Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien gave a tie-breaking vote regarding debris removal at the site of January’s home explosion during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Daniel Ramirez, the owner of the property at 1114 East Washington Street, informed the council that he has been working on removing the debris for about a week with plans to rebuild at the site. The State Fire Marshal allowed for debris clearing to begin effective shortly following the April 8th onsite inspection, and then the nuisance review committee asked City Attorney Kevin Olson to prepare a notice to abate nuisance dated April 22nd to establish a deadline of May 14th for the debris and foundation to be removed. This notice wasn’t appealed and the city sought demolition quotes with the lowest received in the amount of $7,490 from G&R Miller. Ramirez asked the council Tuesday for a one week extension, and Council Member Elaine Moore motioned to abate the property. After a second and continued discussion Rosien broke a tie for that motion to fail, and a motion to give the week extension passed with Rosien voting in favor and Moore, Fran Stigers, and Steven Gault voting opposed. Council members expressed desire for immediacy in having the site cleared, and City Administrator Brent Hinson pointed out that it would likely take another week until G&R would arrive onsite if they were hired.