EL SOBRANTE LIBRARY RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE

Significant Milestones as of September 12, 2018

•	Remaining soft demo of the ceiling started. 
•	Completed testing and certifying existing HVAC units.
•	PG&E application was reviewed and is moving into the design phase.
•	Begin demolition and restoration of the burned section of the building. 
•	Public Works and contractor met with insurance representatives to review damage in light of demolition activities. 
•	Library, Public Works and County IT met with architects and contractors to discuss revised floor plan and facility improvements.
•	Contractor, architect and structural engineer met to review revised floor plan options. 
•	Library submitted a grant application to the California Public Utilities Commission to defray the cost of network and broadband. Supervisor Gioia is providing support. Other community groups including Citizens for a Greener El Sobrante, the El Sobrante Historical Society, El Sobrante Valley Alliance, Friends of the El Sobrante Library, SPAWNERS generously included letters of their support.
El Sobrante Library Fire – Recap

•	Fire broke out the evening of February 27, 2108. 
•	There were some flames that reached ceiling rafters but most damage was due to water and smoke.
•	Most systems and furnishings were damaged to the point they have to be replaced. This includes electrical, data, ceiling, and infrastructure such as walls.
•	All asbestos had to be removed; engineers assessed wall interiors for smoke or water damage.
•	Plans are being drafted and submitted to building officials for code signoff and insurance reimbursement. A comprehensive building plan must be completed to address significant damage and changes required by code. 
•	This has been an exacting process due to the age of the facility and changes in building materials and codes which have occurred since the last library project in 1974.
•	Staff including Library, Public Works, Risk Management, insurance adjusters, contractors and others are working diligently to return the library to the community.
•	Library staff, Public Works and others are meeting with architects, carpet vendors, furniture suppliers, and others to replace the damaged interior items. 
•	The project is not an easy one. Each and every square inch of the building must be assessed.
•	Due to the extensive work required to bring the building up to current code standards we anticipate the library will reopen in spring 2019

The library work is taking longer than expected (greater need to assess asbestos and make other improvements) but the end result will be a “new” interior library with many functional improvements.
Anticipated reopening – Spring 2019