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COMMISSIONER'S REPORT ON LIBRARY HEATING PROBLEMS (REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED THURSDAY)
Release Date: January 06, 2011

The Greenburgh Town Library is 2 years old. Unfortunately, during the past year there have been some problems--with water leaks and with our HAVC (heating/air conditioning unit). Obviously, this is not acceptable. I have asked the Commissioner of Public Works, Victor Carosi, to provide the community with a brief summary of the status of this matter.  I believe that we should conduct an independent analysis of the library heating/air conditioning system. I find it very upsetting that a 2 year old $20 million dollar library is causing the town so much aggravation.
PAUL FEINER

Over the past year, problems at the library have been focused on two main issues, water leaks in the lobby area and problems with an HAVC unit.   The library has had isolated smaller leaks mainly in the Children's section, but each was addressed either by Town maintenance staff, or by the Library General contractor - EW Howell.

Going back to last winter and into the summer, heating and air-conditioning problems were focused mainly on one of the HVAC units.  The geothermal system has functioned and never been a focus of any maintenance problems.  The HVAC unit had several failures of the main compressor motors.  After several failed repairs performed by the original contractor, the Town brought in another HVAC firm to re-evaluate the system and provide repairs.  Since the completion of the repairs earlier this past year the system has been performing properly, with the exception of a failed fan motor (unrelated to the compressor motors) over the Christmas Holiday break.

The current problem causing no heat in the Children's section was found to be a failure of a unique valve central to the operation of the unit that serves the children's section.  Unfortunately, the part is not a stock replacement and instead had to be made at the factory.  We expect the repairs completed Thursday.  Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect the unit will be fully operational for Friday.

The Library mechanical systems are controlled by a computerized system that monitors many functions, temperatures, pressures, and air flows both within the equipment and throughout the library.  When the library first opened and problems surfaced with one of the HVAC units, the control system was modified in an effort to work around the problems to provide comfort to the patrons.  Only recently has the system be re-programmed to its original design settings and functionality with the return of the HVAC unit to its design capacity and functionality.

Shortly after the library began operations, leaks were observed in the vestibule area.  The designers and contractor worked diligently to isolate and repair the leaks.  More recently, a cloud burst this summer revealed a problem with the drainage system for the sky lights in the lobby.  Again, the architect and contractor were responsive, identified the leak source, designed a fix, and have now mostly completed the repairs.  The ceiling in the vestibule will be replaced within the next few weeks.

Overall, as one would expect with any new building some problems have occurred, and have been to date mostly addressed by the contractors and designers.  The current HVAC problems have been frustrating as these impact the patrons directly and dramatically - requiring closure of the library at times.  I do feel confident that the HVAC problems are now behind us. 
Victor G. Carosi, P.E.
Commissioner of Public Works****************************************************
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