Frankly, I think that the authorities acted in everyone's best interest in DCMatt's story. I'm sure that your neighbors, not to mention your next of kin, would rather that you be "safe than sorry" and call the professionals in to deal with an old, probably unstable, ordinance. Yes, it's a hassle, an inconvenience. But better a short term inconvenience than someone being maimed or killed. It is best to have it dealt with in situ, but since it's too late for that, don't move it anymore, and call the police.