Signs are leaning toward the Spirit of Peoria leaving the River City.
The city council will vote on Tuesday on whether to waive the city's right of first refusal to purchase the boat before it is sold to a private buyer in Florida, Yacht Starship.
This comes after a deferral of that decision two weeks ago. The recommendation from city staff remains to waive the right and allow the boat's sale to proceed.
City Manager Patrick Urich tells WCBU that owner Alex Grieves won't allow the city to have an appraisal done on the boat. Urich says Grieves claims that would negatively affect his deal with Yacht Starship.
Grieves hasn't responded to WCBU's requests for comment.
The city would have to purchase the boat for $1 million without an appraisal or seaworthiness survey if it opts to exercise its right of first refusal. Yacht Starship is buying the boat "as-is."
Grieves' contract with the city expires next month, after which he will be free to proceed with the sale as he wishes without additional city involvement.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said she's open to discussing how to attract another boat to the riverfront.
