FOLEY, Ala. — The city of Foley is continuing its efforts to bring the old Cactus Café up to code.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Foley City Council voted to accept a proposal from Terracon Consultants Inc. to conduct an asbestos survey, which will include checking for lead paint chips and mold in the building.

In February 2012, the city declared the two-story building located at the intersection of North Alston Street and U.S. Highway 98 to be a nuisance. According to city records, the building was owned by the Sutton family before the city made its declaration to prevent its deterioration.

Following that declaration, the city made subsequent repairs, which records indicate total $104,025.38.

During a public hearing in September 2013, co-owner Bennett “Bubba” Sutton of Gulf Shores said he had been previously unaware of the city’s actions. However, City Administrator Mike Thompson argued that Bennett had been onsite during a city tour of the property to assess needed repairs. The two also disagreed over the city’s efforts to work with the Sutton family to bring businesses into the building. During that hearing, Sutton  said City Economic Director Jeff Rouzie had been difficult to work with.  Thompson said he took offense at the claim. That hearing ended with Sutton agreeing to work with the city to repay work done on the building and get its current status lifted.

In October, the City Council voted to move forward with its efforts to recoup what it spent. However, those efforts were unsuccessful, as Thompson reported no bids on the property in December. However, the city did change locks on the building.

With Tuesday’s vote, the city is taking one more step to make the downtown Foley building operational.