Former Monongahela National Guard Armory sale not finalized

By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
In a special meeting Thursday morning, Monongahela city council discussed the sale of the former National Guard Armory on Second Street.
The sale is finalized, but the deed has not been recorded, according to solicitor Todd Pappasergi.
The solicitor said the money from the sale is in a vault, waiting for the deed transfer to be completed before moving the money to the city’s coffers.
John Brice, a native of Monongahela who has lived in Las Vegas as a performer for many years, made the winning bid of $5,250 in April.
Councilman Rusty Polonoli said he believes the new owner has already held an event at the site, despite a lack of an occupancy permit.
“They need an occupancy permit before using the building,” Councilman Ken Kulak said.
Polonoli said he was bringing it up because he was concerned there could be some liability on the part of the city if something were to happen before the permit is issued.
Pappasergi said the city has nothing to worry about because Brice owns the property now.
“Just because the deed hasn’t been recorded doesn’t mean he doesn’t own the property,” Pappasergi said. “The city has no obligation.”
Council began trying to sell the property in January 2017.
Initially, council authorized a private auction to sell the 105-year-old building, setting a minimum bid of $20,000, based on the appraised value of the property. The sale fell through.
One year ago, council voted to once again put the building up for sale — this time with a minimum bid of $5,000.
In 1975, the city obtained the armory site from the state with a requirement written into the deed that the property must be used for municipal or municipal recreation purposes.
If it is not used for that purpose, ownership reverts back to the state, Pappasergi has said.
In other matters, council wrapped up the final business of 2018 and is ready to tackle the new year.
Council voted Thursday, during a special meeting, to set the real estate tax rate at 7 mills and the per capita tax at $5. These represent no change from 2018.
Likewise, council voted to approve the mercantile, wage, occupational privilege, deed transfer and mechanical device taxes for 2019. There will be no change in these taxes from this year.
Council also approved its salary ordinance and agreed to take out a tax anticipation loan early in January.