Jacksonville demolishing former Elberta Street Primary School
May 18—The Jacksonville City Council approved an expenditure of up to $68,000 for the pre-demolition asbestos removal from the property at 612 Martin Luther King, known as the former Elberta Street Primary School.
The zoning board of adjustments, during its March 5 meeting, considered 18 properties for demolition, one of which was the former Elberta School.
"They did end up issuing demolition orders after hearing from our building official, Chris Silvey, as to the substandard condition of the structure," City Manager James Hubbard said. "Back in July, this city did seek an asbestos abatement estimate from ERI, based out of Tyler, with the approval and knowledge of the property owner."
The estimate provided was just under $63,000. Hubbard said a potential contingency for electric and running water amounted to an estimated additional $3,375.
"I padded it just slightly there for any unknowns but it may come up to $68,000, but we're looking at probably a little closer to $66,000," Hubbard said.
The city has secured a sealed bid for demolition of the existing structures on the property, once the abatement is performed. The project, including abatement and demolition, is expected to be completed by late summer or early fall.
Council awarded a street paving project to Reynolds and Kay, one of only two bidders for the project, at a cost of $763,666.95. Ten street segments have been included in this project and include:
—Burma, from SH 135 (Pine Street) to Jeff Davis
—Loper, from Burma to Forest
—Forest, from Loper to Debusk
—Quevedo, from U.S. 175 to Selman
—Griffin, from Jefferson to Quevado
—Magnolia, from S. Pineda to Pecan
—Pecan, from Magnolia to Devereaux
—Pineda, from U.S. 79 to southern dead end
—Martin Luther King, from Heath to Sims
—Davis, from Martin Luther King to Skyline
The project is expected to begin in June and last approximately three months.
The appointment of Lue Ann Williams to the Parks and Recreation Board was confirmed by council. Williams, a resident of the Lincoln Park area, is actively involved in the community. She started a backpack drive for students, volunteers with Neighbors Helping Neighbors and has served Thanksgiving plates. She has also been involved in the Lincoln Park revitalization efforts.
Other items authorized by council included the extension, by one year, of the city's contract with Brett Brewer, to serve as city attorney, and the adjustments to the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.
Council also approved the consent agenda, in whole, which included:
—minutes of the previous meetings;
—the re-appointment of Jorge Aragon to the ACCESS board;
—adoption of an ordinance approving the 2024 Water Conservation Drought Contingency Plan;
—an easement agreement for access between lessees in the North Shore Subdivision;
—amendments to the 380 agreement with Braly's Hardware in which all terms remain the same but the name is changed to SVSR;
—an ordinance abandoning a 30-foot utility easement bisecting the northeastern portion of a 4.20 acre lot at 1850 S. Bolton, and the associated amending plat;
—and a street closure from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 15 on Commerce St., between Neches and Ragsdale, for the purpose of a car show which was rescheduled from April 20 due to inclement weather.
After canvassing the vote, both Rob Gowin, District 4 councilman, and Mindy Gellock, District 2 councilwoman, were sworn into office for their new terms.
Finance Director Roxanna Briley presented the quarterly financial report, which is provided on pages 54 through 85 of the city council packet provided on the city's website.
Gorham read a proclamation declaring May 12 through May 18, 2024 as Police Week in Jacksonville and presented the document to Police Chief Joe Williams. He also read a proclamation declaring May Motorcycle Awareness Month, which he presented to members of the Cherokee Family Motorcycle Club.
