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Willows council ratifies emergency declaration after partial collapse of library ceiling and roof
Summary
Council voted unanimously to ratify an emergency resolution authorizing staff to make immediate repairs after a partial failure of the library ceiling and roof, citing an immediate threat to public health and safety and to qualify for bidding exemptions and insurance coverage.
The Willows City Council on Feb. 25 ratified an emergency declaration finding that a recent partial collapse of the Civic Center/library ceiling and roof posed an immediate threat to the health and safety of staff, contractors and the public, and authorized staff to undertake emergency repairs.
City staff said a structural-engineer inspection indicated the damage was concentrated on one main structural beam at the back of the library; the engineer is preparing construction design documents. The city reported emergency shoring and water-pumping actions had already been performed and that insurance adjusters were cooperating. Staff estimated the structural-engineer work at roughly $7,500 and said other invoices for emergency shoring and roof pumps were pending.
Council discussion emphasized speed and the need to avoid procurement delays that would hamper repair. Council Member Hanson said the emergency declaration was necessary to “cut the red tape” and allow prompt repairs. The city manager noted the declaration was required by code because the city manager had begun expending funds beyond delegated authority to address the immediate hazard.
The council approved the resolution on a roll-call vote (ayes: Council member Busby; Council member Bridal; Council member Hanson; Vice Mayor Thomas; Mayor Hudson), directing staff to proceed with emergency stabilization and design work and to pursue insurance reimbursement. Staff said the city’s $5,000 deductible would likely apply and that the adjuster had indicated coverage was probable, though some invoices were not yet received.
The council also acknowledged and thanked library employee Caitlin Nehorn for discovering the damage.
Staff will continue design and contractor selection under emergency procurement authority and will report costs and insurance outcomes back to the council.
