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Council approves $372,800 to replace Lerner Theatre north roof after repeated leaks
Summary
On third reading the council approved Ordinance 25-O-13 authorizing $372,800 to replace the Lerner Theatre north roof with a reinforced TPO membrane system; staff said the warranty had been voided and the replacement should prevent further leaks without affecting scheduled events.
The Elkhart Common Council on unanimous voice/roll call approved Ordinance 25-O-13, appropriating $372,800 for replacement of the north roof at the Lerner Theatre.
Assistant City Engineer Jeff Schaffer told the council the contract completion date is Sept. 30 and that Lerner staff had been involved in planning so the work would not disrupt scheduled events. Schaffer said the current roof has significant foot traffic and rooftop equipment that contributed to premature failure; the city plans a different, reinforced system this time.
Council members questioned the age and durability of the roof. Schaffer said the existing roof dates to the Crystal Ballroom construction and is “about 12 to 15 years old.” He said staff will remove the roof down to the steel deck and rebuild with rigid foam insulation, a protection board and a TPO membrane. Schaffer said warranty claims had been rejected because of prior rooftop activity that voided the warranty and the city had recently performed emergency repairs as leaks appeared.
Council discussion touched on procurement and life-cycle cost. Councilman Henke criticized a pattern of low bids that later lead to costly repairs, saying the city should examine long-term value when choosing contractors. Councilman Fish asked whether the roof work would affect the Lerner’s calendar; Schaffer said it would not. Council members confirmed the city received three bids on the project.
Dr. Sarah Nahar, speaking from the audience during public comment, suggested the flat roof could have potential for solar panels as part of broader climate or energy-efficiency efforts.
The ordinance passed by roll call: Councilman Holtz, Councilman Curry, Councilwoman King, Councilman Mishler, Councilman Fish, Councilman Crabtree, Councilman Henke and President Dawson voted yes. The motion to adopt was made by Councilman Crabtree and seconded by Councilman Fish.
