R2022-208 Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Purchase Property Located at 822 E. Decatur Street, and Two (2) Additional Adjoining Parcels, Decatur, Illinois

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MEMO DATE: December 5,2022 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Scot Wrighton, City Manager Jon Kindseth,Deputy City Manager SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Purchase Property Located at 822 E. Decatur Street, and Two (2)Additional Adjoining Parcels,Decatur, Illinois SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this Resolution authorizing the Purchase of 822, 830 and 832 East Decatur Street, Decatur, Illinois. BACKGROUND: The City received more than $1 Million from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to acquire,cleanup and demo properties within the Johns Hill neighborhood. The City has been carrying out these activities since 2020. The owner of the single-family home at 822 E. Decatur Street,also owns two adjacent vacant parcels. The property owner died last year, and the heirs no longer desire to own and maintain these properties. The property is currently going through probate and the legal authority to sell the property should be established this month. The City made an offer to purchase the property at the end of that process a few months ago, and the offer was accepted. The City has already ownership control over the majority of the properties on this full city block. Staff would like to acquire this property to continue the neighborhood revitalization goals and activities already underway in John's Hill. At this time,we believe the house can be rehabbed and made available for first time homebuyers as a part of the already Council approved abandonment to rehab program. If the house cannot be cost effectively salvaged, it will be demolished and cleaned up for redevelopment as we have done with other houses on this same block. STAFF REFERENCE: Should the City Council have any questions; they may contact Jon Kindseth at 450-2323 or jkindseth(a,decaturil.gov BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: This property acquisition will be funded utilizing HGB Foundation provided funds for this neighborhood.