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MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE November 24, 2020 Online Broadcast Meeting Present: Councilmembers O'Malley, Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Neff, Rader, & Shachner Also Present: Mayor George, Director Rancatore, Director Corrigan, Director Dillinger, Chief Dunphy, Director Ducu, Director Leininger, Jessica Eddy of the Finance Department, a couple members of the public, Clerk Bach, & Deputy Clerk Lascu taking minutes Start time: 6:30 p.m. AGENDA Communication from Mayor George regarding Curtis Block Update. (Referred to COW 11/16/20) President O'Malley opened discussion, deferring to Mayor George for details regarding a structural engineer's report on the Curtis Block Building. Mayor George noted that the status of building is extremely concerning and big decisions will be needed to be made quickly, as water damage has been causing further deterioration of it. She stated that she is an advocate of historic structures, adding that the cost estimates for repairs are staggering. Lastly, she added that she is open to solutions on how to keep the Curtis Block building. Bud Griffith,the structural engineer who authored the report, gave a presentation and overview of the building conditions. Large swaths of the building's multiple roof systems are no longer water tight, resulting in water-damaged joists,window wells, and sections of interior flooring and subflooring. The chimney and roof parapet also need to be replaced. The subtotal estimate for a roof replacement is $605,000.Water leaks have also caused significant damage to the residential and commercial units in the building. Black growths were found present in the basement. Most notably, it appears that the concrete retaining walls in the foundation have shifted. The engineer determined that repairs need to be made within 12 months and that the building is not to be occupied, according the previous engineer of record's report. Repair of the foundation,joists, and retaining wall is estimated to cost$1.68 million, resulting in a gross budget of$2.285 million for total repairs on the building. This estimate does not include masonry work,window replacement, or door replacement. The figure serves as a number to just make the building safe again. Director Leininger stated that the Planning Department does not have a recommendation for the building at the time, highlighting the importance of first gaining an understanding of changes in the building's condition and getting the information in front of City Council. He noted the goal to preserve the building, along with the significant challenges to its restoration. He put emphasis on the need to explore options quickly as water continues to come into the building.