Posted on November 19, 2015.
By Bill Short
The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has adopted a resolution that establishes a policy for disposal of surplus city property that is not real estate. Board members took the action during their Nov. 9 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Thomas McGhee and seconded by Alderman Hank Hawkins. The motion was passed by six affirmative votes, with Alderman Frankie Dakin absent. The resolution states that it is in the public interest for Millington to periodically sell or dispose of certain machinery, equipment or materials that, because of “obsolescence, low value or disrepair,” are considered “surplus to the realistic and foreseeable needs” of the city. Section 1-203 of the Municipal Code provides for the disposal of surplus real estate but does not address any other types of surplus property. The resolution states that the city manager or the director of any city department can declare such property as surplus to the city’s needs. But no city-owned property will be sold or offered for sale as surplus without the city manager’s prior written authorization. Such property will be offered for sale to the general public in an “open, transparent and cost-effective” manner. Prior to disposal, it will be determined whether the property might “reasonably, safely and efficiently” be used by another department or office. If not, it will be determined whether the city no longer has a need for the property, or if its age and condition make it more economical to replace it with new equipment. All city logos or other symbols will be removed or destroyed from the items. Unless otherwise directed by the board or the city manager, Millington will sell the property through auction on the GovDeals public Web site or through bids the city directly receives. Millington will not sell surplus property that might “reasonably be dangerous or hazardous” to the ultimate purchaser. Such property will include, but not be limited to (a) firearms and other weapons and (b) volatile or highly toxic chemicals. Disposal of such items must be approved through a resolution adopted by the board. No member of the board can purchase, attempt to or otherwise take possession of any item of surplus property offered for sale by the city. And any city employee who does so will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Any city employee who is found to have sold, or offered for sale, any city-owned property in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and, if applicable, criminal prosecution. During discussion shortly before the vote, City Finance Director John Trusty said that, if the property is considered to be of limited value for its intended purpose, it will be sold as “scrap” at a scrap yard.
If an item is “of an unusual nature,” such as an “anchor,” Trusty said he will bring it to the board’s attention before the city disposes of it.
