Council reviews high demolition bids; staff outlines timeline and asbestos steps

The Waterloo City Council received and filed bids for multiple demolition and site-clearance contracts and discussed the timeline and procedures required before demolition can proceed. City Planner Eric Schrader explained the standard sequence: obtain title, wait out the appeal period, advertise for asbestos testing, advertise for asbestos abatement, and then bid the demolition work. Schrader said the full process typically takes at least six months and more commonly about a year "from when we get them to when we can get them knocked down." For one set of properties the city's engineer reported an estimate of $170,000; bidders and their amounts included Midwest Demolition Contractors ($224,700), DeCarlo Demolition Company ($242,600), Peterson Contractors ($283,200) and Lehman Trucking & Excavating ($301,570). For a separate demolition contract with an estimate of $140,000 two bids were submitted: DeCarlo Demolition ($324,011) and Lehman Trucking & Excavating ($317,375). Council moved to receive and file the bids and refer review to the Community Planning and Development Director; awards were not made at the meeting. Residents asked for property addresses for demolition lists; staff provided examples including 310 Upland Drive, 1117 Lincoln, and 100 East Ninth Street. Staff said asbestos abatement must be complete before a notice to proceed can be issued to a demolition contractor.