HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No 21-2026 Declaring emergency for Lafayette BuildingRESOLUTION NO. 21-2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AT THE LAFAYETTE BUILDING AT 115 SOUTH LAFAYETTE BOULEVARD, SOUTH BEND, IN 46601 DUE TO A SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL FIRE ON JUNE 8, 2026
WHEREAS, the City of South Bend, Indiana’s (“City”) Board of Public Works (the
"Board") exists pursuant to Indiana Code Section 36-4-9-5; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Redevelopment Commission, under the title of “Department of Redevelopment of the City of South Bend” owns the Lafayette Building located at 115 S. Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601 (the “Building”); and
WHEREAS, the Building suffered a catastrophic fire on June 8, 2026, which resulted in
significant structural damage; and
WHEREAS, Indiana Code 36-1-2-4.5 defines an “Emergency” as means a situation that could not reasonably be foreseen and that threatens the public health, welfare, or safety and requires immediate action; and
WHEREAS, Indiana Code 36-1-12-9 permits the Board, upon a declaration of
emergency, to contract for a public work project without advertising for bids if bids or quotes are invited from at least two (2) persons known to deal in the public work required to be done.
WHEREAS, City, under the power granted to it through Indiana Code 36-1-2.4.5 and Indiana Code 36-1-12-9 declare the June 8, 2026, fire and related damage to the Building to be
an emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to grant further authorization to City staff to take any and all necessary action in order to promote the safety and welfare of the public with respect to any rehabilitative or demolition related activity to the Building in a manner consistent with this Resolution and State law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Board declares the June 8, 2026 fire at the Lafayette Building to be an emergency under Indiana law.
2. The Board further authorizes the City staff to faithfully take action to maintain the
public health, welfare and safety of the community with respect to the Lafayette Building.
4. This Resolution will be in full force and effect upon its adoption.
ADOPTED at a meeting of the Board of Public Works of the City of South Bend, Indiana, held in person and electronically on June 9, 2026.
June 9, 2026