"The neighbors put forth a lot of effort...we came up with compromise language that appeased both the city and community interests," said Chief Public Health Officer Harold D. Cox.

Discussion on the ordinance ran from 6:30 until 8:30, when it was voted on.

Through an hour and a half of public comment, beginning with State Representative Alice Wolf, many residents came up to the microphone in support of the ordinance, citing their children's safety, personal health issues, and the environmental impact of asbestos particles.

Although a couple of residents expressed minor concerns with specifics of the ordinance, every speaker agreed with the need for strong regulations to prevent asbestos from being released into the air.

After each councillor gave a brief statement, a roll call vote was taken.

All nine members voted for the proposal, and when the mayor pronounced the ordinance approved, the audience exploded in a rousing standing ovation.

"I'm really thrilled, the councillors were the heroes that we thought they could be...it really mattered that all the neighbors showed up," Birk said after the meeting.

The concerned citizens filed into the hall, hugging and congratulating each other for a hard fought battle won.