The Hibbing City Council on Oct. 1 approved a resolution ordering the removal of a building at 2216 Fourth Avenue East after city housing and building officials found the structure unsafe.

City Attorney Andy Borland told the council the property is in tax-forfeit status and the building "has been determined this is not a safe building. It's a hazard to be there." He said the county had previously attempted to sell the property but returned the money, and the city wants the structure removed.

Councilor Hoffman Sockman moved to approve the resolution ordering removal and authorize the clerk to sign and serve the county with the order; Councilor Faso (recorded elsewhere as Fossil) seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

A council member referenced a major steam leak that had saturated the interior; Borland and staff presented that anecdote as part of the rationale for removal. The resolution directs staff to proceed with notices and administrative steps to effect removal in coordination with the county.

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Staff said they would arrange service of the removal order on the county and return with further administrative steps or timelines as they become available.