Contract Signed to Begin Boonville Branch Renovations!

by admin · Published May 22, 2024 · Updated July 24, 2024

N E W S R E L E A S E

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Mary Pat Abele

Contract Signed to Begin Library Renovations

BOONVILLE, MO – The Library in Boonville reached a milestone on Friday, July 19, with the signing of a Contract Agreement for the renovation of its soon-to-be new home on the historic Kemper Campus. GBH Builders, Inc. of Jefferson City was awarded the contract for the project from four mid-Missouri general contractors submitting bids in late May. Mary Pat Abele, Chair of the Cooper County Building and Expansion Committee that oversees the project for Boonslick Regional Library (BRL), noted, “All bidders made a special effort to include local subcontractors who were interested and qualified for the prevailing-wage project and we appreciated that gesture and their efforts.”

As the Contract Agreement was being signed, Jake Hunget, President of GBH Builders, Inc. said, “We are grateful to be part of this project. Something so meaningful to those involved and impactful to the community.” BRL President, Linda Runnebaum of Boonville, joined Hunget in signing the Contract Agreement. A small group witnessed the signing that included Cooper County Commissioners, the Boonville City Administrator, and officers of the Friends of the Library, in addition to Library Board members and staff. Project architect Jay Berendzen, who prepared the AIA Contract Agreement, was on hand while Linda Allcorn, BRL Director, and Mary Pat Abele, Board Trustee and Committee Chair, served as attesting witnesses.

“This is a joyful day that has been long in coming. It will be worth the wait!” noted Susan Meadows, President of the Friends of the Library. Cooper County Commissioner Charlie Melkersman added, “A library is part of the foundation of a progressive community. This building exemplifies the Best of the Best!”

Project bids that were opened on May 29 came in substantially higher than the architect’s estimate for the renovation work, which included the extension of the stairway and a new HVAC system for the Lower Level. GBH Builders, Inc. submitted the lowest bid at $1,333,000. With the architect’s input, the Cooper County Building and Expansion Committee eliminated or postponed items included in the original scope of work without jeopardizing the integrity of the plan, the needs of the Library, or the safety features for patrons. Their efforts reduced the bid by $186,109.26 for a Contract Agreement sum of $1,146,890.74. Even though funds still need to be raised, the BRL Board approved moving forward with the renovation work to complete the first phase of the project while fundraising efforts continue. The second phase of the project, which is already in progress, includes planning and selection of furniture, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.

“Many people don’t realize how big this project really is and the amount of work needed to make the building functional and up-to-date for the Library, especially with the technology emphasis in future programs. We’ve retained the main configuration of the existing floor plan on all three floors, but have made many changes that add to the efficiency of staff and use of the new space as well as to the comfort and safety of Library patrons. The additional expenses for the extension of the stairway from the Main Level to the Lower Level, that must be done for increased access and safety, as well as the need to replace the entire HVAC system in the Lower Level certainly had an impact on our original renovation budget. With the economic climate today, everything is much more expensive than originally estimated when we started fundraising three years ago,” explained Mary Pat Abele.

Nearly $800,000 has been raised or pledged for the project, including the recent appropriation of $100,000 from the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund. The Library Committee has been working closely with State Representative Tim Taylor of House District #48, which includes Cooper County, who has worked diligently to include a $200,000 request in the State’s budget for the Library’s renovation. That request was included in the appropriation bill that was passed by both the House and Senate in the recent 2024 legislative session and sent to the Governor for his signature. However, because the total number of projects included in the bill exceeded the amount in the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund, Governor Parsons vetoed half of the $200,000—in addition to funds for 172 other projects across the state—which left $100,000 to support the Library renovation project. “Even though we really needed $200,000 to help with the costly portions of the project like the stairway extension and replacing the entire HVAC system on the Lower Level of the building, we are, indeed, grateful for the addition of $100,000 to support the project,” explained Mary Pat Abele. “Representative Tim Taylor has been a champion in leading the charge to secure some State funding for the Library project and we are deeply grateful for his help and unwavering support,” she added.

The Contract Agreement included a “Notice to Proceed” as of July 19, 2024, and GBH Builders, Inc. plans to immediately begin ordering materials. A preconstruction meeting will be held in early August and actual site work will begin later that month. The “Notice to Proceed” includes the timeframe for the project and allows the GBH Builders, Inc. up to 189 calendar days to complete the project, which is January 24, 2025.

The next step for the Building and Expansion Committee is to complete Phase 2 of the project which includes planning and selection of furniture, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. While some furniture in the current Library can be used, the new building is more than twice the square footage and includes three floors. Funds will need to be raised for this phase of the project as well. Direct appeals to individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations are planned and are currently in the process of being implemented. The Library also will be co-sponsoring the fundraising celebration Sippin’ Strollin’ Rockin’ & Rollin’ for the third year with the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be held on Saturday, September 28, in Downtown Boonville. The Library’s share of the proceeds will be used for the Library Renovation and Relocation Project. Area residents are encouraged to “Save the Date” and contact family and friends to join them for this festive occasion.

Contributions of all sizes are encouraged. Those made by check should be made payable to the Boonslick Regional Library Cooper County Fund and sent to the BRL Cooper County Branch, 618 Main Street, Boonville, Missouri 65233. Donations made by credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover) can be made 24 hours a day and are handled through the Community Foundation of Central Missouri’s website www.cfcmfoundation.org (click on DONATE in upper right corner; select and click on Boonslick Regional Library Cooper County Fund; and complete the form). For transfer of securities and information about Naming Opportunities, contact Mary Pat Abele (660-888-1611 marypatabele@gmail.com).

Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law and will help improve the quality of life for young and old alike throughout the Cooper County area.