City Council member Matt Schellenberg has proposed legislation for the City to move the elections center of the Supervisor of Elections to North Jacksonville.
His bill competes with legislation to keep the center at Gateway Shopping Center. There's also an offer for space in the Southgate center.
Schellenberg said he was disappointed a City Request for Proposals was not issued to invite more offers.
"There is a lot of people that had an interest in it," Schellenberg said last week. "I think that's politics," he said.
Asked if a proposal could or would be issued for the elections center space needs, administration spokesman David DeCamp on Monday said he would have to ask the City's procurement department.
Schellenberg's bill proposes that the City sign a 10-year lease with GIV Imeson LLC for space at 1 Imeson Park Blvd. in the Imeson International Industrial Park.
The lease rate would be just under $40,000 for the first year, which represents common area maintenance fees and no rent, with rent beginning at just more than $260,000 in the second year.
Rents would then escalate by 3 percent each year. The lease also would provide that the landlord will make improvements valued at up to $650,000 before occupancy and pay $100,000 in moving costs.
Schellenberg said last week he proposed the legislation for the Imeson deal because Council auditors determined it was the best deal for the City.
The legislation was introduced March 12 to Council, a month after Council member John Crescimbeni introduced legislation to authorize a 10-year lease agreement between the City and Terranova Corp. to keep the elections center at the Gateway Shopping Center. The center has been at the location since 2006.
The supervisor's main office is located Downtown at 105 E. Monroe St. and would not be affected by a move.
According to the legislation, Terranova, which recently bought the mall, is offering a reduced rental rate of just under $25,000 per month — or about $295,000 — in the first year.
Like at One Imeson, rent would escalate 3 percent per year.
In addition, Terranova would make $450,000 in improvements and offer a $10,000 per month rent credit or cash reimbursement for the first six months of the new lease.
The Terranova legislation was deferred Monday morning by the Council Rules Committee, but the elections office issue was discussed at length.
Council member Greg Anderson asked whether Mayor Alvin Brown's administration supports the Terranova legislation to keep the office at Gateway.
Jessica Deal, Brown's Council liaison, said the administration did, based on agreements and concessions.
DeCamp clarified the statement late Monday afternoon.
DeCamp said both proposals represent "significant savings over the current rent" and the administration will review both proposals in more detail.
The current rent is about $51,000 a month. Several Council members have criticized the rent and the disrepair of the Gateway office and are pushing for what they consider a better deal.
Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland told the committee that training and preparation for the fall 2014 elections would start in May 2014.
If a decision to move is made, Holland said he would want a final decision by July to ensure time for renovations and relocation. He would want to make the move by early 2014.
Holland also told the committee he had no site preference and only wanted the "best deal for the taxpayers."
"If we can bring a good lease back to this body, if it is the best lease, I am OK with it," Holland said.
The timing of a decision and move also could impact a potential Requests for Proposals for the deal.
Crescimbeni said there is no lease with Terranova. He said he and the City real estate department and Council auditor are working with the company on a lease proposal that will be "worthy of my vote and your vote as well."
He said it would include provisions for clawbacks, meaning the landlord would be held responsible if it did not meet lease terms.
He does not want the administration to be a part of his lease talks.
"With all due respect, thanks but no thanks," he said.
A third proposal for the center by Demetree Brothers Inc. offers a lease with two five-year options at Southgate Plaza, site of the former Duval County Traffic Court and Traffic Violations Bureau.
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