The Odessa City Council on Nov. 24 approved a contract with Vet National to demolish and clear the police parking garage on the west side of the police department campus.

Chief Gherke told the council the 42-year-old structure is in disrepair and had recently required removal of materials that were believed to be fall hazards. The contract price is $194,721—about $83,000 under the originally budgeted amount, Gherke said. Asbestos testing on the structure returned no asbestos, he added.

Council asked about interim parking arrangements and replacement plans. Gherke said the department will disperse parking to nearby lots (including jury parking at 2nd and Grant) and that the demolition and removal phase should take about two weeks; when demolition is complete the area will be left as a flat hard surface until replacement construction is planned. Gherke said planning staff will return to council with replacement plans for the site.

A motion to approve the contract carried on a voice vote.