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Recovery office briefs aldermen on demolition, debris removal; state to run private-property program
Summary
Julian Nicks, the city's chief recovery officer, told the Public Safety Committee that large-scale private-property demolition and debris removal will be administered by the state with FEMA dollars; testing, disposal facilities and monitoring protocols are being defined and an RFP is expected in January.
Julian Nicks, chief recovery officer for the city's recovery office, told the Public Safety Committee that debris and demolition work in the tornado zone involves several different programs with different management structures and compliance rules.
Nicks outlined four program types: a city-led right-of-way debris removal effort for streets and alleys; a small number of city-led emergency demolitions (about six); a larger state-administered private-property assistance and demolition/debris-removal program funded with FEMA dollars; and privately contracted demolitions managed under the building division. He advised the committee that the private-property assistance contract and procurement are being managed by the state.
"All properties with structures built before 1978 ... are just being assumed to be lead containing," Nicks said, describing a precautionary approach to lead paint. He said asbestos-containing materials and debris piles are tested and that hazardous site assessments are being managed by Tetra Tech.
Nicks said procurement for the state-led general contractor was not complete: "No RFPs have yet been issued," he said, and the state has indicated a possible RFP release in January with a February—March timeframe for contractor mobilization, but no firm timeline has been committed. He said the RFP and contract will include explicit specifications for handling asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials and that contractors must follow city ordinances when applicable.
On disposal and waste streams, Nicks identified local disposal options (transcribed as "Balam, Champ, and Republic Services") and said contracts will specify covered trucks for asbestos-containing materials and appropriate disposal per Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requirements. He said third-party debris monitors will photograph and document work for compliance.
Committee members pressed for more clarity. Alderman Clark Hubbard and others asked who will perform soil and air testing, where contaminated piles will be staged, how the city will ensure MWBE compliance and how aldermen can be involved in state procurement conversations. Nicks said pile testing and monitoring of debris streams are part of the plan but acknowledged that routine, real-time air and soil testing are not yet established because of logistical and cost constraints; he offered to collect questions from the board and advocate with the state.
Several aldermen expressed concern about private demolitions observed in neighborhoods without adequate dust suppression. Alderman Aldridge asked how residents would be notified if contamination is found; Nicks said the Department of Health has been involved and that notification procedures will be developed and added to the committee's question list for the state and the building division.
A public commenter, Clinton McBride, asked how long tested piles sit before they are disposed of, noting that lead and asbestos can drift in the wind and asking for clarification at the next meeting.
Nicks and the recovery office committed to a more detailed update in January that will include additional agencies (building division, state procurement representatives and the Army Corps) and asked the committee to submit a consolidated set of questions the recovery office can take to state partners.
