St. John considers razing of Cold Storage building

St. John City Council on Monday evening decided to explore how the old Cold Storage building will be demolished.

City Clerk Linda Hayes told the council that she checked with the Association of Washington Cities about demolition costs which were estimated at $40,000. She also expressed concerns about the old building containing asbestos which would increase the cost.

If the demolition costs exceed $40,000, the city must advertise for bids on the project.

Hayes said the city has budgeted money for the project.

The Cold Storage building was built in the early 1920s or 1930s and was for sale for a long time. When it didn’t sell, the owner in April deeded it to the city, Hayes said. The city paid the closing costs and the first half of the property taxes which amounted to a little more than $1,900.

The council authorized Mayor K.B. Trunkey to contact an asbestos consultant to survey for asbestos and submit a report.

Cecil (Skip) Colyar resigned from the council Monday. He said he has been on the council for more than eight years,

Carol Harrison was appointed to fill the seat recently vacated by the resignation of Lydia Smith.