Board approves $50,791 contract to demolish Flower Source buildings; funding from 2025 bond proceeds

The Village Board approved a $50,791 contract with D & H Demolition to demolish and remove structures on the Flower Source property, funded from $100,000 included in the 2025 bond issuance for redevelopment costs.

Administrator Craig Lowe said the village had discussed submitting a WEDC grant for site preparation, but was advised those grants could preclude later coverage of larger project costs. He recommended moving forward with a demolition contract using bond proceeds that were already allocated to Flower Source redevelopment.

Trustees asked about contract payment terms and environmental concerns. Trustee Warren expressed concern about paying 50% up front and asked whether the contractor would accept payment on completion; Lowe said he had discussed revised terms with the contractor, who indicated flexibility. Lowe said county grant assessments for lead and asbestos had been completed earlier in the process and returned without issues; well‑abandonment quotes were also discussed and could be added or self‑performed.

Trustee Balton asked whether demolition costs would ultimately be taxpayer funded or rolled into a tax increment district (TID) if the site is redeveloped; staff said demolition and associated planning costs could be eligible to include in a future TID project plan and the village is tracking all such expenses.

After discussion the board approved the demolition contract by roll call. Staff will coordinate scheduling and, if appropriate, incorporate demolition costs into any future TID project plan if the board elects to form a TID for redevelopment.