Mountain Grove library, rink building, Road 38 garage costly per square foot report

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Craig Bakay

EMC News Central Frontenac Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven was admittedly looking for "low-hanging fruit" with his Facilities Review & Recommendation Report presented to Council at its regular meeting last week in Sharbot Lake.

"There are no recommendations for closing/moving/updating any building nor for building any new ones," Neven said in presenting his report.

What he did suggest were 'occupant sensors' to turn off lights and programmable setback thermometers for most of the Township's 22 facilities in an effort to cut down on heating and hydro costs.

"We should set lights and thermostats to the bare minimum whenever we can," he said.

The three biggest culprits when it comes to heat/power consumption are the Library in Mountain Grove (the former school building), the Hinchinbrooke garage on Road 38 and the rink building in Mountain Grove.

"The rink building in Mountain Grove is one of the highest costs per square foot of any of our buildings," Neven said. "It doesn't get much use but the thermostats are in constant use.

"It could be set near zero most of the time."

One recommendation Neven did make was to have as many buildings as possible retrofitted with programmable setback thermostats and occupant sensor lighting at the same time.

"The more we can do at once, the more attractive it is for companies to bid on the work," he said.

After that, the work that needs doing to the Road 38 Garage and Library buildings would be hard to recommend "without getting into high costs," he said. "Mountain Grove Library is a good example of a building that needs extensive work."

"I thought we were talking about getting rid of that building," said Dep. Mayor Bill Snyder.

"Yes, but that's wrapped up in the whole library issue," said Coun. Norm Guntensperger.

"There's a lot of information here," said Coun. Frances Smith. "It will take time to digest but I'm sure there will be plenty of questions."