If it has asbestos does that mean the $46,000 is not the bid?
What is the difference of waiting fo rthe city or waiting for the owner to do the demolition?

Oh no, the 'A' word strikes again. In some circles, mentioning "asbestos" is like telling airport security that you think the guy behind you has a bomb in his shoe; it provokes a strong reaction. Chances are pretty darn good that there is at least some asbestos somewhere in the rubble. That will mean that nothing can proceed until the correct procedures have been followed, usually several days are needed.
Of course, Western THermal are or were, equipped and qualified to deal with asbestos removal. These are certainly interesting times.
metalman.

So the demolition is not ready to go today, but they couldn't allow Mr. Gibson ONE MORE DAY to get his hands on his engineer's report.

Damn good point, Thunder, but pc is as pc does. All the city is doing is covering their legal backsides. If the walls fall in today, no worries, they are covered because they took the correct steps and no sharp lawyerboy can nail them now. Fergus is covered too because he warned them twice. Not too sure if the sharp dressed lawyer could nail the owner Mr. Gibson though.
metalman.

Posted by: Thunder on September 17 2008 9:16 AM
So the demolition is not ready to go today, but they couldn't allow Mr. Gibson ONE MORE DAY to get his hands on his engineer's report.
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Would that be before or after Mr Gibson pays his $37,000 in back taxes still owing?

Why couldn't the city let the owner use its engineer's report if that is what the hold-up was at his end? Wouldn't the insurance companies accept it?

I wonder if Mr. Gibson got his report yet.

City has covered their legal backsides? How do you figure that? By putting the onus on the demolition crew?

Taxes owing make this issue even more interesting. The way the city is handling this issue, they certainly are behaving as though they own the property...

billposer I was wondering that too...but I thought the city engineer couldn't get in there to do a proper report. All we have is his expert OPINION.

City has covered their legal backsides because they have handed responsibility to Western Thermal for the demo. Even if there are issues such as the A word to deal with first, they are covered because they have started the ball rolling, so can't be said to have done nothing.
That's the long version.
metalman.

"I wonder if Mr. Gibson got his report yet?"
" Would that be before or after Mr. Gibson pays his $37 K in back taxes still owing?"

Heh Heh...well Mr. Gibson says this and says that.....sorta like "the cheque is in the mail".

The City engineer answered the question of whether the walls are safe.

Gibson's engineer has to answer the question of how to safely remove the walls without increasing his and the insurer's liability.

Two completely different but important questions.

It looks like the City has now removed that liability from Gibson and his insurer and put it onto the taxpayer.

Does nobody look at the fact if Gibson can't pay taxes, who in the hell would go to work for him.

Good point, Common Sense!