CIB moves $300,000 to theater capital, authorizes roof bid and authorizes bid specs

The Community Improvement Board voted to transfer funds to the Wabash Avenue theater capital line and authorized staff to begin a public bid for a new roof.

Board member Chris Weinstein moved the budget change and asked for permission to shift funds; a subsequent motion to move $300,000 into the theater capital expense account carried after board discussion. "With that, I see your permission to move $357,183 from capital expense to the theater capital expense line," Weinstein said during the discussion about priorities for the year, and later the board formalized a $300,000 transfer in a separate motion.

The vote followed a staff presentation about the theater’s condition and anticipated roof costs. Board members discussed estimated roof pricing in the $325,000–$400,000 range and the need to run a competitive bidding process. Board member Bridal Poitier said local roofers would be interested, noting a competitive bid will "drive some competition to get that lowest price." Board members agreed staff should issue bid specifications; the board authorized Chris Weinstein to review and issue bid specifications subject to board award for larger contracts.

The board also discussed a long-running canopy sign replacement for the theater. A staff member said engineering reviews from Studio Access identified needed structural work and that Green Sign Company would provide a second engineer for a "second eyes" review before sign installation proceeds. "Studio Access has made a recommendation on making some, I wouldn't call it repairs, just doing some work to the canopy," a staff member said.

Separately, the board and staff described ongoing outreach and cleanup efforts around the theater to address a homeless encampment, and said they plan a modest fence and gate installation to deter people from accessing behind the building. "We've worked with that group. The group has gotten smaller. Some of them have taken a step on services," a staff member said, and added that one-on-one engagement is time-consuming and the city is coordinating social services rather than criminalizing camping.

The board directed staff to proceed with the competitive roof bid and the sign engineering review, and approved the capital transfer motion and the authorization to issue bid specifications. Staff said any invoice timing that extends past the calendar year can be addressed in next year’s budget process or by separate approval if needed.

Board members said they expect the roof project to be publicly bid to attract local contractors and that additional funding or timing adjustments will be addressed if bids exceed available funds.

Background: board members repeatedly noted the theater’s historic facade is a local priority and that capital planning has been used to hold back funds each year for building maintenance. The board said they will continue to monitor bids and return to the board for awards above the threshold set by the board.