The next steps in the process to bring a new courthouse to the square in Jamestown are underway and demolition is slated to start this week in preparation for the new building.

If the last of the title work is done in time demolition will begin on the square in Jamestown this Wednesday, according to officials at Monday night's Russell County Property Development Board.

The city had approved a new deed for a small section of land that had not been included in the original transfer for the new Russell County Judicial Center.

Once that is done demolition is to begin on the old city hall while at the same time asbestos removal is to begin on the other end of the construction site.

Also discussed at the meeting were how high the judges' benches should be other issues relating to fine tuning the design.

The "phase B" submission of the plans is due this month for state approval and after that the bidding process for the construction of the building.

Circuit Judge Vernon Miniard questioned the presence of asbestos and buried petroleum tanks on the property and was told that the asbestos was a limited amount and that would be removed but there was no clear decision on what would be done with the buried tanks.

They are either already filled in, will be filled in or will be removed, but that decision was not made at the meeting.