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Council approves up to $75,000 to repair roof at 137 South Front Street amid debate over sale and lease
Summary
Clumber Council authorized a contract not to exceed $75,000 with Capital Coating to repair the roof at 137 South Front Street after members debated urgency, insurance coverage for interior damage, and whether to delay repairs while marketing the building for sale.
Clumber Borough Council on Aug. 26 authorized staff to contract with Capital Coating to repair the roof at 137 South Front Street for a cost not to exceed $75,000. The council voted in favor after members debated whether to wait for a pending marketing and sale process and raised conflicts and insurance questions. The motion was moved by Councilperson Stall and seconded by Councilperson Murphy.
Why it matters: the borough said heavy rains in July caused leaks that led to interior damage. Staff and council members described the roof repair as urgent because the interior remediation cannot proceed until the roof is fixed and continued leakage increases the borough’s exposure to further damage and liability. Staff said the interior cleanup and remediation work will be covered by insurance, but the roof replacement itself is a borough expense.
Discussion highlights: Docking the vote, a council member urged holding off until the property was formally marketed for sale; another member said the borough’s contracted economic development partner (CEVC) is prepared to market the property and that delaying repairs risks further loss. Wilson (Staff member) explained, "The interior is covered under insurance claims for the leaking of the roof," and that teams could not complete interior work until after the roof is repaired. A council member declared a conflict and recused themself, saying, "Capital Coating is a client of mine, so I won't be voting on this. I'll refuse myself."
Contract and costs: the council authorized a single contract not to exceed $75,000 for roof repair; staff solicited multiple quotes and said the approved contractor’s quote was substantially lower than another estimate received. Staff also said remediation for interior damage is being handled through the insurance carrier and by a remediation vendor working with the insurer.
Outcome and next steps: council authorized the roof contract and staff will proceed to schedule the work; staff said they will continue efforts to market the property through the CEVC. Council members asked staff to prepare sale materials and to notify the tenant and any stakeholders as marketing proceeds.
