Lincoln council approves up to $53,570 to shore and repair exposed wall at 129 S. Sangamon Street

The Lincoln City Council on Tuesday approved a contract amendment with Jaren Industries not to exceed $53,570 to shore and rehabilitate an exposed wall at 129 South Sangamon Street, the site of a recent downtown fire and partial building demolition. The vote included a condition that the city secure the property owner's consent and a signed release of liability before work begins.

Council members debated the scope and cost for roughly an hour and a half, centering on whether to use a flowable fill (a self-compacting concrete) recommended by the city's structural engineer or to place compacted clay/dirt that some aldermen said would be cheaper and adequate. Alderman Bateman, who moved the original motion to accept Jaren's bid, said the work is needed to address safety and downtown…