The Vandalia City Council spent the majority of their meeting on Monday night debating how much money in TIF funds the city would be willing to give to repair a wall. The wall in question is at 507 West Gallatin Street—it is the exposed wall that was left that way following the demolition of the partially collapse building next to it last year. And, according to the building owner, Dennis Grubaugh, the building was also allegedly damaged in that demolition. Discussion involved two proposals for the repair of the wall—one was for $100,000 and the second proposal from Grubaugh was for $160,000. Ward Four Alderman Andy Lester said that in his opinion the work would not cost that much and he would not vote for that much money. Lester also added that he thought that the person that owns the building, which is Grubaugh, also being the person who is completing the work—as was the proposal in this case—that it would be a conflict of interest. Grubaugh was asked about insurance on the building and he stated that the insurance company would not move forward until after the city had decided what they would do. Ward Three Alderman Mike Hobler disagreed with that, saying he did not believe the city was liable and that the insurance company should come forward first with that they would give. Lester added that he believed it would take between $60,000 and $80,000 to fix the wall. Grubaugh mentioned that the longer this takes and with the rains we have had recently, water is going under the building. Lester stated that it is Grubaugh’s building and you haven’t been concerned with that up to now. After further discussion, the Vandalia City Council agreed they would give $70,000 in TIF Funds for the repair of the wall. No action could be take at last night’s meeting, as the issue was just on the agenda to discuss. Mayor Rick Gottman says the matter will be voted on at the next City Council meeting, which will be on May 16th.