The final feasibility study compiled by John G. Waite and Associates on the Dauchy Building as a future city hall will be completed as early as tomorrow, according to Councilman Bill Dunne. Although Waite gave a final presentation of the study at a public meeting nearly two weeks ago, the final report, complete with cost estimates for the move and refitting of the building, has not been finished.

"It's 99.994 percent complete," said Dunne, adding that when the report is ready it will be posted on the Troy City Council Facebook page. He said that the committee formed to oversee the study and possible transition may also meet this week to discuss the results of the report and outline some next steps. The bi-partisan committee is comprised of Council members and city administrative employees.

The study was at the center of some emails that flew around late last week between Mayor Harry Tutunjian, Dunne, and Council President Clem Campana. Those are posted over at the Talespin blog.

Meanwhile, the city is currently accepting bids for the sale of the Dauchy and the River Triangle Buildings.

One day after Mayor Harry Tutunjian urged the City Council to take the reins on a feasibility study of the Dauchy Building as a future city hall, he issued a memorandum to the Council further explaining his position. In the memorandum, he cites the Council's criticisms of previous bidding processes -- most likely referring to comments made by Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, and Council President Clem Campana regarding the former City Hall demolition -- as a motivation for the Council taking the lead.

He also agrees to support "an appropriate budget transfer to pay the expense." The full document is embedded below.

Jan 21, 2011 Memorandum

The city filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the River Triangle Company on Nov. 24 demanding a judgment which would direct the company to comply with a "full and just independent accounting of all moneys received and disbursed" by the company over the last 20 years in relation to their ownership of the Dauchy and River Triangle buildings on River Street.

The lawsuit also called for the company to pay whatever sums appear to be owed to the city after the financial audit is completed.
Sections of the court document also noted that the company could owe up to $8.4 million to the city from a Urban Action Development Grant, a Section 108 loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and additional mortgage fees.

The document also specifically alleged that the RTC had not used its best efforts to lease space in the available buildings and denied leases for potential tenants in light of the fact that the city had agreed to pay loan payments to HUD if the company's cash flow was lower than their semi-annual payment amounts.

To date, the city has paid roughly $5 million for the majority of the RTC's payments through federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

Mark Simmons, a principal partner of the RTC, declined to comment on the matter because he said that had not yet seen the lawsuit and had no knowledge of its contents.