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Staff reports escalator finish Aug. 30 and elevator modernization timeline for Benjamin Hooks Library
Summary
General Services and Libraries staff told the committee the Benjamin Hooks Library's escalator project is scheduled to finish Aug. 30 and that elevator modernization will begin afterward with an estimated 12-week schedule to finish by Nov. 30, 2026; older chillers and boilers were flagged for future replacement planning.
Melvin Jamieson and Eric Harris provided a technical briefing on mechanical and building-system needs at the Benjamin Hooks Library. Jamieson said the site has two water-cooled chillers (600 tons) more than 20 years old and four fire-tube boilers about 25 years old; he said one chiller is in fair condition and another requires repairs with roughly five years of remaining life, prompting planning for replacements in coming budget cycles.
Jamieson told council the escalator project is scheduled for completion on August 30 and that elevator modernization will begin immediately after and is expected to take about 12 weeks, targeting completion by 2026-11-30. Eric Harris described near-term actions: deeper pressure washing, engagement of a licensed window cleaner, more frequent carpet cleanings ahead of a planned CIP-funded carpet replacement, and a new janitorial comment log to speed corrections. Council members requested a system-wide maintenance plan for all library facilities, including schedules, costs and lifecycle budgeting information.
