The county board approved awarding a demolition contract to Jimax Corporation of Peoria for $33,272.50 to remove an unsafe, abandoned residential structure at 5341 West Summit Avenue in Hollis Township.

Andrew presented the bid recommendation, noting the project was advertised in the Peoria Journal Star and bid documents were posted on the county’s BidNet site; 33 vendors reviewed the bid but only one submitted a proposal. County staff said they have worked with Jimax previously and recommended approval despite the single bid. Andrew said the bid price does not include potential asbestos abatement; the property will be tested and any abatement would be handled through contractor subcontractors and contract amendments if needed.

Andrew said the property has gone through the civil process to obtain a demolition order and that similar unsafe-structure demolitions have been funded in recent years through Illinois Housing Development Authority funds; this was one of roughly 11 demolitions in the last two years, according to staff.

Board members asked how unsafe properties are identified; staff said they are generally reported by concerned citizens and that the properties are abandoned with owners often not stepping forward. The board approved the bid award unanimously and the contractor is expected to complete the demolition by the end of the year, subject to asbestos testing and any required abatement work.