Council authorizes O'Rourke contract for soil remediation at Middletown Paperboard site to meet Brownfield grant deadline

Council authorized staff to enter into a contract with O'Rourke Wrecking Company for soil remediation and grading at the former Middletown Paperboard site (427 Vanderveer Street), with a contract cap not to exceed $576,505.

Staff described the project's history: Butler County Land Bank received an Ohio Brownfield remediation grant in December 2023 for demolition and environmental cleanup. Phase 1 asbestos removal and site clearance were completed in November 2024 by Renasant Inc., and staff completed a Phase 2 environmental site assessment and engineering plans in late 2024–2025. Bids were invited in early 2026; O'Rourke provided the lowest base bid of $466,705 and $576,505 including selected alternatives. Staff said work must be completed by June 30, 2026 to satisfy the Brownfield grant timeline; after remediation, a “no further action” letter would allow the city to seek developers for the site. Funding will come from account 499 with reimbursement from the Ohio Department of Development Brownfield remediation grant.

Why it matters: Completing remediation on schedule is necessary for continued Brownfield grant compliance and to return the site to a condition where developers can consider reuse. The contract moves a long‑running cleanup project toward construction readiness.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract with O'Rourke and proceed with remediation work to meet the June 30 deadline, then pursue developer solicitations once a no‑further‑action letter is issued.