Main Street Demolition Funding

At a glance

What: Resolution 26-112 moves leftover Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money from 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets to pay for demolition of a structure at 915 Main Street, raising the 2026 demolition line (CDBG26-04-DEMO) by $300,000.
Where it stands: Adopted unanimously October 5, 2026 after a procedural dispute over abstentions.
Money moved out: Sojourner's Roof Replacement ($92,740.00, completed under budget), ADA Curb Cuts ($122,809.49), 2024 Contingencies ($14,026.09) and 2025 Contingencies ($70,424.42).
Concern raised: Ferrell worried the cleared property might become single family homes that sit empty.

MOECD Director Backus told the Finance Committee two projects finished under budget and that the money would go to the demolition. He confirmed to Gardner the funds are for one specific building, 915 Main Street.
At Council, Snodgrass confirmed with Backus the funds are federal; unspent funds can be reallocated to other projects within guidelines and HUD approval. The only project that could have absorbed more was the paving project, but the current contractor could not complete the change order. Solomon asked about the Sojourner's roof; Jenkins said it finished under budget.
Abstention dispute: Hudson, Moore and Pharr each asked to abstain because they work for organizations that receive CDBG grants. Jenkins and Pepper raised points of order that the general reason was not tied to any funding in the resolution. Mayor Goodwin ruled that all members should vote because they have no pecuniary interest in the matter.
Motion by Jenkins, seconded by Ceperley; recorded as unanimous (no roll call listed).

Adopted unanimously; Mayor ruled Hudson, Moore and Pharr must vote. Ferrell voiced concern about empty housing on the cleared lot.

Approved unanimously on Burton's motion after Backus explained the source of funds. Moore arrived at 6:33, in time for this item.