Council approves $143,700 contract for 1709 Winter Street demolition; neighbors pressed for building protections

The Superior Common Council on Oct. 15 awarded a $143,700 contract to RGS Construction for demolition and repair work at 1709 Winter Street and discussed the project’s scope and neighborhood impacts.

Public Works Director Jeff Getzmann presented the lowest‑responsive bid and the contract recommendation; councilors asked whether the demolition costs would be recoverable via a special assessment on the property. Getzmann said the city typically records the amount as a special assessment but that full recovery is unlikely because the property would probably sell for less after demolition and possible tax‑forfeit processes.

Councilors expressed concern about protecting walls and operations of adjacent businesses — specifically a motorcycle shop and Shooter’s Supply — and the bid includes engineered work to stabilize adjoining walls, move electrical connections, install drain tile and pumps, and re‑side the exposed walls to protect neighboring structures. Getzmann noted a professional engineer prepared plans for the removal and that the contractors’ bids accounted for these complexities.

Councilor McKenzie asked where demolition materials would go; staff said material from the project would not be taken to the city landfill but likely to WLSSD or other approved disposal outlets. A councilor suggested a minor correction to the background language in the packet about an order being “obtained.”

The council approved the contract by voice vote and directed staff to proceed with the demolition per the engineer’s plan.