South Lebanon council approves emergency contracts for water tower rehab and community center roof

The South Lebanon City Council on July 16 voted to authorize emergency contracts for two infrastructure projects: rehabilitation of the city’s water tower and replacement of the community center roof.

The council adopted emergency resolution 2026-21 authorizing a contract with Tank and Tower Restoration LLC for the water-tank rehabilitation and also approved an OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) agreement under emergency resolution 2026-20 to support the project. Council then adopted emergency resolution 2026-22 authorizing a contract with Garland DBS Incorporated to replace the community center roof.

Mayor Burke said the water-tower project will be managed to avoid major service interruptions: "We have more than one feed going, so water pressure will not be an issue," the city administrator explained during Q&A about the project. The council also voted to waive the two-reading rules and move both contracts forward immediately.

Frank Craylor of Garland DBS, who presented earlier in the meeting, described the proposed roof as a full tear-off and a two-ply modified built-up system with a "30-year non-prorated warranty," and estimated roughly 60 working days to complete the community center job. "The roof here is obviously due for replacement," Craylor said in his presentation.

All recorded votes for the two adopted emergency resolutions were unanimous among members voting; one earlier ordinance vote (2026-12, supplemental appropriations) included a recusal by Council member David Smith.

The mayor and the director of finance were authorized to sign the contracts and proceed with project implementation; council did not discuss contractor bid amounts in public during the meeting. The city administrator said bids are being managed to allow work to begin promptly once paperwork and funding arrangements are complete.

The council also accepted related financial items on the agenda, including invoices and the June financial statements, before moving on to other business.