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Regular Council Meeting September 23, 2013 Page 4 that the Council had discussed but not moved forward with a residential tax abatement program and the item should be placed on an agenda for action at the earliest possible date. Prior to discussing the next project, Mayor Hashmi presented Code Enforcement Supervisor Robert Talley with a certificate of appreciation for all of his hard work and efforts in the demolition process. He pointed out that the City of Paris had demolished more dilapidated structures than a lot of other cities. Mayor Hashmi said they began the process in the year 2012 -2013, a total of 105 homes were demolished, that the balance of the demolition account was $298,012, that there were 29 remaining work orders and 21 service removals were pending. He also said while driving through the City, there existed a large number of homes that appeared to be dilapidated. Mayor Hashmi asked that Mr. Talley provide an update on those houses not listed and the process of identifying more demolitions. He asked that all lists contain the address of each structure. Next, Mayor Hashmi said that Council needed an update of what was being done to secure downtown buildings that were unsafe. He also said that the Council needed to allocate funds to address downtown buildings. Mayor Hashmi reported there was a meeting with the tax attorney last week and that over 600 properties were identified for foreclosure. He said their goal should be to have a public auction every three months until all of the properties were back on the tax roll. He asked that a new list of auction ready properties be published for auction at the earliest possible date. Mayor Hashmi expressed appreciation to the CIP Committee for their efforts with regard to infrastructure improvements. He said that he and the City Manager met with the water and sewer department employees, who were great in identifying areas that were not initially reviewed for improvements. He reported list had been compiled of forty-six projects and that list would be provided to the CIP Committee. Mayor Hashmi estimated that by March of 2014, citizens would begin to see movement of dirt. Mayor Hashmi also informed the public that any construction of new sidewalks and curbs would be built in compliance with ADA standards. With regard to the Lake Crook Property, Mayor Hashmi said the process had begun and that plans were being reviewing by the Planning and Zoning Commission. He said the property was government property and assured the residents that the property would not be leased without due process and monitoring under appropriate guidelines and laws. Next, the Mayor stated that it was his understanding the City had an airport comprehensive plan but questioned its implementation. He said some of the residents expressed an interest in rejuvenating the airport and that the airport should be studied to determine what needed to be done to make it an income generating facility. Mayor Hashmi asked Council Member Lancaster to take the lead on this project and bring definitive steps toward the airport's rejuvenation back to the Council within ninety days. Mayor Hashmi announced that within the next couple of weeks PEDC would be presenting a revised abatement policy for businesses, which was a joint effort of all of the taxing units. Mayor Hashmi expressed concern about the drug problem in the City and asked that Council Member Drake and Council Member Jenkins to take the lead on this issue and work with Chief Hundley in developing a plan. He asked that they identify areas with the most drug activity and make recommendations for curtailing drug trafficking in the City, including a timeframe for doing so. 21. Discuss development of underserviced areas in the City of Paris. Mr. Napier explained that with potential new water lines, staff identified 49 residences that could benefit from these new lines. Mayor Hashmi confirmed with Mr. Napier that water