The City Council is being asked to approve an abatement and demolition contract for City-owned property at 2305 9th Ave. N. The City acquired the property in late 2016 around the same time it acquired the property for the new 911 Center located across the alley from the subject property at 911 N. 24th St. The property at 2305 9th Ave. N. consists of 3 structures; an auto services shop building, a residence and a detached garage. All structures are un-occupied and the contractor for the new 911 Center is using the west side of the lot to stage construction materials and equipment. City Administration completed a pre-demolition asbestos and regulated building material survey in August 2017 (Terracon). The survey found asbestos containing materials and recommended these be abated prior to demolition of the structures.

In May 2018, City Administration directed the Planning and Community Services Department Director to solicit, review and recommend asbestos abatement and demolition contracts for the property. Given Code Enforcement's experience in property abatement and demolition, Zoning Coordinator/Code Enforcement Supervisor Nicole Cromwell managed the process and solicited bids from Safetech, Inc., Liberty Environmental, Environmental Contractors, Inc. and Schroeder Contracting with a bid deadline of June 28, 2018. The intent is to have the property cleared and leveled in time for the new 911 Center dedication in mid-September 2018. A bid from Safetech. Inc. to complete the project was received. The proposed contract is for $59,934. This amount includes removal of the asbestos containing materials as recommended by Terracon, abandonment of all utility connections, removal of all structures, fencing, foundations and bringing in fill dirt to level the property.

City Council may:

• Approve the contract for services as proposed by Safetech, Inc.;
• Disapprove the contract for services and request staff to re-advertise the project for new bids. New bids will delay completion of the project beyond mid-September, the time frame for the new 911 Center dedication. There is no guarantee a more qualified bid, lower bids, or additional bids would be received.
   

Approval of the contract for services will expend $59,934 of general funds for the clearance of the property. However, this investment will:

• Make the property safer and prepare it for future development by the City or for future sale.
• Reduce the City's liability by removing decaying and un-occupied structures containing asbestos materials and other potentially harmful materials.
• Reduce the cost of regular maintenance and monitoring of the property.

Staff recommends the City Council approve the contract for services with Safetech, Inc. to abate asbestos at 2305 9th Ave. N. demolish the structures and complete the cleanup of the property.