Council advances demolition timeline after south-side fire; contractor chosen pending structural report

City staff told the board they are ready to move forward with demolishing a fire‑damaged building on the south side once contractors and engineering reports are in place. Planning and code staff said the demolition permit will require an asbestos‑handling plan, load tracking and an on‑site monitor, and proposed a 14‑day removal window after the contractor signs the permit, with a weather clause to protect safety and local businesses.

"Once they fill this out and we reward them the demolition permit, they'd have 14 days," the department representative said, proposing a shorter timeframe than earlier options. Staff reported that contractor Jake Jacobs was selected and that the building's structural engineer, Camille Ravey, inspected the parapet and will deliver a report in the next few days; Jacobs will then adjust the contract and submit the demolition application for permitting. The building inspector noted the city will pursue violation notices in parallel if property owners do not act.

The council asked staff to balance speed with predictability for nearby businesses; one board member said the city should avoid a 30‑day span of uncertain closures for merchants. Staff also explained that if owners cannot or will not perform the demolition, the city will solicit bids and, if it uses city funds, will file a demolition lien against the property to recover costs.