Wymore council accepts $10,145 asbestos-removal bid for Gambles building; demolition steps outlined

The Wymore City Council voted Dec. 18 to accept a $10,145 bid from Bockmann Inc. to remove asbestos from the Gambles building and confirmed that asbestos removal at 518 N. 11th has been completed and that the house is ready for demolition.

The council discussed related private-property responsibilities after an inspection found asbestos in the Gambles building. City Attorney Andy Carothers reported that Tiemann requested hold-harmless agreements naming Hazel Percival and Adam Cook; Carothers said he will prepare a draft contract for Adam Cook to address damage and safety concerns at Cook's adjoining structure, which the minutes say is beginning to fail on its north wall and has a collapsed roof.

Council members framed the actions as public-safety measures. The motion to accept Bockmann Inc.'s bid passed on a motion by Councilman Max Allen, seconded by Councilman Neil Van Boening, carried 3-0. The minutes record that asbestos at 518 N. 11th was removed and that property is ready for demolition; no demolition contractor or schedule was specified.

City Superintendent Tim Sedlacek also reported on building-repair work after a recent fire: Larm will insulate and heat the north shop, and Attorney Carothers will rework the contract work authorization. The council approved a motion allowing Mayor Collin Meints to sign the revised contract after the proposed changes are reviewed and agreed upon; that motion carried 3-0.

The council did not record demolition dates, remediation timelines beyond the accepted bid, nor identify funding sources for removal and demolition in the minutes.