Not so fast

The former Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn elementary school may get a reprieve from the wrecking ball.

At their October meeting, board members had agreed to proceed with plans to have the building demolished. But after hearing a presentation on Monday from a firm interested in acquiring the former school, they agreed to schedule a public hearing on Dec. 1 to decide whether to sell it and, if so, to entertain bids from interested parties.

Superintendent Patrick Carlin explained that the demolition process was "still in the works" when the district was contacted by a firm interested in acquiring the building.

Mike Reese, of Hestia Investments, reviewed a development plan for the building if the firm were to acquire it. The west wing would house daycare and a youth center. A secured attached playground would be added. Reese said the daycare was intended to alleviate a shortage of available services rather than be in competition with other providers.

Plans for the second floor of the main portion of the building include 11 apartments, ranging from two-bedroom to studio units.

"We are trying to create a housing environment for professionals," Reese said. "We will renovate the space into different sizes to meet everyone's needs as much as we can."

The first floor layout includes community-purposed rooms, a "Zoom room" for access to programming through the latest technology, three motel units to address a lack of accommodations in the area, and three spaces whose uses would be determined by future needs.

Reese said there is a "sense of urgency" in terms addressing issues with the building, especially the west wing roof. Those would be dealt with immediately, and plans call for eventual reroofing of the entire building. Also planned are HVAC, plumbing, electrical and insulation upgrades to make the facility as efficient as possible.

The proposed timeline for renovations calls for immediate cleanout of the west wing and roof repairs in order for the proposed daycare to be open by "late next spring at the latest."

Board President Scott Heetland asked why the proposal is being made now, when a decision to move forward with demolition had already been made. Reese credited Brenda Collier, of Sutherland, and Dee Vander Pol, of Primghar, with contacting him about the situation.

"There are so many buildings in O'Brien County that could be fixed up to bring people to our county," Collier said. "Our children want to have a place to meet. We want to save your school and save your kids as well."

Heetland also asked if the plan included acquiring the entire school property. Reese responded that there would be a need for parking and for other activities.

"I like to utilize every square foot of a property to its fullest. I would like to see us grow into that space," he said.

Ron Hengeveld, a member of the Hartley city council, expressed concern about what would happen to the property if the project was unsuccessful.

"How can you guarantee this won't fall to the city?" he asked. "We need a guarantee."

"We're doing everything we can to make this work," Reese responded.

Following the presentation, board members commented on what they had heard.

"I have sincere doubts about it for a lot of reasons," said Board Member Ryan Haack.

He questioned the potential success of the project, and noted the district had told patrons that the former elementary building was "functionally obsolete" and would be demolished when new facilities were built.

"I think it is important to do what we say we're going to do and to be consistent," he said.

Heetland acknowledged he shared Haack's concerns, but said that if the district were to sell the building, funds designated for demolition could be used elsewhere. He also cautioned board members that unexpected issues could arise during demolition as they did when the former middle school in Sanborn was taken down.

Board Vice President Scott Vollink said he also shared the concerns that were expressed, but asked how the board would respond if they passed up this opportunity and it proved to be successful in another community.

During the Dec. 1 hearing, which is open to the public, the board will first determine whether or not to sell the property. If the majority agrees to sell, then bidding would be conducted.

In the supplemental agenda report, Carlin explained the resolution's language.

"This resolution allows the district to hear offers in the public hearing but does not commit the district to a final sale," he said. "We added sentences to the resolution that allow the board to approve a developer plan prior to sale. Also, the board would have full authority to deny any and all proposals."

"So even if we approve the resolution, it doesn't mean they would get it," Heetland said before the vote.

The resolution was approved by a 4-0 vote. Haack stated he would abstain from voting because his wife, Erica, is the city administrator in Hartley.