Options Being Researched For Purported Former Meth House

A purported former meth house may have gotten a short reprieve from demolition after Goodman city officials decided to hold off on taking action last week.

Goodman aldermen and Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond discussed the two bids for demolition on the property at 108 W. Williams Street.

The discussion came at the regular city council meeting on July 3.

Gideon Backhoe & Roto R Rooter Service submitted a bid for $14,200, which includes demolition, debris and concrete removal, black dirt to smooth out the lot and grass seed.

Morgan's Backhoe & Excavating Inc. submitted a bid for $7,800, which includes tearing down the house, using dumpsters for debris removal, hauling off stumps and bringing in enough fill dirt for the crawl space under the house, and making the lot suitable for bush hog mowing.

During the meeting, Jon and Misty Farmer said the property's owners had reached out to them, asking if they would be interested in buying the property, cleaning it up and rebuilding the structure.

According to minutes of the meeting, the Farmers said the front half of the house is "in terrible shape" and needs removal. The back half could be remodeled. The couple said they would remove the front half of the house, and possibly attach a 400-square-feet house to the back half.

The couple said they are aware the house is on a list of meth houses. They expressed interest in testing for any residual residue.

They also believe that meth has not been manufactured in the house for the past 12 years but that the structure had been used to sell drugs at one time.

Interested in possibly renovating and cleaning up the house, the Farmers said they aren't sure of what rules and regulations exist for a property which has already been through the condemnation process.

City council members agreed to contact the city attorney and see what options the city has. A meeting will be arranged with the inspector to see what action can be taken.

Aldermen voted to wait for two weeks before accepting any demolition bids.

In other business:

• Richmond noted that five residents have agreed to serve on the city's planning and zoning committee, including Greg Beckner, Keith Estes, Jared Mackall, Jerry Pierce and Ed Tuomala. Aldermen Calvin Wilson and Ron Johnson also will serve on the committee.

• Goodman Police Chief Curt Drake said Officer David was able to get two mic kits donated. The mic kits will allow the dash camera to have audio, which is what the body cameras should feature. However, the body cameras do not integrate with the dash camera.

• Officials at city hall will accept addresses and lists of items for the 28th Annual City Wide Garage Sale, which will be held Aug. 4. Information will be collected through Aug. 1.

General News on 07/12/2018