The Selma City Council is expected to vote as early Tuesday on a long-term lease for the Sand Bar Restaurant.

A 30-year lease was put on first read at the last council meeting.

The restaurant at the Selma City Marina was flooded as the Alabama River rose to almost 50 feet between Christmas and New Year’s.

Owner David Pearce wants to rebuild if the city of Selma will give him a long-term lease to recoup his investment.

Pearce has been at recent council meetings to answer any questions members have about his plans.

Pearce wants to rebuild in the marina’s marking lot, which is on higher ground, rather than where the Sand Bar currently sits closer to the piers.

“I can’t put it back exactly where it is,” Pearce said. “The higher you build it; it’s more money.”

Pearce asks for the council to approve the lease so he can start rebuilding before the season picks up.

“Time is of the essence. I really need to go ahead and make a move on this things,” Pearce said.

The current building would be demolished according to early plans.

There was some talk at Thursday’s work session that the building might could be salvaged and moved.

The council discussed the lease at Thursday’s work session. The proposal would call for $0 rent — at least until an estimated $300,000 investment is earned.