Webster City council approves demolition contract for condemned Hilltop School at 915 High Street

The Webster City Council approved a contract to demolish the condemned Burmerly/Hilltop School at 915 High Street, awarding Mid Iowa Site Services LLC a contract not to exceed $89,000.91.

Staff told the council the building was condemned on March 27, 2025 after a police complaint related to hazardous living conditions and a reported dog-hoarding case. The demolition scope includes asbestos abatement and compliance with Iowa DNR and EPA guidelines; staff said they requested competitive quotes from four demolition contractors and recommended the Mid Iowa Site Services quote as the lowest responsive amount.

"This property located at 915 High Street, Burmerly Hilltop School was condemned on March 27th of 2025," staff said when presenting the request. Staff said the parcel is about 1.95 acres, that roof collapse and water infiltration had made the structure unsafe, and that the city would provide backfill and topsoil as part of the project. Funding was proposed to come from Riverview TIF revenue.

Council members asked about bid differences and insisted the contract included asbestos abatement, removal of brick and adherence to landfill and DNR/EPA requirements; staff confirmed each vendor included those steps. Staff also said salvaged brick could be set aside for community members who wished to reclaim them once demolition began.

The council moved, seconded and approved the award by voice vote. Staff noted that future redevelopment options for the cleared 1.95-acre site — including potential single-family lots or apartments — would be matters for later council consideration.