MEAGHER COUNTY CITY LIBRARY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
ATTENDANCE: Library Trustees: Gordon Doig, Leone Michalec, Steve Hicks,
Elton Lee, Gretchen Rader
Library Director: Debbie Benedict
Guests: Linda Banks, Tim Benedict
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Meagher County City Library.
It was moved by Steve, seconded by Elton, and unanimously carried to approve August 20, 2013 meeting minutes as presented.
It was moved by Leone, seconded by Steve, and unanimously carried to approve bills as presented for payment.
Janitor Closet/Office Ventilation
The situation is being monitored and the source of sewer gas is being isolated. Bathroom drain traps have both been plugged. After doing this, Rooney’s gas detector did not detect any gas in the bathrooms. Sewer gas remains in the janitor closet which is located on a concrete foundation. The gas seems constant and no longer intermittent in this area probably because both bathroom drains have been plugged.
Next step will be to perform a smoke test, dropping a smoke bomb down the roof vent in the hopes of producing smoke from any leaks in the pipe. This will be done after the library closes on Friday, September 20.
Plugging the drain in the janitor closet was suggested.
Running 400(+) gallons of water through the septic system for a few days to clear the septic line to the city line is a possibility.
Asking the city to apply the product used to clear the city line of tree roots was suggested. Methane is a heavy gas and lies on the floor which makes it more spreadable throughout the library. There are other buildings in town dealing with this same issue. There is the possibility a section(s) of pipe could have broken during repair of the backroom.
Linda Banks asked the board to notice Debbie was rather hoarse and if her voice is normal she considers it ok to be in the library. You cannot always smell methane gas – it will not always have an odor. She asked if plugging all the drains will cause pressure to build in the pipes and was told the gas will seek a different path through the vent or the city line. Linda questioned if a spark could occur when the hole is plugged and was told this would not happen.
Tim Benedict was asked if he had anything to contribute. He is concerned because it is his wife who is working in the library for long periods of time. He has heard a lot of “I don’t know” and “I think” and is not sure those individuals working on the solution have the qualifications to make a quantifiable judgment. He feels professional judgment and opinion should be sought.
Debbie expressed concern with winter approaching and being unable to keep the windows open which currently brings outside air into the building. The sewer gas in the library may not be confined to the janitor closet and may be getting absorbed into other areas of the library.
Outside Water Faucet Repair
A repair kit was ordered but when attempting the repair it became evident it was beyond the board’s ability. Bob Rooney has been asked to put the repair on his to-do list. The library will be billed a $73.00 restocking fee.
Budget
Leone provided an update on tax levy requirements and other aspects of the library budget.
Broad Valleys Federation Fall Teleconference
No one from the board is available to attend this teleconference in Debbie’s absence. She will email Judy this information.
State Aid Fact Sheet
Debbie provided the board a copy of the state aid fact sheet which outlines how these monies may be used.
Librarian Report
Debbie provided a copy of the Librarian Report which is on file at the library.
Date of Next Meeting
The next library board meeting is planned for October 15, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at the library.
There being no further business to discuss, it was moved by Steve, seconded by Leone, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Benedict
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
ATTENDANCE: Library Trustees: Gordon Doig, Leone Michalec, Steve Hicks,
Elton Lee, Gretchen Rader
Library Director: Debbie Benedict
Guests: Linda Banks, Tim Benedict
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Meagher County City Library.
It was moved by Steve, seconded by Elton, and unanimously carried to approve August 20, 2013 meeting minutes as presented.
It was moved by Leone, seconded by Steve, and unanimously carried to approve bills as presented for payment.
Janitor Closet/Office Ventilation
The situation is being monitored and the source of sewer gas is being isolated. Bathroom drain traps have both been plugged. After doing this, Rooney’s gas detector did not detect any gas in the bathrooms. Sewer gas remains in the janitor closet which is located on a concrete foundation. The gas seems constant and no longer intermittent in this area probably because both bathroom drains have been plugged.
Next step will be to perform a smoke test, dropping a smoke bomb down the roof vent in the hopes of producing smoke from any leaks in the pipe. This will be done after the library closes on Friday, September 20.
Plugging the drain in the janitor closet was suggested.
Running 400(+) gallons of water through the septic system for a few days to clear the septic line to the city line is a possibility.
Asking the city to apply the product used to clear the city line of tree roots was suggested. Methane is a heavy gas and lies on the floor which makes it more spreadable throughout the library. There are other buildings in town dealing with this same issue. There is the possibility a section(s) of pipe could have broken during repair of the backroom.
Linda Banks asked the board to notice Debbie was rather hoarse and if her voice is normal she considers it ok to be in the library. You cannot always smell methane gas – it will not always have an odor. She asked if plugging all the drains will cause pressure to build in the pipes and was told the gas will seek a different path through the vent or the city line. Linda questioned if a spark could occur when the hole is plugged and was told this would not happen.
Tim Benedict was asked if he had anything to contribute. He is concerned because it is his wife who is working in the library for long periods of time. He has heard a lot of “I don’t know” and “I think” and is not sure those individuals working on the solution have the qualifications to make a quantifiable judgment. He feels professional judgment and opinion should be sought.
Debbie expressed concern with winter approaching and being unable to keep the windows open which currently brings outside air into the building. The sewer gas in the library may not be confined to the janitor closet and may be getting absorbed into other areas of the library.
Outside Water Faucet Repair
A repair kit was ordered but when attempting the repair it became evident it was beyond the board’s ability. Bob Rooney has been asked to put the repair on his to-do list. The library will be billed a $73.00 restocking fee.
Budget
Leone provided an update on tax levy requirements and other aspects of the library budget.
Broad Valleys Federation Fall Teleconference
No one from the board is available to attend this teleconference in Debbie’s absence. She will email Judy this information.
State Aid Fact Sheet
Debbie provided the board a copy of the state aid fact sheet which outlines how these monies may be used.
Librarian Report
Debbie provided a copy of the Librarian Report which is on file at the library.
Date of Next Meeting
The next library board meeting is planned for October 15, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at the library.
There being no further business to discuss, it was moved by Steve, seconded by Leone, and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Benedict
