Commisson approves bid for demolition of structures

The demolition of structures of West Sixth Street next to the Brown Grand Theatre, the release of insurance proceeds on a fire-damaged structure on East First Street, and a contract to access Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) funds for a new ladder truck, were among the action items discussed and approved by the city commission during its regularly scheduled meeting on the evening of March 2.

Campbell & Johnson, PA, announced that two bids had been received for the demolition of homes at 326 es Sixh Street and 330 West Sixth Street. The city commission approved a bid of $18,900 from Smith Construction Services of Scottsville. The demolition is to be completed by April 4.

In August 2020, the city commission authorized using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to build a public parking lot where the properties at 326 West Sixth St. and 330 West Sixth St. are located. Established in 2000, the Concordia Redevelopment District, known as the TIF District, is designed to address blight and improve public infrastructure to support economic development. The Sixth Street parking lot project was added to the city's capital improvement plan in 2018. The scope of the work includes property acquisition, site clearance, and construction of a hard surface lot and amenities including lighting, sidewalk, landscaping, and related improvements.

City manager Amy Lange advised the commission that the properties on 6th Street are owned by the city, and there is no public access. Anyone trespassing on the properties will be prosecuted.

On November 25, 2020, the city of Concordia received insurance proceeds in the amount of $9,937.50 on a fire-damaged structure at 103 East First Street. The premise has been made safe and secure and there is no further need to require the city to retain possession of the insurance proceeds.

The city commission authorized mayor Hutchinson to sign a contract releasing the insurance proceeds.

In other action taken, the city commission authorized mayor Ashley Hutchinson to sign the Department of Commerce Grant Agreement for CBDG funds in the amount of $560,000 for a new ladder truck, projected to cost $1.2 million. Bids can now be accepted toward the purchase of the truck.