Council debate over the proposed conveyance of West End Hall highlighted concerns about notice to the public and the length of time council had to review appraisal materials.

Councilwoman Rainey (Ward 3) said the public lacked adequate opportunity to review the appraisal and that the sale appears to have been moved forward in a way that did not comply with the notice and ordinance-based process she cited. "Transparency and public engagement are not optional. They are foundations of good government," Rainey said, urging a delay in the vote so the public and council could have time to review the proposal.

During discussion staff and other council members responded, noting historical decisions about city-owned properties and that not all claims may be accurate, prompting procedural remarks and a short point of order. Councilman Alexander said an appraisal conducted more than a year earlier showed the city had invested roughly $1 million into the property and that the current proposal was to sell the building for about $900,000; he moved to table the motion to allow more time to evaluate non-monetary benefits and appraisal details.

The council took a vote on tabling the sale; members voted to table the matter to permit further review and clarification of appraisal information and public-notice requirements. The record included procedural back-and-forth after the tabling vote, including an attempt to address the sale motion on the floor and a remark from the mayor to strike an out-of-order comment from the record.

Next steps: The sale ordinance (ordinance 2025-14) remains on the agenda and will be revisited after staff provides additional information, including full appraisal paperwork, a clear statement of non-monetary benefits to the city (if any), and confirmation that required public-notice steps have been met.

Rainey cited what she said were state statutes on municipal land sale process during her remarks; council requested additional materials before considering final action.