The Utility Safety and Environment Committee on Oct. 8 authorized the city to advertise for bids and enter a contract to replace the roof on the old pump building at the Elyria Water Treatment Plant, approving an estimated $650,000 for the work.

Engineer Schneider described the existing roof condition: the previous TPO membrane is delaminating and wind uplift is causing the roof to "almost... turn it into a balloon." He said earlier inspections found gypsum plank decking beneath that is at risk of crumbling when wet and that, after contractor inspections, "without a doubt it needs to be replaced as soon as possible because you could wake up or come in the morning and find a roof laying on the ground."

The planned work would remove gypsum planks, install metal decking similar to the low‑service pump station and place a new roofing system. Schneider said the city evaluated temporary measures such as sandbagging but found them inadequate; the recommended remedy is full replacement. The approach to procurement would mirror prior cooperative purchases that combine material sourcing with competitively bid labor.

Committee members asked about securing the roof against future uplift, underlying structural components and whether the roof is flat or has a slight slope; Schneider said the roof is essentially flat with parapet walls and steel structural supports under the gypsum planks. The committee requested an emergency clause and moved to approve advertising for bids and entering into contract; the motion carried.