Council votes to demolish deteriorating Mill Street house

The Slayton City Council voted to demolish an unsafe house on Mill Street after debating repair, sale and demolition options. Chair (S2) moved ‘‘that we tear it down,’’ and a second from the staff member/presenter (S3) led to a carried vote.

Council members discussed several options before the motion: repairing the basement and other repairs estimated at roughly $2,500–$3,000 for basic remediation, full rehabilitation costs possibly ranging into the tens of thousands, and selling the property as-is via sealed bid. Staff/Presenter (S3) noted the lot is very small and an interested buyer may want the lot to build a garage, reducing the city’s residual value if the structure is retained.

Several council members raised concerns about the building’s structural condition and the cost-effectiveness of repair. One council member warned that full rehabilitation could cost ‘‘$30,000 to $50,000’’ and argued demolition was the most pragmatic option given limited benefit for training or reuse. The council approved demolition with unanimous affirmative votes.

The council did not specify a demolition contractor or timeline during the meeting; follow-up administrative steps were left to staff. The item arose under unfinished business and council members noted that a site tour and confirmation of interior conditions had already occurred.

What happens next: staff will process the demolition authorization and handle disposition steps, including any required bidding or contract actions (not specified in the meeting).