The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday night, rejected a bid of $20,445 from the Atlantic Elks Lodge, for the purchase of the Atlantic Senior Center. The Elks had hoped to purchase the building because they could no longer afford the upkeep on their former home. In their original proposal, Elks officials said they wanted a place to hold their bingo and other events. They offered to buy the Senior Center as is, make the necessary repairs to the roof, and share the facility with Senior Citizens during the day.

Their bid was the only one received by Monday’s deadline. The Council voted 6-1 in favor of rejecting the bid, because most thought it was too low. A realtor has said the fair market value of the building, as is, would be $59,000 to $63,000, but the appraised value was $46,000.

Councilman Dick Casady pointed out that with the purchase of the building, and the estimated $39,000 cost of the roof repair, the Elks would be near their budget limit as set by their Grand Lodge, so the price is not all that unreasonable.

Councilman Dick Casady, who voted against the decision NOT to sell the building to the Elks, said “It’s basically the end of the Elks in Atlantic, Iowa.” Elks spokesperson Mark McNees said “I wouldn’t go that far, Dick.” Councilman Dana Halder said he voted against the bid, and that “It’s unfortunate, but I think in my position, I was elected to do the best thing for the people of Atlantic. Yeah, it would be a good thing for that group, but I don’t know that it’s in everybody else’ best interest to take that price.” With the decision, the City will retain ownership of the building.

In other business, Councilman Halder reminded citizens there is an Ordinance prohibiting large boats and campers in your yard. He said he’s already seen a camper that’s been hooked-up for almost a week and extends across the sidewalk to the street. And, Mayor Dave Jones warned of the dangers of riding bicycles and motorcycles on city streets, with all the sand remaining from this past winter’s battle against the snow. Street sweepers are trying to clear the sand, but the Mayor said the best thing is a good rain, and for those who ride two wheels to be cautious on city streets.