District agrees to sell old Welton school building to city

By Janet Huffman
Herald Correspondent

October 26, 2005 10:34 am

— DEWITT — The Central Community School Board approved a resolution to sell the Welton Elementary building for $1 to the city of Welton.
The board held a public hearing Monday to discuss the sale and received no public input to deter selling. However, the board included an addendum to the resolution stipulating the following conditions:
• A signed purchase agreement to the board by Nov. 30;
• All necessary paperwork completed for closing the transaction on Dec. 15; and
• Removal of the boiler and associated asbestos in the boiler room at about $15,000, a survey of the property at $1,500 and $500 worth of landfill, all at the cost of the school district.
Welton Mayor Francis Schmidt requested the city be allowed 60 days to make a decision because the developer, Scott Galloway of Galloway of Iowa based in DeWitt, needed several weeks to make the city an offer. Galloway is proposing to convert the building into office space and/or apartments.
In making the decision to sell, the board voiced concerns about the added cost for the asbestos removal. Board President Dona Bark expressed reluctance to take the additional $15,000 from the children of the district.
“I would be very comfortable investing the money (for asbestos removal) if we had a firm commitment,” board member Dennis Campbell said, adding his concern that the purchase might drag on for longer than 60 days.
Noting that tearing down Welton Elementary would cost about $100,000, board member Jim Irwin said, “It also comes down to being good neighbors.”
He said Grand Mound Elementary was offered to the city for $1 and Low Moor Elementary was sold to that city.
“It would be a good thing for the school district to work with the city of Welton,” Irwin said.
Business Director Jan Culbertson told the board that EMC, the district’s insurance carrier, was concerned about the building sitting empty since July, but it will work with the district until the Dec. 15 date.
“Welton is getting a pretty good opportunity here,” Campbell said in agreeing to the additional time and investment.
Board member Kurt Rickard said he agreed to the terms as set on Monday, but if it doesn’t come to term at the set times the board will change its directive and work on other proposals. Other options previously considered were to demolish the building and sell the property, sell the property as is by sealed bids and demolish the building and sell by parcels.
When the board asked if the city would still want the 5.13 acres and building if the current prospects did not materialize, Councilman Glen Boswell answered, “The city of Welton does not have the resources if the deal falls through.”