Council tables emergency demolition of collapsed church to allow owner time to secure bids

City staff introduced a resolution authorizing emergency demolition of a dangerous building (Fairhope Church of God in Christ) with a contract amount not to exceed $22,500. At the public hearing the church pastor, Bear Barracote, said the sanctuary roof had collapsed, the congregation had incomplete title documents, and they could not afford the city's quoted cost; he asked for more time to solicit bids and charitable help.

"All I'm asking is for more time," Pastor Bear Barracote said, recounting efforts to clear title and the limited funds available to his small congregation. Legal counsel explained the resolution would authorize the city to proceed but that the council could set a deadline before staff executed the contract: "There's no prevention or prohibition of y'all setting a time… Authorizing him to proceed with the contract within a certain amount of time," counsel advised.

Council members emphasized safety — several noted exterior brick walls were leaning and posed an attractive nuisance to children — but agreed to give the pastor time to seek alternatives. One councilmember reported negotiating a potential $12,000 bid and the council voted to table the resolution; the pastor was asked to report back at the next meeting in roughly two weeks.