North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Discusses Conflicting Accounts of Repairs Needed at Town Hall

Posted on March 23, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

North Judson-Clerk Treasurer Andrew Rowe informed town council members this week that a few different roofing companies recently inspected the Town Hall building and they all provided vastly different responses.

At Monday’s meeting, Rowe first mentioned RL Roofing which submitted three quotes for potential repair projects. Their lowest bid for the most basic work was $900 and they submitted two other bids for more extensive work at and $13,500 and $16,900.

Rowe said the second company provided a much more modest offer. Starke County Roofing submitted a bid of $1200 for the work they were proposing. He added that he wasn’t sure why each of the companies submitted such drastically different amounts.

He added both of those companies suggested repairing the roof around the air-conditioning unit and treating several various problem areas as well.

However, representatives from Tri-County Roofing came to do an inspection as well and they alerted Rowe that the needed repairs really have more to do with deteriorating brickwork, rather than any serious roofing problems.

He was told the area around the air conditioning unit looked fine and there were a few minor repairs that could be made around the roof but the main issue is crumbling brick that is exposing the inside of the building to outdoor elements.

The company didn’t even offer to submit an estimate since they felt their services would not suffice. The inspector suggested contacting a masonry company to address the problems instead.

Rowe said he intends to contact the first two companies to see if they want to readjust their bids to address the issues that were brought to his attention. He also suggested looking into other companies who deal more specifically with brick repair. Council President Wendy Hoppe said she had a company in mind that she would call.

Councilman Josh Brown asked if they could utilize Schambers Masonry, the company who recently completed work on the Norwayne field wall. Clerk-Treasurer Rowe mentioned that he also considered that option and said he would reach out to see if they’d be interested in the job.