No Bid For $80,000 Building?

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Skilled debaters practice an argument known as 'reductio ad absurbdum', or reduction to the absurd. Middletown is a splendid screen for absurdity.

Recently, City Manager Adkins pointed to his plan in 2020, the expectation property values would rise. When discussing the no bid award of property valued by the county auditor for $79,950. for $1.00, he said it was overvalued. If the property is over-valued at $79,950., why would there be others wanting to buy property which have value the city manager deems lower than the objective analysis of the auditor. An example of the reduction to the absurb.

Under  the state statutes, particularly 721, all properties owned by a municipality have to bid after being advertised for 5 weeks, with the exception of it being given to the county commissioners as a free transfer of no use. So again, the city provides reduction to the absurd, in this case, giving property to a former city employee for a dollar, when market value based on tax, is nearly $80,000., and in contradiction to the statute which appears to state what is required within Ohio for such disposition. Reduction to the absurd happens too often in fair city Middletown and  Hail Caesar is trumped much too often.  Absurdity, hope, maybe, all words which need to be purged for the city lexicon. 
721.03 Lease or sale of real estate - advertisement for bids.
No contract, except
				as provided in section 721.28 of the Revised Code, for the sale or lease of
				real estate belonging to a municipal corporation shall be made unless
				authorized by an ordinance, approved by a two-thirds vote of the members of the
				legislative authority of such municipal corporation, and by the board or
				officer having supervision or management of such real estate. When the contract
				is so authorized, it shall be made in writing by such board or officer, and,
				except as provided in section 721.27 or 721.29 of
				the Revised Code, only with the highest bidder, after advertisement once a week
				for five consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the
				municipal corporation or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. Such
				board or officer may reject any bids and readvertise until all such real estate
				is sold or leased.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Factguy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Dec 07 2009 Status: Offline Points: 217	Post Options Post Reply Quote Factguy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: No Bid For $80,000 Building? Posted: Feb 21 2016 at 12:44am
	Skilled debaters practice an argument known as 'reductio ad absurbdum', or reduction to the absurd. Middletown is a splendid screen for absurdity. Recently, City Manager Adkins pointed to his plan in 2020, the expectation property values would rise. When discussing the no bid award of property valued by the county auditor for $79,950. for $1.00, he said it was overvalued. If the property is over-valued at $79,950., why would there be others wanting to buy property which have value the city manager deems lower than the objective analysis of the auditor. An example of the reduction to the absurb. Under the state statutes, particularly 721, all properties owned by a municipality have to bid after being advertised for 5 weeks, with the exception of it being given to the county commissioners as a free transfer of no use. So again, the city provides reduction to the absurd, in this case, giving property to a former city employee for a dollar, when market value based on tax, is nearly $80,000., and in contradiction to the statute which appears to state what is required within Ohio for such disposition. Reduction to the absurd happens too often in fair city Middletown and Hail Caesar is trumped much too often. Absurdity, hope, maybe, all words which need to be purged for the city lexicon. 721.03 Lease or sale of real estate - advertisement for bids. No contract, except as provided in section 721.28 of the Revised Code, for the sale or lease of real estate belonging to a municipal corporation shall be made unless authorized by an ordinance, approved by a two-thirds vote of the members of the legislative authority of such municipal corporation, and by the board or officer having supervision or management of such real estate. When the contract is so authorized, it shall be made in writing by such board or officer, and, except as provided in section 721.27 or 721.29 of the Revised Code, only with the highest bidder, after advertisement once a week for five consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the municipal corporation or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code. Such board or officer may reject any bids and readvertise until all such real estate is sold or leased.

Analytical Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Nov 19 2015 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 562	Post Options Post Reply Quote Analytical Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 21 2016 at 4:24am
	In recent months, persuasive posts have enlightened some respected real estate professionals as to the conduct and competency of city government. Not wanting to sound Obama-like, the 'Hope and Change' revitalization rhetoric, policies and plans espoused by top city administrators and elected officials are being called into question. The empty hoopla and rah-rah bravado of top city personnel and office holders is being increasingly scrutinized. What a sad and predictable commentary for our once proud city.

Dean Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Apr 15 2014 Status: Offline Points: 162	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dean Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 21 2016 at 10:34am
	A Scalia tactic. And it works. Taking it to the absurdity for rationale thought. The city has redone downtown Middletown countless times and failed. It again spends millions hoping to revive a downtown which has failed previously, how absurd then it to be. Houses are expected to rise in vale as well as commercial property, when our leadership indicates there are no others interested in a property but one, so its value is worthless. How absurd one can indicate value will therefore raise when actions and words indicate otherwise, ergo, "its useless." If it had value, then there would be many desiring it. Taken to absurdity. Streets have been neglected for 30 years, but if the city gets $800,000 from street lamps annually, to gradually make up for the neglect. Taken to the absurdity. The Atrium, AKS, and many others have left Middletown, but the city is bouncing back, a new era being born. City leadership has it together, planing, and putting in place great things forward. Absurd.

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 21 2016 at 10:53am
	“Recently, City Manager Adkins pointed to his plan in 2020, the expectation property values would rise. When discussing the no bid award of property valued by the county auditor for $79,950. for $1.00, he said it was overvalued. If the property is over-valued at $79,950., why would there be others wanting to buy property which have value the city manager deems lower than the objective analysis of the auditor. An example of the reduction to the absurb.” Factguy I don’t expect City Hall to make a huge profit on their real estate deals. However I do expect them to at least break even and recoup city funds that have been invested into these properties, For Mr. Adkins to sit before the TV camera at the council meeting and say that the property at 1316 Vail, for a price of $79,950 is over valued, so he justify giving it away for a dollar says volumes for ALL THE PROPERTY VALUES IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA in my humble opinion. Then why did City Hall purchase 1316 Vail for $90,000 + a $5,000 moving expense several years ago? However the property at 1316 Vail wasn’t the only property involved in this deal. I believe Mr Adkins stated that City Hall had paid $100,000 for the Mission, then they paid $100,000 to demo the Mission and Barb’s Pub, then paid about $3,500 to mow and maintain the empty properties on Central Ave over the past several years. So is Mr Adkins saying that the empty properties 1329 and 1341 on Central Ave now have no value either? Well if you look at your tax bill you will notice it has the value of the land plus the value of the building…soooo even empty land has value. $100,000 $100,000 $95,000 $3,500 $298,500 City Hall investment in these properties. SOLD! FOR THE BARGIN BASEMENT PRICE OF $1 City Hall, pleeze tell me again why we are going broke and therefore you need more of my money….

Factguy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Dec 07 2009 Status: Offline Points: 217	Post Options Post Reply Quote Factguy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 21 2016 at 8:37pm
	The art of the Deal. City hall is a very bad negotiator. Every building will be sold for a $1., as the city has set the bar on Manchester, now the Robinette deal. Any major commercial business will only move out to the annexed Middletown property east 75 after the city writes a check for the land, at $5 Mm. Why would others pay for land and buildings when the city has a solid record of giving them away. When its over, the city leadership has given over $15 Mm away since 2004.

spiderjohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749	Post Options Post Reply Quote spiderjohn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 8:54am
	Correct, factguy as spider has mentioned frequently, why would anyone PAY for property here, especially in the former downtown area? City Council/Admin has pretty much declared that pretty much all local properties are pretty much worthless. Unless the city wants a parcel for a "friend". And our new Council/Admin members wasted no time in continuing the pattern. Hmmm...... Maybe Ms.Moon could dig a little deeper in to the latest deal, and remind everyone on the purchase and then swap of the former Vail Hobby House and the current location of the cabinet shop. I believe that a local made a sweet profit on a quick turnover of the cabinet shop site along with the trade for the Vail parcel. And maybe if y'all really want to raise eyebrows, trace back the Duncan Oil deal back to it's origin(the train??) and all of the subsequent land purchases/swaps that cost us plenty and have yielded decades worth of nothing. Biggest con job of all imo. Robinette/Koehler/Les etc. I want to believe and support, but I am disillusioned----sos

Analytical Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Nov 19 2015 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 562	Post Options Post Reply Quote Analytical Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 9:54am
	And what about the person at the top?

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 11:44am
	This one is for you Spiderjohn. Here is the link to our 2010 MUSA discussion concerning Midd-Town Custom Cabinet, Dan Diver, City Hall and the use of NSP Funds that were involved in this deal...Read and weep... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2883&PN=1&title=fair-market-value125k

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 12:07pm
	Spiderjohn I would like to thank you and your family for the support you have given to this community over the years. I know that you really do care deeply and want the very best for our city. However…we can no longer stand by quietly and watch as City Hall wastes millions of taxpayer’s money on these deals while the rest of our community becomes a wasteland.

acclaro Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1878	Post Options Post Reply Quote acclaro Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 12:47pm
	Perhaps this is slightly inaccurate, but on its face, one might believe initially the Ohio train plan under Strickland got city leadership excited about the potential for a stop at Middletown with mobility all of the state. When that train left the station, or fell off the tracks, your choice of metaphor, perhaps city hall had such an emotional investment in downtown, and they just can't let loose of the vision of downtown. Lets also be brutally honest. Larry Mulligan and his parents are powerful leaders in Butler County, associated with education and banking; Fenwick, MUM, and First Financial Bank. They also live downtown. Hence, its apparent there is a vested interest to have a vibrant downtown or the value of any property is diminished significantly. However, it is clear, these efforts have to be centered on Main Street benefit. Few can believe anyone seriously would care one way or another, if there were meaningful shops downtown. Besides online purchases, within a 30 minute drive, every establishment or planned one, is within reach. If you like scotch, beer, the most exotic drink on the planet, odds are Jungle Jim's will have it. Turning to restaurants, Stefano's has been excellent for decades, it isn't moving. The few others are positive additions. You still have all the auto parts stores downtown, and a mix portfolio of very old establishments such as upholstery, smoke shops. Simply put, no one seriously can argue downtown Middletown will be a destination. Its time the money pit is spread throughout other neighborhoods that are far more deserving than downtown. And its time Talbot Moon question why millions of downtown buildings have been given away really to create an asphalt moat around Main Street. It would be much more economical to bulldoze downtown than pay for buildings to give to individuals to create storefronts that will generate minimal foot traffic and even less cash expenditures from retailing. After watching the debate for the GOP in Greenville SC over the weekend, certainly a city goal to be announced soon, will be Middletown hosting the next Presidential debate downtown in 2020 for the mid-west primaries and election.
	'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.' - Winston Churchill

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 1:54pm
	Millions of taxpayers dollars invested downtown How many jobs have been created?

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Feb 22 2016 at 6:52pm
	220.09 SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY. (a) The following procedure is hereby established for the sale of City-owned real property: (1) The City Manager, or his or her designee, shall estimate the value of any City-owned real property, which is proposed to be sold, or for which an offer has been made, as being less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or more. (2) Any City-owned property, which is estimated to be worth less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), may be sold without advertisement, upon the consent of City Council. By approving such sale by either motion or as part of a consent agenda, City Council is authorizing the City Manager to sell the property, confirming that the property is not needed for a Municipal purpose, and confirming the property is valued at less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). (3) Any City-owned real property which is estimated to be worth five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or more shall be sold in accordance with the procedure set forth in this division (a)(3). A. If the City determines that real property should be sold, the City Manager, or his or her designee, shall cause the real property to be appraised. If the appraised value of the real property is less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the real property may be sold in accordance with division (a)(2) of this section. If the appraised value of the real property equals or exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the City Manager, or his or her designee, shall cause the sale of the property to be advertised one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City. The real property shall be sold in an “as is” condition unless otherwise indicated by the advertisement. The City shall receive bids on the real property for a minimum of 15 calendar days from the date of the advertisement. 1. Upon the opening of the bids, each bid shall be evaluated to determine whether, (1) it is the highest bid, (2) it equals or exceeds the appraised value of the real estate, and (3) it conforms to the advertisement, and more specifically, contains no contingencies not specified in the advertisement. If a bid is the highest bid, equals or exceeds the appraised value of the property, and is free of contingencies not specified in the advertisement, the bid may be accepted, upon the consent of City Council. By approving such sale by motion or as part of a consent agenda, City Council is authorizing the City Manager to sell the property, confirming that the property is not needed for a Municipal purpose, and confirming the bid as the highest and best bid. 2. If no bid is found to be the highest, above the appraised value of the property and contains no contingencies not specified in the advertisement, all of the bids shall be submitted to City Council for their review. City Council may reject all bids, or it may approve, by legislative action, the sale of the real property to the bid it determines, in its sole discretion, to be the “highest and/or best” bid. B. If an offer is made to the City to purchase a parcel of City-owned real property, which has not been advertised for sale in accordance with division (a)(3)A. of this section, the City Manager, or his or her designee, shall cause the real property to be appraised. If the appraisal value is less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the real property may be sold in accordance with division (a)(2) of this section. In all other cases, the offer shall be compared to the appraised value of the real property. C. If the offer is more than 10% below the appraised value, the offer may be rejected by the City Manager or his or her designee. D. If the offer equals or exceeds the appraised value, or is less than 10% below the appraised value; or if the City Manager determines, in his or her sole discretion, that an offer not meeting these criteria should be considered, the real property will be advertised one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City. Offers to purchase the real property will be received by the City for a minimum of 15 days from the date of the advertisement. 1. If, after advertisement, the City receives no other offers for the real property, and the original offer is equal to or greater than the appraised value of the property, the offer may be accepted and real property sold upon the consent of City Council. By approving such sale, either by motion or as part of a consent agenda, City Council is authorizing the City Manager to sell the real property, confirming that the real property is not needed for a Municipal purpose, and confirming that the offer is the highest and best offer. If the offer is below the appraised value of the real property, it shall be submitted to City Council, which may reject the offer, or it may, by legislative action, approve the sale. 2. If additional offers are received upon advertisement, the offers (including the original offer) shall be evaluated and acted upon in accordance with the procedures set forth in division (a)(3)A. of this section. (b) The City Council hereby determines that the procedure to be followed in the sale of City-owned real property shall be as set forth in division (a) of this section, and that the provisions of Ohio R.C. Chapter 721 are hereby waived and shall not be applicable. (Ord. 2002-87, passed 7-16-2002)

Analytical Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Nov 19 2015 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 562	Post Options Post Reply Quote Analytical Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 15 2016 at 7:33pm
	In response to several inquiries, what's the anticipated completion date for Mr. Robinette's "development vision" involving former City-owned property located between Central and Vail? Some people say end of June was the date. Others have said end of July Could it be August?

FmrMide81 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Aug 26 2012 Status: Offline Points: 188	Post Options Post Reply Quote FmrMide81 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 15 2016 at 8:48pm
	I wouldn't be worried about the month-I'd be questioning what year...

Dean Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Apr 15 2014 Status: Offline Points: 162	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dean Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 16 2016 at 10:14am
	Or century. All is quiet on that wonderful development at the Manchester, the developer from Chicago that said he was just project manager. Continuation of the lipstick on the pig strategy. Clock by Atrium and build facade on right corner to highlight the entrance to Warren Cty and the Renaissance. Had a family of friends from Boston visit over July 4th, with a few new born children. While pushing the mountain stroller around Hampton, Milton, Curryer, and masny streets with generally nice homes, the cracks, asphalt destruction, and potholes were deep enough to overturn a $600.00 baby stroller. The city should be absolutely ashamed of its actions and neglect.

middletownscouter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Oct 11 2010 Location: Sunset Park Status: Offline Points: 501	Post Options Post Reply Quote middletownscouter Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 18 2016 at 9:42am
	The terms of the sale of the property require Liberty Spirits to be up and running by the end of this year. If not, the city can start the process to take the property back.

spiderjohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749	Post Options Post Reply Quote spiderjohn Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 18 2016 at 10:28am
	I have seen Mr.Robinette working his tail off doing grunt work in the heat. So my hat is off to him there. The new young business people coming in are starting to make a difference, and quickly replacing the old guard in importance imo. It is getting better finally. Still would like to know where all the $$$ invested over the last 20 years has gone Otherwise the song remains the same

swohio75 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 13 2008 Status: Offline Points: 820	Post Options Post Reply Quote swohio75 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 20 2016 at 12:57pm
	Yes. He has been putting a lot of sweat into this project. Hear he still planning on opening by end off summer. Vail St. property has been completely gutted. Given the type of establishment this is, there are a number of regulatory hurdles to overcome that could delay his opening beyond the original agreed to timeline with the city. There will also be the question of whether his first batch is high-quality enough (and to his satisfaction) for distribution/sale. The key point is that he has made a good faith effort to honor the timeline, and I have to believe that this can only bring more positive energy to Central Ave.

Dean Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Apr 15 2014 Status: Offline Points: 162	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dean Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul 22 2016 at 12:17pm
	Metaphorically speaking....Middletown is the road to Nowhere, but, enjoy the journey nonetheless. http://youtu.be/qf-IUQs3muQ