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Friends group: step repair bid ~$39,000; Friends optimistic about funding but full abatement costs vary widely
Summary
A letter and Friends-group speakers at the June 9 meeting reported a steps bid near $39,000 and comparisons indicating remaining funds may cover other repairs; city staff warned that comprehensive abatement estimates varied and prevailing-wage rules apply if Commerce funds are used.
Council members received written correspondence from Joel Fennoyer and heard updates from the Friends of the Library about bids and funding prospects.
The letter read at the meeting noted a steps bid of about $39,000 and included comparisons prepared by an independent contractor. Friends representatives said the Commerce capital-appropriation award has been reappropriated and expressed confidence that, with a revised scope, available funds — including Friends contributions — might meet TRL requirements for reopening.
City staff cautioned that earlier comprehensive abatement bids included handling of contents, replacement of fixtures and prevailing-wage obligations, and that two full abatement bids read at the meeting were roughly $1,000,000. Staff and trustees agreed the current insurance proceeds (about $92,000) would not cover full abatement.
Friends and trustees asked the council to pursue engineer reviews, updated bids and potential scope adjustments such as using helical piers for the steps rather than full replacement. Council directed staff to gather updated engineering analyses and cost estimates and to return to council before committing significant expenditures.
