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Friends of the Park donates $35,000 to Cook library flood and remodel; library still has 19 punch-list items
Summary
Friends of the Park presented the Cook City Council with a $35,000 donation to support costs from the library flood and remodel. S.E.H. identified about 19 remaining deficiencies; the council appointed Mo Fontana to the library board and authorized staff to pursue fuel-tank removal quotes.
Friends of the Park President Linda Kronholm presented a $35,000 check to the Cook City Council on March 25 to help cover expenses tied to the Cook Public Library flood and remodel. The council accepted the donation and thanked the group for the contribution.
Library Director Crystal Whitney reported on project closeout work: S.E.H. noted approximately 19 deficiencies that must be addressed before the project can be closed out. The council did not take additional action on the punch-list at this meeting beyond acknowledging the outstanding items.
The council appointed Mo Fontana as a township representative to the library board to fill a vacancy created when a township member left. The appointment was made by motion and carried.
Maintenance Supervisor Tim Lilya raised a separate facilities concern: a buried fuel-oil tank adjacent to the library has one removal quote on file. The council authorized staff to obtain additional quotes and to return to the April meeting with recommendations.
Friends of the Park also requested a temporary gambling permit for the Wings-n-Things event on Aug. 8, 2026 at VFW Post #1757; the council approved the permit.
Next steps: the library project team will work through the S.E.H. punch-list items required for closeout; the clerk and maintenance staff will collect additional fuel-tank removal bids and report back to council.
