Unitarian Church Fate Decided at Thursday City Council Meeting

Thursday night the fate of the Unitarian Church was officially decided. The council voted to reopen the resolution authorizing the city to demolish the building after it was tabled at the July 6^th meeting to allow local residents to raise money to rehab the 4^th street property. City Code Enorcement Officer Kathy Gable read a report from engineer Charlie Bach of Poepping, Stone, and Bach which stated that the structure had fallen into further disrepair since it was last inspected in 2011. The resolution to move forward with demolition was passed 7 to 1 with council member Susan Dunek absent and Ron Payne casting his usual no vote. Councilman Roger Bryant stated that the Unitarian Church had transformed from a historic structure into a dangerous one. Mike O’Connor stated that while he was saddened because when the church is gone its gone, he also realized that it is already gone. Dan Winn wanted to know where all the detractors of demolition were when the Unitarian Church actually was capable of being saved.

The next step will be acceptance of demolition bids, set to take place at the next council meeting August 3^rd.