Council discusses levying demolition fee for residential, commercial structures

For the Enquirer

The regular city council meeting for March 11 saw the introduction of a new ordinance regarding demolition of structures. Ordinance 1627, if approved, will require a permit and fee for a demolition of both residential and commercial structures in Hartselle. The fee for residential structures would be set at $100, while fees for a commercial demolition would be based on the total price of the contract. Engineering director Ben Wood advised most neighboring municipalities have adopted similar ordinances. “This would allow us to have record that the demolition is starting for any type of structure and to get in touch with the utility company to make sure everything is retired properly and the (property) is ready for the next owner to buy the property or for it to be developed,” Wood said.

The council approved a request by Chief Alan McDearmond for Ordinance 1626 from the meeting held Feb. 25. This ordinance will allow Parks and Recreation director Thomas Phillips to set different hours of operation for each city park and allow the police to remove people camping on city property or vacant houses and buildings. The council also approved five city safety winners. These are city employees who participate in continued training on safety procedures and names were entered into a drawing to win $50. The next city council meeting will be March 25.