Procurement News Notice |
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| PNN | 5978 |
| Work Detail | Deterioration caused by water infiltration has occurred at the rear wall of the Ashland Public Library, and financial support will be needed for the repairs. The damaged area is the rear wall of the building that is part of the extension added 15 years ago. The added room is used for children’s books and programs and also contains computers used by the public. The rear door also provides handicapped access to the library from a small parking lot. Library director Ann Helwig said it was a problem unexpectedly found when another small problem was discovered at the door a few months ago. Ashland has had a library since the late 1930s. The library is at 1229 Centre St. “We’ve been in this building since 1972, but the library was started in 1938 by the Ashland Women’s Club at the Temple Building,” Helwig said, referring to the former theater building at Centre and Seventh streets. “They (library) were in the back of the building. This building had been left to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Reidler and Harry and Dora Schaeffer, and in turn they donated it to be used as a library.” Board Vice President Gary Glessner learned of the wall problem after investigating the door. “Ann had mentioned to me that the metal threshold was loose,” Glessner said. “So when I pushed it a little bit, it popped out. So when … investigating it more, I found that the floor underneath and the joists were rotted away.” Glessner said the way the concrete walkway was installed may be the problem. The rear entrance to the library is below street level. Anyone using the walkway gets on it from the opposite side of the building and slopes slightly to the door. A very small 1 1/2-inch storm drain had been installed, which is not large enough to handle rain water. In the winter, the walkway also is covered with ice due to the poor drainage. “We think it’s a result of the concrete work being put in,” Glessner said. “They (contractor) pitched the water into the building rather than outward and putting proper drainage in. That’s basically what the problem is.” Glessner said the first thought was to be able to do some basic repairs, including installing a larger drain, but once it was more thoroughly inspected, a “quick fix” would not be adequate. “Once those two sections were ripped out and we saw what was there, what we considered would be like putting a Band-Aid on it. It’s not going to do any good.” Glessner said a contractor who deals with restoration of buildings has been contacted to assess the problem and determine a solution. The library board is waiting for a proposal. “We’re anticipating that the floor has to be secured, propped up, so that he (contractor) can get in there, pour some more concrete to bring the footer up, and then shore it up with treated lumber, which wasn’t put in there originally. It’s a major project. The problem is that I’m assuming it is going to be quite pricey.” When the work begins, Glessner said the door would most likely be moved from the west side to the east side of the wall, which would provide direct access from the parking lot into the building. “I don’t know why that wasn’t done when it was built,” Glessner said. Board member Thomas Schreck said the water damage has caused the wooden beam that runs along the wall to rot, and the damage would also require replacing a section of the floor. The deterioration of the joists, concrete and flooring also allows cold air to get into the crawl space under the floor, which has caused freezing of water pipes. Board President David Mitten said the library’s financial status is balanced for normal operations but a large expenditure for structural work for the repairs is not in the budget. “This is something that was not expected,” Mitten said. “We were doing OK up until now in keeping our heads above water. This is a major project that we were not prepared for. Library funding is being cut.” The cost for repairs is still being determined, with $12,000 to $16,000 being a very rough estimate. “We’ve been discussing the costs,” Mitten said. “The board had an emergency meeting. We’re looking into some different possible funding sources. There is not much available in the way of grants anymore.” Mitten said the library has contacted county, state and federal elected officials to tell them about the problem and if there are funds available. The board is waiting for the cost estimate so letters can be sent to the officials to make a funding request. “We want to wait until we get the specifications,” Glessner said. “Everybody has been very helpful and supportive,” Mitten said. “I think the main thrust is going to have to come from the public through donations,” Glessner said. Mitten said request letters to the public for donations are usually sent in early September. They will wait until the estimated project cost is available to include in the correspondence. “This year we have to add a big something about this project,” Mitten said. Glessner said the library is an important part of the community and is used for meetings by local organizations. |
| Country | United States , Northern America |
| Industry | Construction |
| Entry Date | 15 Oct 2016 |
| Source | http://republicanherald.com/news/ashland-library-needs-repairs-and-dollars-to-do-them-1.2087054 |
