Warsaw Community Public Library Board voted Monday to pursue financing options to fix the dry sprinkler system in the attic.
Jeff Kumfer, from SRKM Architecture, said the board received four bids on Feb. 28. They were Milestone Construction, Syracuse, with a base bid of $244,200 plus a nitrogen alternate of $12,700; Shambaugh & Son, Fort Wayne, with a base bid of $483,300 plus an alternate 1 of $23,225; Current’s base bid was $397,350 plus alternate 1 at $28,000; and VFP Fire Systems, Fort Wayne, had a base bid of $377,514 plus alternate 1 at $17,500.
All quoted unit prices for drywall and ceiling tile repairs.
Library attorney Jay Rigdon talked about options for funding the project.
He said one possibility is going to a local bank and asking for money. Another option is going to Indiana Bond Bank, which is “a financing institution, it’s a government-free identity, it’s not a government identity itself, but is designed to help all kinds of government identities with short-term cash flow” issues.
If the library decided it wanted to include a dry sprinkler system in a larger project, then the library would go for a bonding option, Rigdon said.
Library Director Ann Zydek said with all the maintenance projects the library wants to do, including redoing the parking lot, the estimated cost is $2 million.
“We’re trying to keep this building in good shape,” Zydek said.
Since the library board has 90 days to decide on a bid, it tabled the issue until its April meeting while it pursues quotes for both the dry sprinkler system alone and getting quotes for bonds, the Indiana Bond Bank and local banks. It was decided that they would be using the highest quote since the board doesn’t know which bid Kumfer would recommend since he didn’t make one during its meeting Monday.
Facilities Manager Bruce Hively spoke about coronavirus.
A fact sheet has been put up in the bathrooms and in the children’s area.
“It tells people what to do and what not to do,” he said.
It has facts stating diseases can make anyone sick, regardless of their race and ethnicity, and how to stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms.
Hively also spoke about the cleaning products the library is able to get.
He said he is unable to get sanitizer as all of Warsaw is out of hand santizer as far as suppliers. He talked to his suppliers and they’re holding on to hand sanitizer for hospitals and emergency areas.
“I do have access to another hand sanitizer. It’s not made with alcohol,” and it’s not as effective, he said.
Hively also went on the CDC website and saw all the products they recommended. He said he ordered a product called TB Quat, which is at Warsaw Chemical, and “you just mist the tables and it disinfects them.”
Hively has asked employees to clean certain areas like keyboards several times a day with disinfectant.
“Mainly, everything I’ve read is washing your hands is what they’re recommending,” Hively said.
Zydek also said the library has a policy saying the library can close if the city of Warsaw says it can.
Assistant Director Joni Brookins said if the library does have to close for a time, the library does have e-services that are available to patrons 24/7 if they want them.
