Thorsby’s Town Council took steps Monday to begin cleaning up some of the town’s derelict lots.

At the request of Public Works Director Terry Jackson, the council voted unanimously to begin condemning eight properties, including three businesses in the town’s old downtown area: the Crossing Lodge, an old Mexican restaurant and an old game room.

All the businesses mentioned were off Montgomery Avenue.

The other properties to be condemned were residences, one at the corner of Fountain Street and Concordia Street (behind Thorsby School), one off Dakota Road and one off Alabama Avenue.

“We have several buildings around town that, basically, they’re safety issues,” Jackson said as he showed several photographs of the properties.

Thorsby Mayor Dearl Hilyer also passed out information about 11 other locations that were in violation of a town ordinance dealing with the appearance and upkeep of properties.

Hilyer planned to send letters to the owners of the 11 properties. After 30 days, the property owners could be issued an ordinance if they haven’t performed the necessary work.

The condemned properties would go through a similar process. After 30 days of the condemnation being posted, the town could take action to remedy the situation, including demolishing the buildings.

In other business, the council:

•Accepted a bid for $4,500 to replace the sidewalk along Highway 31 Northbound in front of several downtown businesses, including Buck Wild Hunting and the Marcus Insurance Agency.

•Renewed its contract with an auditing agency. Hilyer said the company charged $15,000 last year, and this year’s charges would be comparable.

•Approved a resolution to appoint officers for the Aug. 28 municipal election.

•Bought a full-page advertisement in the Thorsby School yearbook for $200.

•Sponsored Partners in Education at Thorsby School for $150.

•Voted to enter into a lease with Ricoh for a new printer and service on the machine.