NOVEMBER 21, 2024|
Photo – Property on 3rd Street to be demolished – Courtesy Mass Grading, llc
The Rawlins city government approved two landfill waivers to demolish derelict structures but warned that repeated requests may deplete the city’s finances.
During the November 19th Rawlins city council meeting, Kelly Brendt, owner of Mass Grading LLC, requested a $1,000 landfill fee waiver for the demolition of a two-unit apartment building, located at 514 3rd Street.
In a letter sent to City Manager Tom Sarvey, Brendt explained that an unnamed developer purchased the property with the intention of building three houses on the site. The homes will be used for short-term rentals.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Community Development Director Lou Lascano explained that Mass Grading was hired by the developer to demolish the dilapidated single-story apartment building.
Lascano said during the demolition process, Mass Grading discovered asbestos tiles, adhesive, and window glazing in the structure. Mass Grading subcontracted with Asbestos & Technical Services LLC, out of Cheyenne, to remove the hazardous materials from the site.
Lascano informed the council that Mass Grading is asking for the landfill waiver on behalf of the unnamed developer. Mass Grading owner Brendt explained that he was unaware of the hazardous materials in the building when he bid on the job. Even without asbestos, Brendt said the poor condition of the structure meant that it needed to be demolished.
Brendt said the demolition project has faced several unforeseen issues, including the discovery of asbestos, which has led to increased costs. The Mass Grading owner said that waiving the landfill fee will serve as a gesture of goodwill toward the unnamed developer, who intends to purchase more land in Rawlins.
City Manager Tom Sarvey said the dangerous building fund contains $500,000, spread between two different accounts. The money is used to purchase, rehabilitate, and sell property containing abandoned or derelict structures.
Councilman Chris Weisenburg said the landfill fee must be paid. By granting the waiver request, the city will need to reimburse the landfill from the dangerous building fund.
City Manager Sarvey said the dangerous building fund is replenished through the sale of rehabilitated properties. If the fund runs low, the city is required to transfer money from the general budget into the account.
Mayor Terry Weickum said the council has set a precedent of granting landfill fee waivers to projects that make the city more visually appealing.
Councilman Weisenburg said that $1,000 won’t make a big impact on the dangerous building fund. The councilman said he simply wants the public to be aware that the landfill fee must be paid, either by the developer or by the city.
The Rawlins city council unanimously voted to waive the $1,000 landfill fee for Mass Grading LLC.
The next item on the city council’s agenda was another landfill fee waiver. Residents Kenny and Salena Ogburn requested to be reimbursed $2,646.90 in landfill fees for demolition work on their property on West Davis Street.
Community Development Director Lascano said that the house previously located on the site met the criteria for a dangerous building. Lascano said the property owners plan to build a new house and garage there.
Councilman Darril Garner motioned to waive the landfill fee.
Councilman Weisenburg reminded the governing body that in October of 2021, the Rawlins city council voted to waive $2,500 in landfill fees for the previous property owner, Gene Cruze. Weisenburg asked that the waiver be capped at $2,500.
The council voted to approve the second landfill fee waiver, with the stipulation that it be limited to $2,500.
