Commission discusses Chilton-Clanton Library roofing project

Published 9:09 pm Monday, May 23, 2011

The architect for the roof project at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library spoke with the Chilton County Commission at its meeting Monday.

Some commissioners wanted to know how additional work that had not been discussed previously had been added to the project and its cost, including installing a new air conditioning unit in the library’s service room, adding a fire alarm system, removing the existing roof and replacing damaged and rotten wood.

Walter McKee said he performed a walk-through of the building and it was determined these additions were needed to make the business run more efficiently.

“It was determined the extra cooling unit was needed in the mechanical room to cool the servers in the summer and winter,” said McKee.

The server continuously produces heat, and it needs the cooling unit in the same room to keep it cool, McKee said.

“The building needs a fire alarm, and there are no alarms in the building,” he said. “The code requires a fire alarm in the building.”
The lighting and other concerns from the commission were discussed.

The total estimated cost for the project is $236,718 plus 8 percent architectural fees.

The library should operate more efficiently with the upgrades to the building, McKee said.

The bids for the roof are out and should be in by June 2.

So far, nine contractors are bidding on the project, McKee said. The bids will be brought to the commission meeting on June 13.

In other business, residents on County Road 875, off County Road 53, addressed the commission asking if there is anything that can be done to repair 875.

Alonzo Hugely said his mail carrier said she will not drive down their road to deliver mail because of the potholes in the road.

Hugely said he has filled the holes himself before, but when it rains, water runs down from 53 and washes the work away.

“County Road 875 is a non-county maintained road so by law we cannot touch that road,” said Commissioner Allen Caton. “We cannot work on it or put county equipment on it because it is a privately owned road.”

But because the water is coming from a county-owned road, County Engineer Tony Wearren said he will assess the roads to see what can be done.

“If we’re creating the problem, we’re supposed to fix that,” said Commissioner Heedy Hayes.