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West Bend library outlines repair timeline after water damage; carpet replacement delayed about six weeks
Summary
Library Director Steve told the board the West Bend Community Memorial Library suffered water damage that requires drywall, wiring and flooring work; carpet lead time is about six weeks and insurance will cover most replacement costs after a $5,000 deductible.
The West Bend Community Memorial Library will remain partially operating through repairs after recent water damage, Library Director Steve told the library board on Tuesday.
"We had some water damage a little bit," Steve said, describing cleanup, drywall restoration and a plan to replace carpeting. He said carpeting has a roughly six-week lead time and that contractors are progressing with electrical work, elevator repairs and replacement of heat and smoke sensors tied to an older fire panel.
Board members said the circulation desk will remain in place while contractors remove and restore floor coverings and some shelving stored in the basement will be disposed of rather than salvaged. Steve said basement areas were sprayed and cleaned where reachable and that another sanitizing coat was scheduled for the weekend. He added that conduit and some electrical elements were filled with water and will require qualified electricians to verify and rewire where necessary.
Steve told the board the slate floor will not be replaced with the same material under the insurance settlement and that the library is considering lower-cost options such as carpeting or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). He said, "We're replacing a slate floor with something that's a lesser quality. We're not gonna get the value of the slate floor in our insurance claim." He estimated a $5,000 deductible on the claim and said some work will be covered by the city’s building-maintenance responsibilities.
The board discussed short-term operational impacts. Programs were canceled or moved because usable space is reduced; the library will use a side entrance and limit programming while work continues. Steve said some shelving and books will be moved temporarily to allow treatment under shelves in the basement before returning them for the Friends' book sale.
Separately, Steve said the planned chiller replacement remains on the capital schedule and is expected to be installed in December. He credited city staff—naming John Fellows and Todd—and contractors (PLM and MEI) for coordinating insurance and repair work.
The board did not take a formal vote on repairs beyond approving routine acceptance of the consent agenda earlier in the meeting. Board members requested weekly updates and said the city’s stepping in to handle building responsibilities should free library staff to focus on library operations.
The board's next meeting is scheduled for September 16.
