City manager says Wells Hotel redevelopment imminent; federal RAISE grant secured

City Manager James told the commission that budget books for the upcoming fiscal year were distributed and a budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 12, and he encouraged commissioners to bring questions before the workshop. He said an RFQ to redevelop the Wells Hotel attracted qualified respondents and described the redevelopment as “imminent.” “Mark my words here, hold it against me if it doesn't happen, but I'm telling you all, it's a done deal,” James said. City staff did not present a formal purchase or contract at the meeting. James also said the city received final federal agreement paperwork for a RAISE grant — a federal transportation grant — totaling about $22.9 million. He said the change in federal administration and staff turnover at the Federal Highway Administration slowed final execution but that the agreement arrived that week and funds are secured. “We'll be finalizing the post grant work throughout the remainder of the year, but I think we will likely be ready to begin construction, first quarter of next year,” he said. The manager recommended that commissioners review budget materials and raise questions in advance of the August workshop; he did not request immediate action at the meeting. No formal motions or votes on redevelopment contracts or the grant were recorded at the meeting.