| The old Grantsville town hall and fire station has been a real worry for members of town council, the building is essentially condemned and falling down.
During Monday's council meeting, Mayor Wilbert Kerby, said "There is light at the end of the tunnel," after contracts were approved for asbestos abatement and the demolition of the structure.
A low bid of $9,900 was given to a Little Hocking, Ohio outfit to remove the asbestos and a "zero dollar" bid was approved for the demolition of the building and landscaping of the lot to Creston Oil Company, owner James Morris. The contract called for Morris to salvage materials from the building. The next highest bid was for $27,000.
Frank Venezia, representing the Town Hall Committee, commenting on the inability to obtain funding for a new town hall, said "The worst case scenario, the town gets a gift of a clean and safe site."
The town offices were moved to the county's courthouse annex, a cooperative agreement with the county regarding trading services.
Mayor Kerby indicated funds that have been donated to the town hall project will be used for the asbestos abatement.
Recorder Roger Propst expressed concern regarding the hole in the earth left following demolition. Mayor Kerby said "A security fence would be built around the area, after Morris seeded and mulched the site."
Mayor Kerby said the town has received two grants, one for $5,000 for street paving and a $2,500 grant, which is being given to the Grantsville VFD.
Three streets were paved last week, projects held-over from last fall.
Former councilwoman JoAnn Shock was appointed to fill a vacancy left by Michelle Yatauro. There were two other applicants for the position.
Interviews are scheduled today to fill a position being opened by retiring clerk Bonnie Bird.
Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday to hire a new police chief and another officer.
Kerby said the the town's biggest goals are still to improve the sewage, water and storm drain systems.
"The resources are slim, but we just keep working to do what we can for our town and citizens," he said.
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