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Demolition of buildings delayed until city sees a plan
The Fort Scott City Commission on Tuesday discussed the future of dilapidated properties on North National Avenue.
Commissioners had prepared to vote on accepting a bid for demolition of buildings at 118 and 120 N. National Ave., during their regular meeting but information presented at the meeting turned discussion toward a different path.
Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou told commissioners a local business owner has expressed interest in the structure at 118 N. National Ave.
Ballou said there are four structures that make up the properties at both addresses and all of the buildings have been condemned and have "deteriorated." He said the roof on the structure at 120 N. National Ave., has collapsed. Commissioner Jim Adams said the opening on that structure has been knocked down.
Ballou said the business owner has purchased the property at 118 N. National Ave. City Attorney Bob Farmer said the business owner purchased the property knowing it was in the condemnation process and that changing the name on the deed does not solve the problem. Farmer also said if the roof collapsed at 120 N. National Ave., the sidewalk should be barricaded and not used.
The commission had voted previously to let structures on the property out to bid and in May, tabled consideration of bids until June as Martin informed them of individuals who may be interested in salvaging the area.
The city had received five bids for demolition of both structures; an $18,400 bid from Randy Vilela Demolition of Pittsburg; a $21,000 bid from JRB Industries, Inc., of Parsons; a $32,700 bid from Mid-America Sanitation of Frontenac; a $38,725 bid from Hester Transportation of Pleasanton; and a $45,000 bid from Johnnie Walker of Fort Scott.
The recommended bid was the low bid from Randy Vilela Demolition and Ballou said he thought the company would hold their bid if the commission decides to mull over what to do with the structures.
Commissioners also discussed what would happen to other properties if one was salvaged.
City Manager Dave Martin said Wednesday local business owner Kevin "Skitch" Allen had approached the city about his interest to save structures at 118 N. National Ave. Allen was not present at the Tuesday meeting.
"The city basically said we need to get control of them and tell them what your (Allen) plans are, then come to the commission with a plan," Martin said.
Martin said all of the buildings "are in bad shape." After talking with Allen, Martin said Allen's intent is to "save the nicest and least dilapidated" of the structures. Martin said he is not aware of details of Allen's plan but would support saving properties if possible.
"I would support saving it, if there's a timeline and we get the others torn down and get the other buildings secure and safe," he said. "They have been in bad shape for quite some time. We always try to save buildings. That's a good thing."
Adams said during the Tuesday meeting he would like to see "plans with a specific timeline" for saving part of the properties.