Meeting schedule; updated timetable expected

Project managers with the City of Jacksonville’s Department of Public Works for the have a meeting scheduled for April 14 with KBT, the general contractor on the Willowbranch Branch Library restoration project.

They will discuss the pending change order which covers the restoration of the remaining second floor and basement windows, waterproofing under the original front steps, and other miscellaneous costs and credits. After this meeting, an announcement regarding the timetable is expected to be available from Public Buildings.

What’s the delay?

We know many of you are wondering why the repair process seems to have slowed down a bit at the Willowbranch Branch Library. Here’s an update from the Public Works Department:

Work by the General Contractor-KBT Construction was immediately hindered from moving forward after finding lead paint on the windows. It was decided that Public Works would request an emergency Purchase Order to have the glass panes and paint on one of the large windows at the library removed to determine the overall impact on the project budget. During the week of March 3, AMEC (Amec Foster Wheeler) monitored this work performed by Simpson Environmental, a qualified lead abatement contractor. Simpson Environmental removed the paint on one of the large upstairs windows to assure lead/air quality levels are within the desired OSHA standards. The test samples taken by AMEC were sent to a lab and results were returned March 9.

Based on the test results, Public Works is coordinating with KBT Construction to determine if there are any adjustments to the price proposal for the restoration of the remaining windows, understanding that one window has now been cleaned of paint.

Q&A regarding lead paint testing

The Jacksonville Public Library recently received questions from the Friends of Willowbranch Library about the work being done at the branch.  We took the questions to the Public Works Department and they provided the following answers, so we wanted to share them with everyone.

What test was done on the paint to determine it is lead based?

Performed by: AMEC Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (AMEC), fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. Twenty three (23) XRF tests (11 exterior and 12 interior) were performed on window components and adjacent building materials.

If no testing was done, was it just assumed the paint contains lead based on the age of the building?

Test Performed by: AMEC Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (AMEC)

If there is lead paint on the windows and bars, why wasn’t it identified and dealt with during past projects that included the windows?

It was not in the original scope of work to test for lead paint.

Would someone provide a diagram of the windows and bars that shows the location as well as pictures?

Plans are at this link; see sheets A-201 and A202.

What other work remains to be completed besides the windows? 

1) Windows ground floor to be removed and repainted, replaced, resealed)

2) Windows top floor, to remain, (repainted, glass replaced and resealed)

3) Waterproofing under stair

4) Fabricate metal valley on roof

5) Replace fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP) walls in basement – scoped work-windows to install 1st

6) Gutters – scoped work – fascia needs to fabricated

7) Sidewalk drainage modification

Has all remediation been completed as a result of the flooding?

Yes

The Beaches Branch remains open during construction on their windows.  Has this option been reviewed for Willowbranch?

Yes

If so, what were the reasons for not remaining open?  If not, please review and respond.

It would not be to our advantage to expose staff to lead paint.

What are the next steps on the COA? 

Per Joel McEachin, COA-13-401 was approved administratively and does not require a public hearing or action by the Commission.

Has the City ever applied for a restoration Federal or State grant for Willow branch?  If so, what did they apply for and what was the outcome?  If not, is there someone on staff who would do this?  Who would that be?

PW has no jurisdiction.

Update on lead paint issue

The City of Jacksonville, architect Steve Lazar, and contractors have been reviewing options necessary to address the lead paint found on the original large main floor windows and bars securing the lower small windows. In a meeting Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Public Works it was determined that multiple quotes must be secured for the abatement of this lead paint to complete the project. Once quotes are obtained and reviewed (2-3 weeks) a change-order will be processed to amend the contract (4-6 weeks). Then the remaining work necessary to restore the windows is expected to take two months and then at least another month for library staff to restore the library to an operational condition. — Status Report from Bill Joyce, Public Works

Window repair decisions made; project timeline updated

The project team has been examining the best options for making the necessary repairs to the windows of this historic building. According to the project architect, the following actions will be taken over a 10-week period, once authorized:

Basement Windows:  The windows will be removed so new windowsills and flashing can be installed, then the windows will be replaced.  (Earlier, the glass was replaced and the windows were painted.)

Large Main Floor Windows: For these windows, the architect has recommended they can be repaired (repainted, glass replaced and windows resealed) while still in place, except for the lower portion of each window which will be cut and removed allowing for the installation of new windowsills and flashing.  The upper portion of each window can be worked on without the window being removed.

As can be expected in older buildings, there is lead paint on the windows, which will require special handling and remediation.

Now that the exact plan for the windows has been determined, and with the discovery of potential lead paint issues, the work schedule will be pushed out a bit further than previously anticipated.  The project team is working with the contractor on cost estimates and to determine a timeline for completion. The library staff will need about four to six weeks after the work is completed to refurnish, paint, and reassemble the children’s room back to its original layout.

We expect to have a better idea of when the actual work will occur and a projected opening date after the required paperwork (such as a Change Order or budget changes) are processed.

Winter break fun for the kids while the branch is closed

What do a storybook mouse, Scrooge, Santa and cloud sheep have to do with winter break? They are major attractions at the Jacksonville Public Library’s free Winter Break Happenings activities that run before, during and after the Duval County Public Schools’ winter break. Children from birth to 18 can choose from more than 100 age-appropriate activities including holiday crafts, movies, story times, puppet shows, gaming and more. So keep the kids reading and learning all month long—check out the Winter Break Happenings Guide and Winter Activity Card/Reading List online or at any library. Activities vary by location, now through Jan. 3

Exterior cleaning, painting and sodding update

As work on the exterior of Willowbranch Branch Library continues, new photos show the progress that has been made. The contractor has been pressure washing, repairing stucco, painting, and the installing flashing and sod. In addition, gutters are to be installed on the newer portion of the building. Public Buildings will soon schedule the cleaning of the existing gutters.

Pressure washing the old building and painting the new (along with repairs to the siding) has improved the appearance.

The painted exterior on the left and pressure washed original building on the right.

A stainless steel flashing has been installed over the silicone caulk between the building and building face around the entire perimeter of the structure.

 

 

 

 

 

The Old Willowbranch Library with new sod. You can see the basement windows are being removed for restoration and the upper windows have been covered after some exploratory work by the contractor.

Sod has been installed around the perimeter of the building.

Another view of new sod dressing up the building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The retention pond has been graded out and sod installed around the perimeter.

A large new drain inlet has been installed at the top of the exterior steps to the Children’s Area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drainage system update

The existing retention pond next to the parking area has been excavated and a drainage system installed under the grade. The drain (shown in foreground) has been cleared out so that the parking lot drainage will occur properly. To the left of this photo is the drain from the new drainage system installed around the building. On the far side an outfall will be installed and the grading finished out.

Flashing, gutters and sealant underway

Flashing installation has begun on the newer portion of the building. An integrated gutter system and more flashing will also be installed here.

The contractor has added caulk to a backer rod as well as between the sidewalk and the building to seal out water infiltration. There will be a finish flashing cap installed over this.

 

 

 

Window prep work underway

Chief of Engineering & Construction Management for Public Works Bill Joyce said the contractor began doing prep work Monday on the upstairs windows while awaiting the final decision regarding the window removal. Currently the glass and the paint is being removed. The exterior is being temporarily sealed with plywood and plastic. A plastic covering is being used to protect the interior contents.