Proposed bar and grill demolition opens can of worms.
The former director of Lorain’s Community Development Department ordered payments to a local contractor hired for demolition work even though “release of the payments were contrary” to a contract for the job, according to the Lorain Law Department.
Former Community Development Director Sanford “Sandy” Prudoff ordered staff to pay Don Buchs for demolition work at the Stoveworks site, according to a letter from Law Director Pat Riley.
This information came to the attention of City Council’s meeting last night when Councilwoman Anne Molnar asked why Buchs’ company’s bid wasn’t considered for demolishing Ghoulardi’s Bar & Grille, 700 Broadway.
Safety-Service Director R. Michael Fowler asked council to award a contract to B&B Wrecking Inc. for the Ghoulardi’s job. B&B Wrecking bid $57,300 and council awarded it the job. Molnar wanted to know why Buchs’ American Trucking & Demolition’s bid of $44,444, the lowest of four bidders, wasn’t recommended. Riley then reported on his letter to Buchs’ attorneys that outlined potential problems in dealing with Buchs.
The city is not accusing Buchs of wrongdoing, Riley said. However, he and Mayor Chase Ritenauer recommended council consider a number of factors in determining the lowest and best bid for the Ghoulardi’s job.
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