ONEIDA — A chain link fence is going up around 140 Madison Street and bids have been sent out for debris cleanup after inaction by its owner.

"The city of Oneida does not own the building," Mayor Helen Acker said. "We've been trying to work things out with the current owner, to no avail. We took them to court to have the structure taken down and they did not. And when it got to the point that it was coming down on its own, we had to tear it down and contacted the owner to let hem know what happened and for them to clean it up."

After Tuesday's Common Council meeting, Acker told The Sentinel that the in-house cleanup couldn't be done as the property is considered hot, meaning there could be asbestos. Professionals would be needed to remove it.

"When it became clear that [cleanup] was not going to happen, we put up fencing and safety cones to stop people from going on the site," she added.

Making things more difficult was not only the weather, but efforts by people to tear down the fencing for whatever reason.

"People kept tearing down the fencing, but we continued to put it up. We have gotten quotes on portable chain link fencing that will be going up Monday, March 27," Acker said. "We also have sent out for sealed bids for the removal of the fallen debris."

Acker stressed that this is a process that takes time "… especially with the city not owning the building."

The city will award a contract for the removal of debris upon receival.

"Ultimately, the cost for doing this will be billed to the building owner," Acker said. "If they don't pay, it will be levied onto the taxes."