PORT TOWNSEND — The first repairs of the Port Townsend Library since the facility was renovated in 2014 are expected to be completed this year.
The Port Townsend City Council on Monday approved 6-0 — with Councilwoman Catherine Robinson absent — to allow City Manager David Timmons to begin awarding service contracts for repairs and updates for the library at 1220 Lawrence St.
First on the list is rebuilding a retaining wall for the Charles Pink House at an estimated cost of $50,000.
The project is funded by a grant from the state Heritage Capital Projects Fund which will expire in June.
This year’s projects will be funded by a combination of 2008 bond refinance proceeds and contributions from the Port Townsend Public Library Foundation, as well as remaining funds from the Heritage grant.
Funds in hand cover $572,839 of the planned $1,090,058 in improvements, according to the city’s library improvement budget.
Aside from the retaining wall rebuild, other fully funded projects are $250,000 in repairs to the exterior retaining wall and stairs, waterproofing the foundation for $10,000, $16,055 for door openers compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, $7,937 in light fixture replacements, $45,000 for a new roof and $23,000 for new windows.
Unfunded projects include a new HVAC system, which is expected to run about $145,312; an upgrade to the elevators for $50,000; improvements to the restrooms at $25,000; and landscaping improvements for $27,500.
Ken Clow of the Public Works Department said city officials want to get projects underway as soon as possible. They hope to find funding for projects not covered as yet this year.
The library building was constructed in 1913, remodeled in 1990 to add an extra 4,500 square feet and then renovated again in 2014.
Monday’s resolution was passed with no discussion by the council and no public comment.
The City Council on Monday also accepted a donation from the Port Townsend Public Library Foundation to pay for new chairs, tables and outlets for laptops downstairs in the library.
“We think this will be a good place for the entrepreneurs and for people to meet since it’s a more friendly place to talk downstairs,” said Melody Sky Eisler, the director of the Port Townsend Public Library.
That was also passed unanimously by the attending council members.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
