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Niles council waits for state approval on roof repair
By Jordan Cohen
NILES
City council is ready to authorize spending $203,000 to replace the city hall roof, but wants approval from the state-appointed fiscal supervisors first.
“I hope to have a confirmation from them before this Wednesday’s council meeting,” city Auditor Giovanne Merlo said. “Their main concern is if it fits in the budget this year.”
With Niles in fiscal emergency the last two years, the supervisors are required to review major expenditures from the general fund and either approve or recommend against them.
Merlo said a meeting is already scheduled with the supervisors Friday, but is hopeful of an earlier decision.
Merlo’s comments came during a council roundtable Monday that focused solely on repairs for the 89-year old city hall complex.
The auditor said the general fund, subject of the state’s scrutiny during its fiscal oversight, will contribute nearly $30,000 of the roof repair costs.
The balance would be paid from the revenue-generating departments of light, water, street and sewer.
The water department is currently in deficit, but has been reducing it this year.
Councilman Ryan McNaughton, D-at large, said council should play it safe and only give the roof-repair ordinance a first reading Wednesday if the supervisors have not offered an opinion by then.
Architect Bruce Sekanick of Warren recommended council approve the low bid of $203,000 submitted by SRI Roofing and Sheet Metal of New Castle, Pa. The company’s bid was well below Sekanick’s original roof replacement estimate of $295,000.
The architect said his review of the company’s bid and work history convinced him SRI is capable of bringing the project to completion within the 30 days demanded by council.
The architect said SRI will be responsible for any cost overruns.
John Davis, a member of the fiscal commission that reviews the city’s financial recovery, hopes for a first reading only Wednesday, but for other reasons.
Davis sent documents to council Monday encouraging relocation of city hall into the former Nicholson Center on North Main Street.
The one-story facility, which previously housed special-education classes, has been vacant for more than a year.
The commission member has frequently criticized council for potentially spending up to $550,000 for repairs and code compliance.