Schnabel to handle Jamestown auction

Talk about it

Schnabel Auction Company of Kulm will handle the city of Jamestown’s auction of surplus equipment on July 28. Schnabel had been recommended by Reed Schwartzkopf, city engineer, during the June Public Works Committee meeting but the idea met with resistance from Stutsman County area auctioneers.

Seven auctioneers presented written proposals that the City Council considered. The final consideration was given to Roaldson Auctioneering of Jamestown and Schnabel Auction Company.

A motion to approve Roaldson failed on a 2-2 vote. Councilmen Ramone Gumke and Steve Brubakken voted in favor of the motion while Mayor Katie Andersen and Councilman Charlie Kourajian voted against. Councilman Dan Buchanan abstained because he had contracted with Roaldson for an estate sale he handled through his law office.

Roaldson had proposed a 10 percent total commission with a $2,500 minimum commission.

A motion to contract with Schnabel Auction Company passed 3-2 with Buchanan, Andersen and Kourajian in favor and Gumke and Brubakken opposed.

Schnabel had set a 6 percent total commission with a $3,500 minimum commission.

He also included up to $1,700 in advertising in the proposal.

“Schnabel will help with security the night before,” Schwartzkopf said.

Schwartzkopf said he also felt the advertising plan promoted by Schnabel would be more effective.

Florian Schnabel described the advertising plan he proposed and talked about the importance of promoting the sale to a wide area.

In other action the City Council approved a permit for a street dance requested by the Wonder Bar Sports Bar on July 6, and a revised mutual aid agreement between Jamestown and Stutsman County for emergency services.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, auction