Winfield Library to get new roof

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

WINFIELD ? The thousands of literary characters in the Winfield Public Library will no longer have to worry about water damage as the council approved a quote for a new roof this week.

On Wednesday, during the council?s regular meeting, a bid from Dearborn Becker Roofers was approved. Dearborn Becker?s quote was for $39,600.

The city had received several other quotes, varying in scope from replacing the existing roof to just repairing the leaky spots.

The roof in the library has been an issue for quite some time and has caused problems within the facility. ?I hate to venture, but I know it?s been over 100 books that have been damaged (due to the roof),? Mayor Chris Finnell said.

Besides a leak, Finnell said the library has a problem with condensation.

Finnell said he was ready to take action on the project and ?do it right the first time.?

Once Dearborn Becker Roofers was selected, the conversation quickly turned to how to pay for the project. City Clerk Angie Oepping said in order to pay for the roof from the library funds, the council would have to make a budget amendment. ?That means holding a public hearing,? she explained.

Finnell said there was money in the general fund that could be used for the project, and that would not require a public hearing.

?I?d say this is a necessity and an emergency situation,? Councilwoman Janet Reynolds said of using money from the general fund for the project.

The council also approved entering into professional services agreement with Burbach Aquatics, Inc., out of Plattville, Wis. Burbach will be the architect and engineers on the project. At this point, the city will only be paying travel expenses for representatives from Burbach as they already had a conceptual design done.

During the meeting, the council also authorized a five-year garbage contract with Hewett Sanitation. Residents will pay $11.50 per month and seniors 65 and older will pay a dollar less for the services.

The council also approved employee salaries for Brandon Jones, public works assistant, at $14.00 an hour; and Jacob Rohde, part-time police officer, at $17.00 per hour.

Lastly, the mayor gave a brief update on Winfield?s haunted house, saying he felt it was going to be one of the best the city has done.

The haunted house will be open Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29, from 8 to midnight.

The next meeting of the Winfield City Council will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., at City Hall.