Owner Bridget Barfield told the council Monday she did not have the money to stabilize the building, nor did she have the money to have it demolished. The city obtained a rough estimate of $40,000 for the demolition, however that estimate was compounded when a report indicated the building contained asbestos. Ms. Barfield provided the city with a copy of the report that identified the material in textured wall surfacing as well as some flooring. The asbestos in the building, by law, must be removed before the building can be demolished. A point of contention by the council was whether or not the building is safe enough to allow asbestos removers into the structure. If it is not safe enough, then the building would have to be stabilized to allow workers to remove asbestos. That may buy more time for a possible restoration plan as well. Mayor James Lafferty and several council members have expressed their desire to see the building restored, but their first responsibility is the safety of the citizens.

Bids will be reviewed and the matter will be discussed again at a yet-to-be announced emergency City Council meeting.

Also at last night’s meeting, council approved the first reading of an ordinance to prohibit parking on U.S. Highway 77 near the 22^nd Street intersection. A second reading of the ordinance will be up for approval at the council’s next meeting.

And following a brief closed session, the council approved the hiring of Mark Humble as city attorney. Humble had been serving as interim attorney since the failing health and subsequent death of former city attorney Charles Smith