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Leon Valley delays decision on aging library annex after staff cites roofing, ADA and hidden-decking concerns
Summary
City staff reported storm, hail and long-term deterioration at the library annex; repair quotes ranged from $6,500–$8,700 while demolition and a modular replacement could cost up to about $300,000. Council voted to postpone a final decision to Nov. 18 to review capital priorities and hear the Friends and library director.
Melinda Mortz, Leon Valley’s public works director, told the City Council on Nov. 4 the library annex sustained storm and hail damage and that an insurance claim was denied because of the roof’s age and condition. Mortz said interior ceiling collapse prompted inspection and that some decking under shingles is warped; staff provided repair quotes starting at about $6,500 and another near $8,700 and estimated demolition plus a portable replacement could approach $300,000.
The annex is not ADA compliant, Mortz said, and staff described the building as originally intended for retail use rather than as a library. Mortz said staff temporarily patched and tarped the roof to limit water intrusion and cleaned interior debris so the Friends of the Library could continue book sales.
City Manager Dr. Caldera urged the council to wait for an updated capital-improvements list before committing general-fund reserves. “The department directors have been given direction to update their capital improvements plan…that’s due back to me by January 6,” Caldera said, noting projects such as street reconstruction could demand large sums and affect priorities.
Friends of the Library volunteer Mary Anne said the group runs monthly and twice-yearly book sales and raises roughly $1,200–$1,500 a year; she described storage constraints and suggested across-the-street storage as a short-term option, while acknowledging it is not open to the public.
Council members voiced concern about spending several thousand dollars to reroof a structure they may later replace. Councilor Heil said she “just can't see spending $8,700 to roof an old building that we're gonna tear down in a couple months,” while other councilors noted that tarping is only a temporary measure and that unseen decking damage could increase repair costs.
Councilor Bolton moved and Councilor Heil seconded postponing the item to the council’s Nov. 18 meeting to allow the Friends and the library director to present further information and for staff to include the annex in the capital plan. The motion carried.
Next steps: staff will include the annex alternatives and updated cost estimates in the capital presentation due in January; council will revisit the annex on Nov. 18.
