Okaloosa County BOCC — February 4, 2014 — Action Item Printout

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: February 4, 2014 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Jeff Littrell SUBJECT: Grand Lodge of IOOF - Possible Purchase of Property DEPARTMENT: Water and Sewer BCC DISTRICT: Grand Lodge of IOOF - Possible Purchase of Property STATEMENT OF ISSUE: OCWS staff requests BCC approval to negotiate for the purchase of the land comprising the southwest corner of the parcel at the intersection of Lewis Turner Blvd and Oddfellow Parcel ID: 35-1S-24-0000-0031-0000. Two appraisals will be required and BCC authorization is also requested to select and contract with two qualified appraisal firms to perform the appraisals. Once a negotiated price has been reached, OCWS staff will bring the matter back to the BCC for review and approval. The owners (Miracle Strip Lodge C/O Grand Lodge of Florida, 1664 West 42nd Street, Hialeah, FL, 33012) are willing to lease the property on a month to month basis while the appraisal and purchase price negotiations are being conducted. OCWS staff requests BCC approval to pay 1/12th of the contracted annual lease amount ($241.67) each month during the appraisal and negotiating process. BACKGROUND: Okaloosa County entered into a lease with the Miracle Strip Lodge No. 60 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) on February 22, 1994 for the use of the western section of the south (front) parking lot. OCWS paid for the curb and pavement of the parking space, which is still in use. The original lease had a ten year term with two ten year renewals. Both parties exercised the first ten year renewal in 2004 and in subsequent discussions, the owners had indicated that they would exercise the second ten year renewal. The owners of the IOOF temple have somewhat abruptly informed staff that they do not wish to renew the lease and have instead stated an interest in selling all of the property, including the existing temple building to the OCWS. OPTIONS: Approve or deny. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff requests approval to rent month to month pending the possible purchase of the property. Staff also requests approval to move forward with purchase negotiations and an appraisal of the property. OCWS staff requests BCC approval to pay the owners 1/12th of the contracted annual lease amount ($241.67) each month during the appraisal and negotiating process. Once a price has been negotiated, the matter will be brought back before the BCC for review and approval. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator