This week's headlines

The contractor hired by the Town of Cedaredge for mold abatement and remediation in town hall will also be examining the building for the presence of asbestos.

If asbestos is found and can be isolated in place, out of the breathable air space in the building, its presence likely will not be a serious or expensive matter to deal with, explained trustee Ray Hanson.

The presence of mold spores in the building is a different matter, though, and has required the town to schedule a Nov. 20-25 closure of town hall to remove and treat the source of the spores — mold which has possibly been the result of a leaking roof in past years. The roof was sealed this fall.

The town board approved separate action items at a special meeting on Nov. 8 dealing with the town hall closure and the mold abatement process. They were the following:

• Approval to spend $17,000 to buy replacement carpet and flooring without first getting bids. The town's written policy is that purchases of $10,000 or more require bids. Since there is so little time now before the mold abatement work begins, explained town administrator Katie Sickles, the bid requirement on this project needs to be waived. The mayor and trustees agreed.

• The closure of town hall for the Thanksgiving week was approved.

• The fee for late water and sewer payments will be waived for November only.

• Water shutoff scheduled for Nov. 15 will be moved to Nov. 30 following the opening of town hall to ensure residents can speak with town hall staff about scheduled shutoff notices.

According to the town administration, air quality has been regularly checked and monitored in town hall for several years. The presence of mold spores, which can cause allergic reactions in some people, has reached levels that the abatement and treatment of mold was considered necessary, according to an information advisory issued by the town.

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