The Chehalis City Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday allowing acting City Manager Glenn Schaffer to expedite the process of paying for work related to the removal of asbestos from the fire station.
The resolution allows the city to enter into contracts with firms hired to test for and remove asbestos found Aug. 1 by contractors removing floor tiles at the station without going through normal bidding procedures or requiring approval by the city council.
“It basically allows us to bypass some of the required processes,” said Schaffer, the city’s police chief, following the meeting. He has been filling the city manager role this month while Jill Anderson has been out of the office.
Tacoma Asbestos Company entered into an agreement with the city on Thursday to clean the building according to state Department of Labor and Industries standards beginning today.
The process is expected to take about 10 days, due to the number of areas located at the fire hall at 455 NW Park St. found to be contaminated with spores of the carcinogenic material.
Samples collected early last week and tested at a federal Environmental Protection Agency facility in New Jersey found dust containing asbestos throughout the building, including the sleeping quarters and the vehicle bay.
The decontamination work will cost about $60,000. That figure only accounts for the ground floor of the facility and could rise if the second floor, which includes a weight room and meeting facilities, requires attention.
City Councilor Dr. Isaac Pope voiced his displeasure Monday at having to spend city money to address the situation in a building he said he’s been hoping to see upgraded for many years.
The Chehalis Fire Department has been operating out of Lewis County Fire District 6 headquarters since it evacuated its building on Aug. 1. City personnel have been using a reserve District 6 engine and personal protective gear loaned to them by the Riverside Fire Authority.
Schaffer went out of his way Monday to thank both agencies for their generosity and for “helping us remain functional as a fire department.” Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale attended the meeting but declined an invitation from Mayor Dennis Dawes to speak about the resolution prior to the vote.
