PCPL to install new HVAC system

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Putnam County Public Library Board had a change of venue this month, meeting at the Reelsville Fire Station Wednesday for its monthly meeting.

One item on the agenda was the replacement of HVAC controls. Kurt Stevens of KB Solutions out of Greenwood has been hired to be a consultant for the project.

He stated the current HVAC or heating, ventilation, air conditioning controls at the library are outdated at 12 years old.

"The system just doesn't do the job," he told board members.

He presented three estimates and made his recommendation to the board. He discussed the quotes at length before suggesting the bid of $35,000, which was from Havel Brothers of Fort Wayne.

The bid included all the same items as estimates that were $5,000 or more higher. Havel Brothers installed HVAC controls at Cloverdale schools and other surrounding libraries such as Greenwood and Plainfield.

Once work begins, it could take up to a month to complete. Training will be required when the system is installed.

"It will be considered a green building when it's done," said Stevens. "Energy will be as cheap as it can get."

Board members voted to accept the Havel Brothers bid for replacing the controls.

In other news, book circulation is up by 4 percent with non-print materials down.

Library director Alice Greenburg said Internet use is "out the roof." With unemployment rates on the rise, the library has seen an increase in Internet use for job searches.

In response to an overwhelming need for e-mail, library staff will hold an e-mail class sometime in April. Further details will be provided at a later date.

As a tax-supported agency, the library received the final 2008 tax draw earlier this month. The final numbers showed property tax draw was down $1,530 with excise tax draw up by $1,300. This left the library sitting in a pretty good spot.

During the meeting, Greenburg presented the capital projects fund plan for 2010 through 2012. A public meeting regarding the proposal to establish a library capital projects fund will be held at 6 p.m. April 22 at the library, 103 E. Poplar St.

Putnam County taxpayers are encouraged to attend the meeting for a more detailed explanation of the plan and to exercise their right to be heard on the proposal.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: