The bid, from Mid-Iowa Site Services LLC of Fort Dodge, was the lowest of four cited in council packet documents. The highest bid, for $238,000, was submitted by Iowa Demolition, of Des Moines.

The cost of demolition will be paid for with expanded TIF revenues from the recently enlarged Riverview-Central Business District. The building was condemned by the city in March, 2025 after an inspection revealed asbestos in the building, a failing roof, water infiltration and broken water pipes.

Since Hilltop closed as an elementary school in 1990, it has been sold five times. Various owners have proposed redevelopment schemes, but none have succeeded. In recent years, the deteriorating nature of the building and unseemly appearance have marked it as an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Also on the agenda is a first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 46, Article 1, Section 46-1 of the city’s Code of Ordinances. It addresses complaints of trucks on U.S. Highway 20 illegally using retarder brakes, also known as “Jake” brakes, inside city limits.

If approved, new signs will be placed at entrances to the city and along U.S. 20 advising truckers of the law. Many counties and cities across Iowa have similar laws, with fines ranging from $50 to $250.

A second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 45, Article V, Division 1, Section 46-297 of the city code prohibiting overnight parking downtown is on the agenda. The measure would enlarge the enforcement district by one block on both sides of Des Moines Street from Division south to Bank Street. The measure faces a third reading before becoming law.

Finally, the council will be asked to expand the existing Riverview-Central Business District Urban Renewal Area south along Superior Street to Closz Drive to take in the recently announced redevelopment of the former Doc’s Stop by Brew Oil of Storm Lake. The district, which was enlarged from its original boundaries last October, presently ends at Ohio Street.

Reasons given for the move include removal of blight, development of infrastructure, and adding to the city’s tax base. If the council agrees, the matter would be the subject of a public hearing March 2 at City Hall. The public hearing would begin at 6:05 p.m.