Everly council discusses school building purchase

The change in ownership of one of Everly's most unique properties sparked brief discussion Monday during a quick city council meeting.

Mayor Brad Behrens gave an update on Clay Central/Everly's former 7-12 grade building, which was sold last week by the school board to Guardian Education & Athletic Services (GEA) for $5,000. The sale involves the entire property, including outbuildings.

"Hopefully it works out for them," said Behrens, who expressed his concerns about the sale during a public hearing Oct. 7 with school board members and GEA representatives. "I wished them well and hope for the best, because that's about all you can do."

Behrens and the council were originally skeptical about the sale due to long-term concerns. They feared that if GEA's plan fails, the city would be stuck with a vacant building and few resources to pay for its demolition.

Behrens said he fielded several concerns from the community about the sale. However, he questioned how sincere they were.

"With all the comment you hear in the public about it, they can't be too concerned because nobody showed up [to the hearing]," he said.

According to GEA, the firm plans to create a "post-secondary program aimed at athletes who wish to continue their athletic careers while continuing their education." A soft opening of the facility is planned for January 2021 with around 10 students for the spring semester. If all goes well, a hard opening would follow in the fall of 2021 with between 36-60 students.

GEA has said students would be housed onsite in a dormitory-style setting. Representatives from the non-profit group plan to meet with the council during a regular meeting in the coming months, according to Behrens.

• Water tower maintenance

Council members also reviewed a projected work schedule and fee estimate from Maguire Iron, Inc., regarding the city's water tower, which was built in 2000. Various work needs to be completed on the structure over the coming years, according to the six-year plan submitted by the company.

The plan would allow the city to spread out payments over time rather than paying one lump sum when problems arise. The council voted to table the issue since no immediate work can be completed on the water tower this late in the year anyway.