Exterior Library Maintenance in 2021

This is a special year. Not only is 2021 the 21st year of the 21st century, Batavia’s award-winning public library turns 140 years old in April and its current facility is nearly 20 years old. In 2021, as promised, the Library is embarking on a series of major capital projects. Such maintenance work is not glamorous, but it is important—and it is necessary.

• New Chiller System: The building’s chiller system—part of the Library’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system—includes a split-system indoor chiller with remote outdoor air-cooled condensing unit. The system, which is failing, has reached end-of-life; the best course of action is to replace the system. In December, the Board of Library Trustees awarded a contract for this project in the amount of $294,600 to E. Moran Inc., of Northbrook, Illinois.
• Façade Repairs: This major project encompasses both rehabilitation of façade components (brick and cast stone) and rehabilitation of windows. An evaluation of the Library’s 64 window assemblies revealed a wide range of deficiencies, including but not limited to failed sealant joints and no through-wall flashing below the cast-stone sills. Repair work, which involves removing and reinstalling the windows, is labor-intensive. In October, the Board of Library Trustees awarded a contract for this project in the amount of $1,098,500 to A-One Group Ltd., of Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
• New Telephone System: The Library’s current telephone system, which is nearly 20 years old, has reached end-of-life; the best course of action is to replace the system. The Library is now working with ClientFirst Technology Consulting Group LLC, of Schaumburg, Illinois, to conduct a system assessment and technology analysis, develop a request for proposals, and solicit competitive bids.

Source of Funds. In November 2018, voters of the Batavia Public Library District approved a seven-cent (7¢) increase in the Library’s tax rate for operations. Effectively a swap, the initiative redirected a seven-cent tax rate for construction bonds to the Library’s tax rate for operations—a “zero tax-rate change” referendum.

We believe in good stewardship. We are keeping the promise. Thank you, Batavia, for your support!

George H. Scheetz
Director