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RANDOLPH – An Omaha company has started to clear asbestos from three city-owned buildings downtown.
ABC Abatement began asbestos removal at 106, 108 and 110 W. Broadway St. Monday and the work could last through the week, said City Administrator Sheila Korth-Focken.
The work, estimated to cost $12,000, is partially funded though a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy grant.
The city is also researching grants to pay for demolishing the buildings which is the next step after asbestos abatement. A demolition grant may require an update to Randolph’s comprehensive plan.
Last week, the Randolph City Council approved a bid of $56,333 by Detlefsen Construction, Laurel, for demo work. Korth-Focken said there’s no timeline set yet for the demo project.
The city purchased the three properties on West Broadway Street this summer. The buildings are the former Nebraska Finest Meats, the former Seek N Find Consignment store, and another which served as storage and upstairs apartments.
All three buildings - considered nuisance properties - failed an internal city inspection in 2021 and were condemned. The city paid $35,000 for the properties previously owned by Vernon Forney, Pierce.
At its meeting last week, the council also received one bid - a verbal one - on a property at 104 N. Bridge St. but did not take any action on it.
Inspecting the house and lot, and obtaining more information is necessary before the council moves forward, Korth-Focken said.
She expects action at the next regular meeting set for Wednesday, Jan. 15, rescheduled one week later than normal.
The city purchased the property on North Bridge St. and some additional lots along the floodplain project this summer for $40,000. The city had originally bought the easement on the lots to finish the floodplain project and then purchased the entire lots.
The home at the location was previously owned by Rose Ann Rohloff.
At its last meeting, the council also approved a $3,262 taser purchase for Police Chief Pat Eller.
New council members Todd Greiner and Brandon Backhaus were sworn in while outgoing council members Janelle Biernbaum and Ted Stubbs were thanked for their service.
Aaron Nielsen was elected as city council president.
properties. Asbestos abatement began on Monday and may continue through this week, said City Administrator Sheila Korth-Focken.
Trisha Benton| Randolph Times
