Council debates demolition process as contractors and case expirations slow blight removals

Council members on Aug. 26 pressed city staff about the pace and fairness of the city's demolition program, raising neighborhood concerns that properties flagged for demolition are not being removed promptly. The council removed one demolition item for discussion and later approved the contract for a single demolition after a staff explanation of current case numbers.Details from staff: Latanya Miller of Code Services told the council, “So we are not very behind. If you look at the, resolutions, we are doing 24 and 25 case numbers right now.” She explained that if an approved order is not contracted and executed within a year it expires and the process must begin anew, which contributes to delays. Council members said that cycle leaves older neighborhoods waiting for action and asked the administration to review the ordinance and expiration rules.Costs, contractors and abatement: Council members noted bids have risen since November and that abatement and asbestos work increases prices. Council members said the city’s contractor pool is small; staff described an “internal contractors” list of vendors who meet licensing and insurance requirements and who are solicited for internal bids. Councilman Ashby Foote cited balances on demolition funds, saying the individual-home general demolition fund showed a deficit of $21,001.60 while commercial demolition funds retained about $918,007.33.Questions and next steps: Council members asked for memos and for staff and administration to propose stronger requirements and penalties to prevent repeat offenders and speed demolitions. Mayor’s Office representatives said they are working with code enforcement to develop a better plan and promised additional recommendations in the coming weeks. The council voted to approve the contested demolition contract item after discussion.