Council outlined that the purpose of the Special Council meeting is to provide direction and authorization to sign the OREA waiver form to waive all conditions of purchase for the property located at 2822 County Road 2, Johnstown. It was noted that Council has been provided supporting due diligence documentation for review prior to this meeting.
It was noted that the question of total acreage was confirmed to be approximately 37-acres, in contrast to the assessed 27-acres, noting the need to ensure the MPAC assessment is rectified.
Members inquired about possible retro-assessed tax fees and where the onus would fall should these fees arise. It was noted that according to all previous MPAC assessment notices issued, the taxes have been paid in full. There was a general discussion about the requirement of the Port of Johnstown to pay various tax levies. It was noted that due to the Port being a municipally owned entity, it is not required to pay certain tax levies.
It was noted that in performing the due diligence of the property, the following analysis' were performed with subsequent reports submitted: septic system, water system, all title matters to the property, and a roof inspection performed by a roofing company as well as a structural engineer. It was noted that the roof was reported to require substantial repairs, as anticipated by Council. The structural engineer noted that the superficial structure would require some repairs, noting a rough estimate of $10,000.00 for the repairs. It was noted that the building assessment had been completed, however, the report was unable to be submitted in time for this meeting.
Council inquired if an Environmental Assessment had been performed. It was noted that a phase 1 and 2 had been completed on the property in late 2018 with no substantial concerns raised. Due to the nature of the financing agreement, it was noted that the financial institution does not require an Environmental Assessment.
Members discussed the potential of leasing the building located on the property, noting two interested parties, one confirmed and one inquiring. Council noted that while the original intent for the property was to ensure the ability for future Port expansion through the procurement of lands, the potential for the building to become an additional revenue to the Township would be an added advantage to the procurement of the property.