Council tables demolition decision pending asbestos assessment

The Lamar City Council voted to table action on a proposed demolition agreement and requested an asbestos (ACM) survey and cost estimates before proceeding.

Councilmembers discussed using an existing but expired asbestos report as a ballpark estimate and obtaining a new ACM survey. A council member said the city could hire a contractor to produce a $23,000 report to clarify demolition costs; another said they preferred tabling the item until those numbers were available. The council then voted to table the item to the next regularly scheduled meeting; the motion was made by Brian and seconded by Mark.

Council and staff clarified timing and DNR requirements. Staff said an ACM survey and sample testing would generate a formal report in less than 30 days in most cases; one staff speaker said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) keeps ACM reports on file and that those reports are valid for one year once asbestos is removed and the report is filed. Councilmembers and staff discussed that DNR notification must be submitted 10 days before demolition and that the ACM report filing and asbestos removal schedules affect the demolition timeline.

Councilmembers suggested asking a contractor who previously removed asbestos in a similar local project for a ballpark demolition estimate based on the older report, to help evaluate whether to proceed or delay contracting. Staff and council thanked prior staff members who had prepared the earlier report.

The motion to table passed on a voice vote: “All those in favor say aye” followed by “Opposed? Motion carried.”

The council did not adopt any demolition contract at this meeting; instead it directed staff to obtain the ACM survey, testing, and cost estimates and return with that information at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.