Sale of Monessen municipal building questioned
MONESSEN — The pending sale of the municipal complex raised questions from the public at the last city council meeting of 2016.
Council entered a deal in mid-December to sell the building to businessman Krishnan Suthanthiran for $425,000, with $230,000 down and the rest financed by the city over a five-year period. The city will be able to stay in its current offices for up to a year, paying $1,500 a month rent, under the terms of the agreement.
“I’m definitely against selling the building. It’s a one-time shot,” said former state Rep. Ted Harhai, who lives in Monessen.
Several residents questioned whether the city would be making any money on the sale, contending that the cost of moving the city offices to a new location will more than offset the money received in the first year.
Resident Adrianne Altivani said she researched moves made by other municipalities and using the middle ground figures, estimated it would cost at least $125,000, before any remodeling costs. Altivani estimated that to remodel the library to accommodate council would cost another $125,000, and that doesn’t include a meeting room large enough to accommodate the public, which she estimated at an additional $1,200 a year in rent.
“We are losing $130,000 a year just by being here,” said Councilman Ron Chiaravalle.
“We’re trying to stop the bleeding by getting rid of this white elephant,” said Mayor Lou Mavrakis.
“Every year this building is a drain on the community for upkeep and anticipated upkeep,” said solicitor Gary Matta. Matta said one estimate for upgrading the heating and cooling system was $2 million.
The recent decision to lock the gates at City Park was also questioned during the public comment period. Kurt Saurich said it’s inconvenient now to take his grandchildren to the park.
“I use the park every day, twice a day, and the park was never locked up,” Saurich said.
Chiaravalle said the roads in the park are not maintained in the winter and locking the gates is a safety issue.
“You can still walk in. It will remain closed until spring,” said Councilman Ed Lea.
Chiaravalle said the city will also save money by turning off the lights at the park at night in the winter.
“January 2016 this council was handed a bankrupt city and a lot of it was from expenses that never should have been there.
You have to watch all of your expenses,” Chiaravalle said.
Saurich said he didn’t have a problem with saving money by turning the lights off overnight.
“Morning until night, open the gates. I don’t see what the problem is. A lot of people use the park,” Saurich said.
Chiaravalle said that suggestion will be taken under consideration.