Installation of new HVAC system will require removal of library wall

McCOOK, Neb. — An unexpected glitch in the city library’s HVAC upgrade will require the removal of a south wall.

McCook Mechanical LLC, the contractor for the HVAC upgrade, cannot fit the chilling unit down the basement stairs, McCook City Manager Nate Schneider told the McCook City Council Monday night at its regular meeting.

Tearing down the south wall, a wall where water fountains are located inside the library and extends into the lobby, is less expensive than tearing down the north wall, according to the contractor, Schneider said.

With this change, the original bid for the project is still lower than other bids received for the project, he said.

At the last council meeting May 4, the council received and filed a consent agenda item that increased the final cost of the HVAC project by $3,612, to $124,012, as the original bid did not include the cost of performance and payment bonds.

The library’s heating and air conditioning upgrades are being funded with city sales tax revenue.

Part of the problem is that the library was built around the current HVAC system, Schneider said and added that library director Jodi Crocker is notifying the Library Board and Library Foundation about the change.

The library is currently closed due to COVID-19 Directed Health Measures issued by the governor.