CIC, village discuss sequencing of demolition contract and use of grant funds; decision on excluding Ace Cash Express delayed 30 days

Members of the Saint Bernard Community Improvement Corporation discussed how to sequence demolition work at the former shopping center and whether to exclude one tenant, Ace Cash Express, from the larger strip-mall demolition.

The discussion centered on a previously authorized village contract with O'Rourke Wrecking for $266,000 and a revised contractor submission that adds alternates—separation of Ace Cash Express, shoring the demising wall and cutting/capping utilities—bringing the total to roughly $347,000 if alternates are included. Meeting participants said Hillman County awarded a $339,000 grant to cover demolition-related costs and that a separate roughly $458,000 grant had been awarded to the CIC. Those awards, they said, could cover much of the added expense if the more labor-intensive separation is performed.

Why it matters: the sequencing affects tenant retention, grant eligibility and the timetable for demolition and reimbursement. Participants noted the grants have administrative deadlines for reimbursement and that reimbursement requires invoicing to the county after the village pays contractors.

Discussion details and constraints

President Jonathan Stuchel and other board members said village council has already authorized entering into the $266,000 contract with O'Rourke. Board members and staff reported conversations with Scott Homan (O'Rourke) indicating the contractor could proceed with taking down the bank building first, provided utilities are capped, and later address the strip mall. The board discussed using alternates as a practical approach: issue a base contract for the bank building and list the other work as selectable alternates so preparatory tasks (EPA notification, permits) could proceed without delay.

Members raised timing and reimbursement questions: the demolition grant must be fully disbursed by August, and the county requires invoicing to reimburse expenses. CIC members emphasized a practical distinction between (a) the village paying a contractor and later seeking reimbursement from the county, and (b) when the county actually writes reimbursement checks; they said the latter timing is out of the village's control.

Next steps

Several board members asked staff and counsel to confirm whether bifurcating the work (bank building first, strip mall later) would affect grant eligibility. The CIC set an internal expectation to decide whether to exclude Ace Cash Express within approximately 30 days to avoid delaying preparatory utility and permitting work. Board members asked staff to confirm contract mechanics and whether the village would need to approve any supplemental agreement with O'Rourke if alternates are added beyond the original $266,000. No formal CIC vote changing the existing village contract was recorded at the meeting.

Ending

Board members noted there will be additional coordination with county grant administrators, O'Rourke, and village council before the CIC makes a final decision on the strip-mall alternates and the status of Ace Cash Express. The village's ability to invoice for reimbursement after payment to the contractor and the county's schedule for checks were flagged as key logistical points that staff will verify.