A proposal by the Shawano County Highway Department to fix the most pressing issue of leaks and mold at the Shawano County Library has been put on hold while officials collect quotes from private firms.
Once collected, the Shawano County Library Board will meet with the Shawano County Public Property Committee next month to discuss this step and the long-range plans for the building.
“It was the recommendation from the public property committee that the highway department, have them tear out what’s in the Veslak Room, remove that because … that’s where our big problem is,” said Milt Marquardt, board president.
The highway department’s estimate for this work is $11,500.
“That’s for us to come in, remove the interior, so the drywall, paneling and the insulation, and then we would inject the cracks with a waterproofing Eurothane and seal it from the inside,” said Grant Bystol, highway commissioner.
But, Bystol said repairs to the Veslak Room are just one piece of the solution.
“You do have a problem on the north side of the building,” he said.
The lot line is only about 3 feet from the building, the concrete by the building slants toward the building instead of away from it, and there is nothing stopping water running off the neighboring building and parking area and against the library’s north foundation wall.
Bystol suggested the library board get quotes from other firms – Sure-Dri and ABC were brought up in the discussion – to compare with the highway department’s price. The two firms had offered quotes for similar work a few years ago.
Estimates to fix the immediate needs as well as the exterior issues would cost about $130,000.
Board member Gina Shatters questioned why the county would continue to put money into a building that has foundational issues.
“What’s the longevity of this?” she asked. “This is a short-term fix for a long-term problem. We keep sticking money in the building. I understand we’re not ready to move or any of those things, but this is a lot of money.”
A discussion about space needs, costs to relocate, rent, and the size and cost of a new library quickly filled the room.
Jim Davel, county administrative coordinator, said that until a repair project begins, you may not know how bad a situation is.
“It’s really hard to guarantee this work,” he said.
He also said discussion needs to take place about the future direction of the library, not just the immediate needs.
“We get so wrapped up on size rather than get wrapped up on services,” he said. “This stuff is not cheap anymore. When you look at the age of the facilities, quite frankly, these discussions should have happened a long time ago. It’s costing us more money to be nickel-and-dimed every day.”
The library board and public property committee are expected to hold a joint meeting in January to discuss the quotes to repair the immediate needs and the long-term use of the building. Suggested dates for the meeting are Jan. 10 or Jan. 11.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
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