Treasurer’s Office roll-up fire door failing; board weighs repair, manual conversion or bullet-resistant glass

Winnebago County supervisors discussed replacement and alternative options for a roll-up fire door in the Treasurer’s Office that staff said is failing after roughly 25 years of use.

Staff reported the current motorized roll-up door is embedded in a framed opening with the motor in a sleeve the maintenance crew cannot access for repair. A vendor provided a replacement estimate for a new fire-rated roll-up coil door and motor; staff described a rough installed cost estimate in the meeting of about $8,800 for the single door but cautioned additional framing, electrical, and fire-alarm interface work would add to the total. Staff also discussed an option to install bullet-resistant, fire-rated glass and a secure counter/window configuration similar to the new configuration in the clerk of court area. Attendees estimated that fully replacing both the roll-up doors and installing glass/security features in multiple openings could increase total cost and that past similar installations were less expensive but that prices have risen.

Supervisors asked staff to get firm estimates for several options: (1) repair or replace the existing roll-up door and motor; (2) convert the existing door to a manual chain-crank mechanism if access can be gained; and (3) install fire-rated and security-grade glazing with new framing to provide a secure customer window and reduce future mechanical maintenance. Staff was asked to coordinate with the county’s door vendor (identified in the meeting) and to obtain framing and electrical estimates and to confirm whether any code requirements mandate a roll-up device in that location.

The board did not make a final decision. Several supervisors said security and durability argued for a longer-term solution, while others urged re-using the existing door if possible to avoid unnecessary cost. Staff agreed to obtain competitive quotes and to return with cost breakdowns.