Troutdale city councilors made it clear at Tuesdays council meeting they would like to move forward with the demolition of the old police station as quickly as possible, with hopes the lot eventually will become a parking lot.
The city plans to take timely advantage of the demolition equipment that Bremik Construction and two other developers will use in a couple weeks in a separate project to demolish several old, decrepit buildings on the Marino Block in downtown Troutdale.
The developers have put forth a tentative bid also to tear down the old police station, just across the street, for an estimated $46,000. Mayor Doug Daoust said the developers also would like to use the concrete in the old police building to fill a giant hole they need filled.
Before giving the go-ahead, Daoust said the council is reviewing the bid to make sure it complies with the citys proper contracting rules.
Daoust said the bid is very competitive and, if used, would save the city money and the task of searching for another contractor.
But until the city makes a decision to move forward, the demolition date is up in the air.
Troutdale citizens passed Bond Measure 26-16 in 2010, which designated $7.5 million to build a new police facility. Troutdale police have settled into the new facility at 234 S.W. Kendall Court.
Daoust confirmed the bond measure specifically included funding to demolish the existing police facility, which the city rendered useless and derelict, and make site improvements.
Keeping the station operational would have required substantial investments, the city reported in the September 2012 issue of the Troutdale Champion, the city newsletter.
The structure has obsolete plumbing, electrical, heating, venting and air conditioning systems, and significant structural issues including a failing roof, dry rot, and hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos.
The site will serve as a parking lot while the City Council considers its best long-term use.