[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6583854,"mediaKeyId","3047055-aa75e144a3e821bbe9fdb8a659915c90","parentId",3047055,"title","Oakland aldermen approve offer to buy commercial building after 30‑day due diligence period, despite cost concerns","audioSeconds",1152,"startMs",3167000,"endMs",4319000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3047055-aa75e144a3e821bbe9fdb8a659915c90&start=3167&end=4319","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3047055-aa75e144a3e821bbe9fdb8a659915c90/thumbnail_3167000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583854/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-aldermen-approve-offer-to-buy-commercial-building-after-30day-due-diligence-period-despite-cost-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583854-765c573190897ed5b4b83a071980e5df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085667&Signature=L50tD13VqBQNfQcc8kI4wvo4OnRF22Jr2bgRRjKzdti4gQZWH81v~QKMdXlDNnDxHUgFx43SEA6yIJhkAK8yaiXEEkrWCqCU0UEH~uVdbSFoGaekkG1dh~EtWVKvmDGgbEzuNESicYGHzl4~xHDphadSyumEJ5rZe~ZQdbBM-ekpIE044ComeJD2fJAXaFDz34VICAvrzPq4UBTAC~e9lnyqWriiNq1WmE3RHiDNRlkr3yPG74lbcPvyPj3HhkT4kopCgnEkRcxbI252KfumSkYDrIF0HQLC~3S27o9yc-6LyjTGqZYJbBV~55J7OkBUAmWhpyWPWvgrQ-9t8ZuZ1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Oakland","date","2025-04-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Oakland Board of Aldermen voted 3–2 to authorize an offer to buy a commercial property from VCS Investments LLC after a lengthy discussion about renovation costs, asbestos risks and parking.

Attorney Minor, representing the town on the purchase document, told the board that the seller would not accept the 90‑day due‑diligence period the board had authorized in March and was offering a 30‑day inspection period with an option for a 15‑day extension. Minor said approving the contract would make a formal offer and start the 30‑day window for inspections and other due diligence. \"If you voted tonight... you would be voting to make an offer consistent with the terms of this agreement,\" Minor told the board.

Town Manager Harvey Ellis told aldermen the 30‑day inspection window would allow staff to complete outstanding tests and reports and that the town could back out and recover refundable earnest money if problems arose during that period. Ellis also reminded the board that the contract includes a 15‑day extension if the town needs more time.

Several aldermen said they were concerned about potential renovation costs. Board members cited a possible elevator cost of roughly $80,000, asbestos and lead‑paint remediation, repairs to the roof and basement sealing, and uncertainty over where additional parking would go. One alderman noted a previous local renovation that required roughly $135,000 and said the board should not be rushed into a decision without full estimates.

Miss Hines, the seller’s representative, described prior work on the building: state grant–funded rewiring and plumbing, fire‑rated doors and ADA work done earlier when the property was considered for a birthing center. She said parts of the property would still require upgrades to meet current codes, including ramps or an elevator for public access.

Alderman Bailey moved to accept the contract and Alderman Austin seconded. The motion passed by roll call, 3 yes to 2 no. The contract as presented starts the 30‑day due‑diligence period; the buyer may seek a single 15‑day extension. Earlier board direction (March resolution) limited refundable earnest money to not more than $5,000; the contract under discussion references a refundable deposit consistent with that direction.

Board members asked staff to return to a workshop with detailed cost estimates — including asbestos testing, elevator options, roof and structural fixes and parking impacts — before closing the purchase. Ellis and staff said they expected to complete most inspections within the 30‑day window and that the board would have further opportunities at an upcoming workshop and at the next regular meeting to assess results and decide whether to complete the purchase.

The vote to accept the contract followed extensive public discussion and multiple staff reports; several aldermen stressed they would not support closing if inspections revealed unacceptable costs or unresolvable code issues. The board did not set a final closing date in public discussion; the contract referenced a target close in May (date in contract: not specified in the public record provided to the board).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Oakland Tennessee Live Stream 2025-04-18","oneSentenceSummary","The Oakland Board of Aldermen voted 3–2 to authorize an offer to buy a commercial property from VCS Investments LLC after a contentious discussion about renovation costs, asbestos and parking.","taxTitle","Oakland, Fayette County, Tennessee","taxId",71227,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583851,"Votes at a glance: Oakland aldermen approve cybersecurity ordinance, development revision and solicitations for sanitation and drainage work",240,2627000,2867000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3047055-aa75e144a3e821bbe9fdb8a659915c90&start=2627&end=2867","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3047055-aa75e144a3e821bbe9fdb8a659915c90/thumbnail_2627000.jpg","/articles/6583851/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Oakland-aldermen-approve-cybersecurity-ordinance-development-revision-and-solicitations-for-sanitation-and-drainage-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583851-f5794e232e510c0d5eff5f60ffa4edb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085667&Signature=XhOpVTgwaWYPCD-qRldl6~9NibYN6lBUHW4mzLeSiyF8FYk~YAMX25bw6KQeSUTyGCAbyx7cEBc5vnh0Fqqr9xVsBkb7HOZF-H0kRr5Yq4sV38tJBwcC1~MWPIujB18rwyjFnOCskRehWyQc6YD2m7clJLzmcTHJpHlEjpFASm4Q-MTlS9OicTWyaCGrv92T-~4pYfv5iKaafcIL3RxywBrqPn1y4IN1jFWy6KVk-WqfSD7xBWxPXtG94LYfhCl~6orw-pUXDjSRycpZwXbLa5EgnHmwYe-3t0mqJPRIikk1Dv7E55N03tM90dBqPeBWWK1T9jEdmXzz2~EPZQ1NbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its regular meeting, the Oakland Board of Aldermen approved several measures the board said will affect town operations and infrastructure procurement.

Ordinance 25‑02: cybersecurity and personnel policy
The board approved Ordinance 25‑02 on first reading to add cybersecurity and sensitive‑information sections to the town’s personnel policies. Town Manager Harvey Ellis said the measure supports recently obtained cybersecurity insurance and followed work by staff and external consultants to meet insurer conditions. The motion to hear and to pass was made and seconded during the meeting and carried without recorded opposition.

Resolution 25‑12: Riverwood Gardens Phase 7
The board approved a developer’s request to amend a previously approved development agreement for Riverwood Gardens Phase 7, reducing the number of lots from 65 to 55. The planner recommended approval and staff said this change would not affect prior civil approvals; the board approved the revision on planning’s recommendation.

Resolution 25‑13: Sanitation services solicitation
Aldermen authorized staff to solicit proposals for the town’s solid‑waste service contract ahead of the contract renewal date. Town Manager Ellis told the board the current contract includes an automatic price increase on Jan. 1 of the renewal year and that the town is not obligated to accept a third‑year extension; the board voted to advertise for bids.

Resolution 25‑14: Drainage repairs solicitation
The board authorized soliciting bids for storm‑drain repairs after the public‑works director reported two significant pipe failures. An engineer’s estimate for the park spot repair was $47,005.25; the board approved moving forward with bids and asked staff to communicate repair plans to residents via the town website.

Other board actions
The board also approved correcting the minutes and adopting changes to the agenda early in the meeting. Several departmental reports were heard, including a wastewater report describing a recent extreme rain event that pushed roughly 10.67 million gallons through the plant over five days and a reported spill of approximately 50,000 gallons.

Votes
- Ordinance 25‑02 (add cybersecurity sections to personnel policy): motion passed (vote not separately tallied on the public record provided).
- Resolution 25‑12 (Riverwood Gardens Phase 7 lot reduction 65→55): motion passed.
- Resolution 25‑13 (authorize solicitation for sanitation services): motion passed.
- Resolution 25‑14 (authorize solicitation for drainage repairs): motion passed.
- Acceptance of commercial purchase and sale agreement (VCS Investments LLC): motion passed 3‑2; detailed debate recorded separately.

The board directed staff to proceed with the solicitations and to return with cost estimates and reports at upcoming workshops and the next regular meeting.","At the regular meeting, aldermen approved a first‑reading ordinance updating personnel policy for cybersecurity, a developer request reducing Riverwood Gardens Phase 7 lots, and authorizations to solicit bids for sanitation services and drainage repairs.","actionData","errors"]

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Oakland aldermen approve offer to buy commercial building after 30‑day due diligence period, despite cost concerns

Votes at a glance: Oakland aldermen approve cybersecurity ordinance, development revision and solicitations for sanitation and drainage work