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CITY OF SOUTH BEND I REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - June 11, 2026 <br />Following the catastrophic fire on June 8, the cause remains unknown, <br />and the building was vacant with no active development agreement. The <br />resolution prioritizes preservation but authorizes staff to act quickly to <br />address any immediate safety risks, including using previously allocated <br />funds. Actions taken will be ratified at a future RDC meeting. <br />Secretary Wax stated typically, the RDC appropriates funds before use. <br />Does this resolution provide pre -approval, with spending brought back <br />later for approval? Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City Attorney, <br />responded that the Resolution allows staff to act immediately using pre - <br />approved funds, with expenditures later ratified by the RDC—typically <br />through the claims process. Existing appropriated funds will be used <br />first, and additional spending will follow the same ratification process. <br />Staff will also provide updated details as the project progresses. <br />Vice President White asked, do we have sufficient funds to address the <br />building's needs, given the current uncertainties? Mr. Molnar responded <br />that it's too early to determine total costs. Approximately $750,000 was <br />previously set aside under the former development agreement, and <br />most of those funds remain available and will be used first. A small <br />portion was spent on prior structural analysis. Staff will continue to <br />update the Commission as assessments progress. <br />Commissioner Shaw inquired, "Can the Commission receive regular <br />updates on spending while the resolution is active"? Mr. Molnar stated, <br />"yes, staff will provide updates at upcoming RDC meetings, including <br />findings from inspections and ongoing costs". <br />Commissioner Ellison asked, "Will insurance cover some of the costs, <br />and how does that process work"? Mr. Molnar explained, the property is <br />insured, but specific details, including coverage and deductible —are <br />managed by the administration and finance team. <br />President Relos asked, "How is site safety being addressed, and who <br />determines if demolition is necessary"? Mr. Molar stated that the initial <br />cleanup and perimeter safety measures are underway, including debris <br />removal. Ongoing safety and structural decisions will be guided by the <br />fire marshal, structural engineers, and building department, with <br />assessments beginning immediately. <br />Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, seconded by Gillian Shaw, the <br />motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved Resolution No. <br />3673 as presented on June 11, 2026. <br />Page 13 <br />