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Regular Council Meeting June 26, 2023 Page 5 Mayor Hughes opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak in support or opposition of this item to please come forward. Carlton Cooper, 646 Fitzhugh, said he supported approval of this item. Glee Emmite, 3065 Aspen, also spoke in favor of approval of this item. With no one else speaking, Mayor Hughes closed the public hearing. Council Member Savage inquired about the benefit of doing this. Mr. Mack said the largest benefit would be maintaining the value of historic homes. City Attorney Stephanie Harris said there were tax exemptions available and other incentives available for investing in these properties. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Pilgrim and seconded by Council Member Savage. Motion carried, 6 ayes — 0 nays. 18. Receive a presentation about the Signal, Stop, Reverse Back -In Angle Parking Trial. Mr. Mack said the STOP sign study group, an ad hoc Downtown Traffic Committee studied measures that could be taken to help make the downtown safer for pedestrians and traffic. He explained how the back in angle parking would work and that a trial would begin on July 7 on the west side of the plaza. He reported that the trial would be for a three-week period ending on July 29. 19. Receive a presentation and provide guidance regarding issuing of request for bids to demolish the Belford Building, located at 260 South Main Street. City Manager Grayson Path explained that the Belford Building, located at 260 South Main Street was in a state of dilapidation with portions having collapsed, and that it needed to be demolished. He said that on September 26, 2022, the City Council approved a professional service agreement with Jason Hart Engineering to design the demolition of the Belford Building, which would then be followed by procurement of a contractor to perform the work. Mr. Path introduced engineer Jason Hart. Mr. Hart presented slides reflecting the work to be done. He explained that this would entail demolition bid documents, a set of drawings showing the scope of demolition, temporary traffic control and a set of specifications. Mr. Hart sad the property was unsafe, that it was definitely unsafe to be in the building or to walk along the sidewalk. He gave examples of damage to the building. Council Member Pilgrim asked about the timeline of taking it down. Mr. Hart said approximately ten weeks from the contractor entering the property until seed at completion. He estimated the price to be between $500,000.00 and $700,000.00. Mr. Path said that the City had standing orders for demolition and that AARPA funds were set aside for this project. He also said that once the building was down, that the City would take ownership of the property. Council Member Savage said this was the best option and he thought they should move forward with getting it done, and not kick the can down the road. Council Member Norment