R2023-41 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Shafer Excavating for the Demolition of Vacant Building at 1140 W. Sunset (Former Woodrow Wilson School)

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ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: March 6, 2023 TO: Honorable Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Jon Kindseth, Deputy City Manager Michael Snearly,Neighborhood Inspections Manager SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Demolition of Vacant Building with Shafer Excavating at 1140 W. Sunset(Former Woodrow Wilson School). SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the Resolution authorizing execution of the attached proposal from Shafer Excavating for the Demolition of the former Woodrow Wilson School. BACKGROUND: The City of Decatur recently acquired the former Woodrow Wilson School building at 1140 W. Sunset through the tax sale. The City and the School District agreed to share in the financial responsibility of eliminating this abandoned,blighted structure. The City put 1140 W. Sunset out for bid in early February 2023. The City received five qualifying bids: Shafer Excavating-$622,000.00, Dore & Associates-$647,800.00, Steve's Trucking-$657,376.00, McDonagh Demolition-$695,500.00 and Lee Farms Excavating-$696,800.00. Shafer Excavating came in with the lowest bid,while exceeding the goal of 10%for the Minority Business Enterprise requirement. This potentially allows them to receive a 2%bonus under the City's MBE policy. The former Woodrow Wilson School has been subject to repeated break-ins and exposure to the elements. The repeated break-ins have forced the City to secure and re-secure the building 20 times since 2009. The exterior of the building has served as a dumping ground of trash and debris causing public health hazards. The City has performed 14 separate 72-hour public nuisance cleanups, on-going since 2004. Due to the severe lack of property maintenance, the City has performed grass mowing and vegetation overgrowth removal 69 times since 2002. The interior has been stripped of all wiring,all plumbing fixtures have been stolen,or damaged. Areas of floor framing in the building are weak or have collapsed due to severe lack of maintenance and/or years of being exposed to the elements. The roof has multiple holes formed because of dilapidation. Lower levels of the building have standing water caused by leaks/holes in the roof and unsecured broken windows. Due to the proposed utilization for federal funds,to pay for this demolition,the City sought to seek state approval for this demolition. The City is currently awaiting authorization to demolish, but approval is expected. The City is also awaiting formal approval for this expense from DPS 61, pursuant to the previously approved IGA which outlines cost sharing in this project. BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: This Demolition is $622,000.00, half of which is to be reimbursed by DPS #61. If contractor is eligible for the MBE bonus, the amount would increase to $634,440.00. STAFF REFERENCE: Any additional questions may be forwarded to Jon Kindseth or Michael Snearly at 217-450-2347 or msnearly(LWecaturil.gov