SCHOOLS Contract awarded for asbestos removal

Willard School is not included in contract for asbestos removal.
WARREN -- The board of education awarded the contract for the asbestos removal for the Elm Road properties at a special meeting Tuesday.
Cardinal Environmental of Sheboygan, Wis., will remove asbestos at the three Elm Road properties for $127,897.
Exorbitant amount
"I just want to say I think that's an exorbitant amount for the amount of asbestos left on that property," board president Linda Metzendorf said.
"Well, that was the lowest bid," board member Lynn Gibson responded.
The Elm Road properties are the Thompson House, the used car lot (which also has a house and some buildings), and the former United Steelworkers hall.
Removal will begin after a 10-day waiting period. The board will award bids to demolish the buildings at its June 30 special meeting. Metzendorf said she expects the buildings to be demolished in eight to 10 weeks.
Metzendorf said they are planning to build a new high school building on Elm Road.
Willard School
The board did not award a contract for Willard School.
"We're probably looking at half a million dollars for the abatement and demolition [of the Willard School] and we don't have that kind of money," Metzendorf said.
The board plans to explore ways to gain money for the asbestos removal and demolition of Willard School, including the possibility of taking out a loan that could be paid off with the sale of the property. The board has received bids on Willard School that are good for one year, Metzendorf said.
"We'll try to work hard and have it demolished," she said.
Good neighbors
Nedra Bowen, board vice president, said it would be worse for the neighborhood if the Willard School were abated but not demolished; one reason is because the windows would be removed.
Meanwhile, Metzendorf said they will keep the property secure and clean.
"We want to be good neighbors. We'll try to keep the lawn mowed and have someone pick up the trash," she said.
The board also approved an amendment to the treasurer's contract and set meetings for June 2, to accept bids for grinding a parking lot, and June 30, to award bids for the demolition of the Elm Road properties.