BY LISA STAYTON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority voted Oct. 8 to award a commercial building demolition project to a contractor who lacks asbestos certification, prompting concerns about compliance with state and federal law.

The project involves tearing down the building at 21 East Main Street in Inez.

The EDA opened two bids during the meeting.

Wireman Construction & Excavation LLC of Salyersville/ Richmond, an asbestos-certified contractor (ID #155203), bid $68,937.

Howell’s Recycling & Sanitation of Debord bid $41,000. Howell’s currently does not hold asbestos certification, according to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.

EDA Chairman James Ayers warned that the building’s age likely triggers asbestos regulations.

“Part of the issue with this—it was stated in the [request for proposals], ‘Proper removal and disposal of all debris in accordance with state and federal regulations,’” Ayers said. “With the age of that building, it has to be treated as asbestos. There are specific procedures that must be followed in order to do this without getting in trouble with the EPA.”

He also noted that Howell’s proposal did not include proof of insurance and bonding as required by the request for proposals.

“There’s nothing that requires us to take the low bid,” said Ayers. “There’s nothing that requires us to do anything tonight. We can table this and do more research. I don’t know what Howell’s or this other group has done as far as it relates to asbestos or anything else.”

Several board members expressed support for Howell’s due to the company’s presence in Martin County and its history of garbage disposal work.

After some discussion, the board voted to award the contract to Howell’s contingent upon proof of insurance.

Because asbestos exposure poses such serious health effects, Kentucky and the federal government have enacted strict asbestos laws and regulations to protect the public and workers. A commercial building such as the one at 21 East Main Street is subject to these regulations. At a minimum, the law requires the owner to ensure that an asbestos survey by an accredited asbestos professional takes place.

EDA executive director Carolea Mills, who did not attend the Oct. 8 meeting, addressed the issue in a Sept. 4 email when asked whether the EDA planned to conduct an asbestos survey.

“We will want to make sure we follow all of the rules and regulations throughout the process of improving downtown,” Mills stated. “We will be counting on our contractors, who know these requirements a whole lot better than any of us, to make sure all of this is done the right way. It has been and will continue to be a lot of work, but the downtown buildings are literally falling in, so we have no choice but to find a better way to keep our little town alive.”

Property deal stalls

Ayers informed board members that the EDA’s plan to purchase the property at 51 East Main Street has stalled.

“We deposited $49,500 on June 24,” Ayers said, explaining that the EDA got that $49,500 from the Martin County Fiscal Court for the specific purpose of purchasing the property from Inez resident Richard Young.

“I’ve talked with Mr. Young since then, gone back and forth on the location of an easement,” said Ayers. “Where we’re offering an easement is unacceptable to him.”

Ayers went on to say the $49,500 is sitting in the EDA’s general account.

“I think we need to return that money to the fiscal court,” he said. “It’s for that specific purpose. We can’t do anything else with that.”

Board members concurred.

First Frontier Housing seeks consultant and plant manager

Prompted by a question from board member Ryan Wilson, Ayers provided an update on First Frontier Housing’s progress at the spec building in the industrial park in Debord. He said he last communicated with the company Sept. 18.

“They were working on hiring a consultant with extensive experience in setting up modular factories,” said Ayers. “The Department for Local Government has approved another $2 million to build 10 more homes in high-ground communities. They’re still searching for someone to fill the plant manager position. That was Sept. 18. My understanding is that until all those pieces are in place, they’re not moving in.”

According to Ayers, First Frontier Housing has been making its lease payment “like clockwork.”

Other business

In other business, the EDA:

• Welcomed Ryan Howell as its newest board member. Howell has worked for Kentucky Power for the last 13 years.
• Awarded a tree trimming contract to Wildcat Contracting of Hagerhill for $10,800.
• Agreed to obtain additional estimates for fire alarm/ suppression services at the Martin County Business Center.