House bought for park land

CELINA - City council members on Monday night took emergency action to authorize the purchase of a small home west of Lake Shore Drive.

Officials intend to raze the house to create additional land for the Bryson Park District.

After suspending the three public-readings rule, council approved an ordinance authorizing mayor Jeff Hazel to enter into a purchase agreement with Matthew Clement of Spencerville to buy the home at 217 S. Buckeye St. for $55,000. The legislation will take effect immediately once Hazel signs the document.

The home is located east of Buckeye Street between the railroad tracks and Elm Grove Avenue.

Hazel this morning said the home, which has been on the market for several years, will figure into the longterm vision of the Bryson Park District. Specifically, the city may install a walking trail on the land. Officials intend to tear down the home later this year, he added.

The city will pay for the home with contingency funds, Hazel said, adding Bryson Trust Fund officers declined to help purchase the home because they are still finalizing details on how they'll pay the city back for borrowing on its behalf to purchase land for future parks.

Earlier this month, council passed final reading of an ordinance to renew its $2.64 million debt on behalf of the Bryson Trust Fund to buy two lakeshore-area properties.

Officials intend to refinance $2.64 million with Mercer County as the lowest bidder at a 1.5 percent interest rate, according to city auditor Betty Strawn. The city may repay early a portion or all of the debt without penalty.

Officials in 2015 borrowed $2.64 million from Mercer County at an interest rate of 1.6 percent to help buy the former Versa Pak building and the Mercelina Mobile Court. The total price was $2.2 million for the Mercelina land and $745,000 for the Versa Pak property. The city will convert the 8 acres into the Bryson Park District.