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OmniCenter Arena 1 chiller and library roof among projects advanced in Onalaska capital plan
Summary
The board approved $400,000 to replace Arena 1—s aging air-conditioning/chiller system and authorized $55,000 from the library fund for a flat-roof replacement at the Onalaska Public Library.
The Onalaska Board of Public Works and Utilities voted Sept. 2 to add the OmniCenter Arena 1 air-conditioning replacement to the 2026 capital improvement list and to fund a library flat-roof replacement from the library—s existing fund balance.
Arena 1 chiller: The board approved OC 26-2, Arena 1 AC replacement, in the amount of $400,000. Dan Wick, Parks & Recreation director, said Arena 1—s original water-based equipment is nearing the end of useful life and cannot be converted to a glycol system; staff operate the system carefully now to avoid freezing and to manage seasonal use. "We would change the way that we, utilize. We would probably use a glycol system rather than, a water system in it," Wick said when describing the options. Mayor Kim Smith moved to advance the Arena 1 AC replacement; the motion passed unanimously.
Library roof: The board also approved LB 26-1, flat roof replacement at the Onalaska Public Library, in the amount of $55,000 to be drawn from the library fund balance. Brian (last name on packet) explained the roof is approaching the end of its life; the Park Board prioritized the roof as its top library project. Staff said there is roughly $90,000 in the library fund but some 2024 projects may still be closing, and staff will confirm final available balance as work is scheduled. Mayor Kim moved and the board approved funding the flat-roof replacement from the library fund.
What this means: Arena 1—s replacement is a large, capital HVAC project; staff and the parks board said the unit is original to the arena and that parts of the system (two fans) are currently bypassed. The library roof will be scheduled and paid from the library fund rather than from general-fund capital, and staff indicated they can proceed without an additional levy request.
Next steps: Staff will schedule the Arena 1 project for design and procurement; the library roof will be scheduled and staff will confirm the fund balance before contracting.
