Plymouth Board tables decision on Pointe asbestos abatement project

The Board of Public Works and Safety has postponed a decision on awarding an asbestos abatement contract for The Pointe property after testing revealed that ceiling tile removal may not be necessary, potentially saving the city tens of thousands of dollars.

Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal recommended awarding the abatement project to Environmental Management Services (EMS) Inc. during a recent board meeting. However, the board ultimately tabled the decision pending further budget discussions.

EMS initially quoted $99,309.20 for ceiling abatement and $29,613.72 for flooring abatement. The company suggested conducting a point count analysis on the asbestos texture to determine if the material could be reduced below the 1% threshold.

The $600 test showed that asbestos levels in the ceiling tiles were below 1%, meaning they can remain in place during demolition. This finding eliminates the need for the more expensive ceiling abatement work, reducing the project scope to only floor abatement.

Combined with the $55,101.20 demolition contract already awarded to Hunter Transit in August 2025, the city faces total costs of approximately $85,000 for the project.

However, funding remains a significant obstacle. Manuwal told the board he lacks sufficient funds in this year's budget to cover the abatement costs and will need to seek an additional appropriation.

Mayor Listenberger emphasized the need to coordinate with the Clerk-Treasurer to identify funding sources. "We have a lot to talk about on this stuff," he said.

The financial complications extend beyond the immediate project costs. While the city can place a lien on the property to recover expenses, the Indiana Attorney General already holds a lien on The Pointe for approximately $400,000.

City Attorney Jeff Houin explained that the state is taking a hands-off approach to the demolition and is waiting for the city to complete the work. Once demolition is finished, the Attorney General will proceed with foreclosure proceedings on their lien.

"They are open to negotiating the eventual disposition of the property," Houin said, suggesting potential flexibility in how the property situation might ultimately be resolved.

The Board of Public Works and Safety will revisit the abatement contract award at a future meeting.