Council defers Uptown Library roof replacement contract after historic-preservation questions

The common council voted to defer action on an award for the Uptown Library roof replacement (project 20-51532) after aldermen raised outstanding historic-preservation and materials questions.

Public Works had recommended awarding the rebid to The Gardner Company Inc. for $71,200. During the Oct. 20 meeting Alderperson John Moore (Second District) said he learned that the building is historic and urged the council to ensure materials are appropriate. Moore asked for “sensitivity” to the building’s historic character before a final award.

City staff said the project had been bid with specifications that reflected the existing roof material and that Historic Preservation Commission review is scheduled for Oct. 30. Public Works staff (identified in the record as Mr. Casey) told the council the project was anticipated to begin in November and that the contract work was expected to take about 12 days, weather permitting.

City Attorney Matt Knight advised on procedure: with a motion already on the floor, a motion to defer was in order. The council then voted to defer consideration of the award until the next council meeting; the motion to defer carried.

Why it matters: aldermen flagged potential conflicts between the timing of a construction contract and the advisory review role of the Historic Preservation Commission. Deferring the award gives the commission a chance to review materials and offer recommendations before council action, and it preserves the city’s flexibility on project timing ahead of winter weather.

Next steps: staff will present materials to the Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 30 and the council will revisit the contract award at the next council meeting. The project timeline now depends on the outcome of that review and the availability of a suitable weather window for the work.

Quote: “I just wish that things were lined up a little bit better, when there's a historic structure in need,” Alderperson John Moore said during the meeting.

(Contract award was not approved at the Oct. 20 meeting; the item was deferred.)