comments on the sale, the Council may determine to proceed by passing a resolution declaring the sale, directing the City Attorney to prepare the deed(s), the Mayor to convey by his or her signature and the Clerk-Treasurer to attest to the Mayor’s signature and affix the city seal on the deeds to the parties named in the final Council action. As a condition of the sale the city shall require that the purchaser must show proof to the Clerk-Treasurer of recording before the sale shall be deemed final.
(Ord. 123-31.02, passed 1-9-1989)