Wymore moves forward on asbestos testing and demolition plans for multiple dilapidated houses

The Wymore City Council on June 5 heard updates on several dilapidated properties and the city’s plans to test for asbestos and proceed with demolitions.

City Attorney Andy Carothers said the city has received a quote from Bachmann and Associates for asbestos testing at 207 S 7th St (owner Marlene Nickell) and is finalizing a contract with Tiemann Construction to demolish the building. Carothers told the council he was working to complete state paperwork so the state would release funds in July; the minutes note the city would have up to a year after the funds’ release to complete the project. Owner Marlene Nickell asked to remain in the building until the end of September, according to the minutes.

Tim Sedlacek, who joined the meeting by phone, reported the house at 321 N 11th St (Wehrbein) should be removed imminently. Sedlacek also said he had an email from Cliff McConnell indicating McConnell will pay the demolition cost for his property at 406 E H St. Council member Neil Van Boening said the property at 719 N 7th St was no longer listed for sale. Sedlacek asked the council to approve invoicing a bank for mowing of a bank-owned parcel; that invoicing request was raised for council approval.

The council’s discussion focused on sequencing the work, securing state funds, and ensuring contractual and funding steps are complete before demolition. No demolition contract was recorded as formally executed during the meeting; Carothers described work under way to finalize contracts and funding paperwork.

Next steps recorded in the minutes include finalizing the demolition contract with Tiemann Construction, completing the state paperwork to release funding in July, and confirming timelines for each property once funding and contractor availability are set.