Council authorizes advertising for bids to lease or sell 1050 Reed Ave., aims to keep Head Start tenant

City council voted unanimously to authorize the safety service director to advertise for bids for the sale or lease of the building at 1050 Reed Avenue and to proceed with a future lease or purchase agreement. City staff said the building has been used primarily by the Lorain County Community Action Agency for Head Start programming since the early 1990s. The ordinance authorizes advertisement to solicit bids; a subsequent council action will be required to approve a lease or sale once the city reviews responses. During discussion Councilmember Lee asked what the building is used for; staff confirmed its primary use for Head Start and described the city's periodic obligation to re‑advertise leases after the expiration of long‑term arrangements. The safety service director stated he would prefer to sell the property to a buyer who would continue to allow the Community Action Agency to use it for Head Start services, but said the ultimate decision will return to council when bids are evaluated. Council approved suspending the three‑reading rule and passed the ordinance unanimously. Staff said they will return to council to present selected lease or sale agreements for approval.