The Butler Redevelopment Authority is preparing for a closeout audit of the Centre City development project that resulted in construction of the Rite Aid, Springhill Suites by Marriott and a 239-space parking garage at the intersection of East Cunningham and Main streets.

Authority officials on Thursday said on May 20 the state is conducting the audit of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program financing used to help pay for the project. The audit is expected to last all day and includes a project walk-through, said Veronica Walker, authority acting executive director.

Money retained by the state will be forwarded to the developer, Butler Hotel Properties LP, following the audit, Walker said.

In a personnel matter, Jerry Kennedy has been hired as an operations and oversight contractor and rehabilitation inspector to replace Arthur Cordwell, who retired as rehabilitation inspector April 30.

Kennedy is being paid $25 per hour. He will also continue doing maintenance work for the authority.

Cordwell worked for the authority since August 2011.

In other business, city council presented the authority with a request to fund two projects through the 2021 Community Development Block Grant during a hearing about the CDBG application. The city requested $30,000 to serve as matching funds for a state grant it is seeking for upgrading Father Marinaro Park and $60,000 to buy a new rescue truck for the fire department. No other comments or funding requests were made.

The authority awarded a $19,500 contract to Gateway Engineers to prepare specifications for resurfacing parts of South Main Street and Donaghy, Maple and Wyoma avenues. The project is being funded from the 2020 Community Development Block Grant.

Two other engineering firms submitted proposals for the contract. Olsen Craft Associates of Butler's price was $24,150 and Young and Associates Engineers and surveyors of Indiana's price was $19,500. Walker said Young and Associate's proposal included additional costs for travel.

The paving project could be delayed until next year if Gateway can't complete the bid specifications in time to pave the roads this summer, Walker said.

Following a brief executive session, the authority agreed to make a $101,089 payment to Folino Construction of Oakmont for the reconstruction of Kaufman Drive. The authority is keeping a 5% retainer and did not agree to pay an extra $7,274 for hauling and testing contaminated soil under the road. Authority officials said the soil costs were included in the contract.

Officials also said recent rains revealed a leak in the roof of the Penn Theater. The leak has been patched.