Those involved in the Bull Moose Tube Company versus the city dispute are hoping mediation will put an end to the problems.  The two sides have taken yet another step toward resolution by beginning mediation talks.

According to Nathan Nickolaus, attorney for the city, a walkthrough was done on the Bull Moose Tube recently.  Before the walkthrough, the attorney for the BMT filed a content motion for a protective order related to information they wanted kept confidential.  The judge sustained the order at the end of July.

Nickolaus explained in an email, “The protective order was just to assure that we do not reveal any trade secrets we might have seen while there.  The city consented to it.  Just routine. ”

The walkthrough was conducted by certified corporate appraiser Steve Grgurich, who stated, “A copy of the appraisal will be provided for the purpose of ascertaining a fair and equitable market value prior to the mediation session as ordered by the court. ”

Mediation is scheduled to begin during the last week of August and both sides have agreed to a mediator.

According to Mayor Cary Parker, the city attempted to renegotiate the lease they claim expired in the 1980s, but Bull Moose contends the original lease from the 1960s is still in effect.  Next up will be a valuation of the property by an independent contractor.  The recent walkthrough was the start of the valuation process, which will allow Bull Moose Tube and the city to return to negotiations with all the needed information to reach a resolution.