Board considered library modifications

Twenty-five years ago this week, a local board was making minor modifications to a major construction project as work on the building was already underway.

The March 5, 1996, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of Jay County Public Library Board’s meeting as construction of a new library was underway at the intersection of Arch and Ship streets in Portland.

The board unanimously approved an expenditure of $4,349 for “X-braces” to increase wind residence and reduce the risk of drywall cracks. The braces were not required by code but recommended by architectural frim K.R. Montgomery and Associates of Anderson.

It also approved installing additional “grab bars” to make restrooms handicapped accessible.

Board members held off on other proposed changes, including paying for the use of Densglas, a sheathing material designed to protect against weather. The Densglas cost about $1,125 more than what the board had originally planned.

“We don’t want to send any signals (to the contractor) that we’re being unreasonable,” said library board president Bill Hinkle. “On the other hand, these are tax dollars.”

The board also tabled a proposal to move roof vents fro the restrooms from the front of the building to the back at a cost of more than $4,000. Board members expressed dissatisfaction that the vents were not originally located correctly in the architect’s drawings and said they felt the fix should be far less expensive.