Council authorizes Family Focus relocation agreement and disposition plan for 2010 Dewey

The City Council adopted Resolution 68 R 25 authorizing the city manager to enter an agreement with Family Focus to support its move from 2010 Dewey to 1601/07 Simpson Street and to establish a disposition plan for the Dewey property.

Council debate centered on the city’s financial exposure, historic‑preservation review and ensuring transparent disposition. Community Development Director Sarah Flags and City Manager Kirk Mendoza said the city’s planned involvement is limited in scope — focused on facilitating expressions of interest and clarifying what can be done with the landmarked property — and that ARPA funds previously committed to the project would be used for operating support during the transition. Staff said the city expects to be reimbursed for operating expenses if the building is sold and that the maximum additional city investment would be substantially less than previously discussed ARPA totals.

Council members who opposed the resolution cited fears the city could end up owning and maintaining an expensive building. Councilmember Rogers said he did not want the city to become the long‑term owner of an unwanted facility. Supporters emphasized the building’s historic significance and the potential benefit of moving Family Focus to a new location to preserve program services.

The resolution passed 7-2. Staff said they will proceed with a request for expressions of interest and coordinate with historic‑preservation review bodies as appropriate.