Gary approves solicitation for residential inspectors; Community Development outlines senior-repair program

The City of Gary Board of Public Works and Safety on May 7 approved a solicitation for certified residential inspectors to support housing rehabilitation programs, and Community Development Director Latria Reed outlined eligibility details for a senior-repair program.

"I'm Latria Reed, the director of community development," Reed said, describing the program and its qualifications. She said the senior repair initiative uses ESG and other funding for specific projects and noted that applicants must be 62 years or older and owner-occupants. "The maximum income limit, which we do have on our site too, is 80,000. That's the max," Reed said. She also noted disqualifiers mentioned in the program — for example, applicants with bankruptcy within seven years or a recent fire may be ineligible.

Board members discussed procurement mechanics for inspection services. One member urged Community Development to include COBID requirements and follow the sealed-bid process; another recommended that staff consult the Indiana Association of Building Officials (iabo.com) to confirm certified inspectors. The board approved the solicitation and asked staff and the law department to ensure the RFP includes sealed-bid submission language and a clear closing time.

The director said the city previously conducted commercial inspections funded by ESG but did not run a residential rehab inspection program last year; Community Development reported conducting inspections for nine apartment buildings under other funding sources. The board asked staff to finalize RFP language, confirm submission procedures (sealed packages and deadlines) and return with any clarifications as bids are prepared.

The solicitation passed on a roll-call vote; staff were directed to post the RFP and provide guidance on submission format and COBID participation.