HELEN M. PLUM MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE MINUTES

February 16, 2011

Call to order: The meeting convened at 7:04 p.m. in the Library Auditorium. Present were Committee members Wayne Kankovsky and Linnea Warda. Also present were Trustees Virginia Carlson, Cindy Ward and Sue Wiggins.

Absent: Committee member Gary Brenniman

Staff members present: Bob Harris and Norma Moore

Visitors: James and Twana Rundle, 908 S. Edson, Kathy Hogan, 436 S. Stewart, Caitlin Kankovsky, 1344 S. Main, Jill Mc Williams, 107 W. Crystal, John Bielenda, 825 S. Fairfield, Jan Mills, 124 S. Edgewood, Andy Dogan of PHN Architects

Public comment: None

Action items: None

Options for plaza deck design
Andy Dogan of PHN Architects made a presentation dealing with the existing condition and options for the plaza deck. In order to address leaks caused by the deterioration of the waterproofing membrane everything on top of and including the current water proofing must be removed. Mr. Dogan presented, and the Board discussed, the following options:

Option #1 - membrane roof only
The four layer composition of a new waterproofing base that all potential options would have to include.

Option #2 - green roof with membrane only areas
A modular green roof is comprised of 2’ square planter trays filled with growth
medium and shallow rooted plantings weighing 15 -20 pounds each. The trays allow for drainage, can be rearranged and are removable for roof repair. Furthermore a modular green roof can be purchased and phased in over time.

Option #3 - green roof and walkways with membrane only areas
Adding walkways made up of pavers that allow for drainage will be needed if the area is to be walked on to any degree other that minor repairs and watering of plantings. Minimal walkways would also allow for a clear path to drains for periodic maintenance.

Option #4 - building addition, green roof and walkways with membrane only areas
Mr. Dogan showed a slide which illustrated the possibility of a building addition along with the options above.

Mr. Dogan added that public use options (#2 - #4) could include green fencing (trellis with plant growth), some larger planters, guard rails, benches, lighting etc. to make it more pleasing as low, shallow rooted plantings make a less attractive garden than what we currently have.

Mr. Dogan then gave preliminary cost estimates as follows:

Option #1 - membrane roof only - $375,000 - $450,000
Option #2 - green roof with membrane only areas - $675,000 - $760,000
Option #3 - green roof and walkways with membrane only areas - $575,000 - $650,000
Option #4 - building addition, green roof and walkways with membrane only areas - $950,000 - $1,100,000

The estimates all include professional fees, cost of demolition and removal of the existing plaza deck ($85,000-$105,000), contingencies and 10% contractor mark-up.

The Committee discussed, each in turn, what function they wish the plaza deck to serve, if any, the common factor being to balance public use with costs.

Among the comments made:
“Greater use by the public”
“Educational conservation component”
“Pleasing to the public”
“In 20 years it hasn’t been used much”
“8 foot walkways are too narrow for program use”
“Concern over wear and tear”
“People will get up there”

The Committee discussed how to block public access should the library choose option #1 which is not designed to be walked upon while still allowing for emergency exits from the second floor.

The Committee also asked about the possibility of some sort of overhead structure which would prevent water from entering into the existing damaged water proofing system. Mr. Dogan explained that although that is a possibility a system for water run-off would have to be added to it.

Mr. Dogan expressed that he and PHN Architects are not at the end of their fee and that he is prepared to show more ideas once the Board decides the desired function of the plaza deck and which option they would like him to pursue in more detail.

Adjournment: There being no further business, Ms. Warda moved to adjourn. Mr. Kankovsky declared the meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Notes by Norma Moore

Approved:

Secretary