By Audrey Korte
According to Brandon Cesafsky, Director of Public Works and Utility Management for Chippewa Falls, the Chippewa Falls Police Department and City Hall each will receive new roofs and City Hall is implementing a new electric system on Dec. 1.
Cesafsky explained that the old roofs needed a great deal of patching and maintenance. He said that the decision to replace roofs was taken to deal with ongoing issues.
The main replacements included rubber roofing, new insulation and ballast stones. He said that the roofs are now completed and doing their intended work while we await the arrival of the metal materials. We are awaiting the arrival of metal materials before we can determine a date for completion.
Both roofs are to be finished by the end of summer 2024, according to their roofing contract.
According to Altoona city records, RTS Roofing Inc. was awarded the contract for roof maintenance at both buildings. The total cost was $207,000.
Cesafsky stated that “the new roofs are better insulated and drain more efficiently than their predecessors.”
According to Chippewa Falls mayor Greg Hoffman, City Hall workers will notice the improvement in roof, which is expected to help keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer.
The city can save money on both buildings, as both roofs are in poor condition. Hoffman stated that the roofs were poorly insulated. I know the roof will be greatly appreciated at the Police Department because it was something we should have done a few years earlier.
Hoffman stated that upgrading existing buildings is part of what dedicated city stewards need to do.
This is one of the times when we have to take action. Hoffman stated that it is unlikely for people to come in and be astonished by the difference. When the ceiling or roof begins to leak, it is noticed. These things need to be taken care of, especially where there is so much snow. “That’s a problem with flat roofing.”
City Hall’s electrical upgrade involved upgrading the 600-amp, 240-volt Delta system into a 1,200-amp new service. Roshell Electric says that the previous system was unable to keep pace with the power consumption of the building.
Hoffman is relieved that the City Hall electrical system will be replaced.
Hoffman stated that “this building could have kept up with 600 people in 1951 but with the advances of technology, we need more power and energy.”
Cesafsky explained that the project included installing new electrical equipment outside the building and a transformer provided by Xcel Energy. It also involved cutting out the fire station floor to install new wires and conduit, drilling through the basement walls and updating many of the electrical components at City Hall.
After all, the floor was patched. City Hall employees expect to have the ability to use the new system starting on December 1. Cesafsky explained that the old system was not compatible with the more modern equipment. Maintenance personnel were called in because of the current heating load.
Cesafsky stated that City Hall now has its transformer in the back of the building. The new equipment was also inspected.
It’s doing exactly what it should. The project as a whole is not yet finished. Cesafsky explained that there have been many delays in equipment and construction since the pandemic.
Hoffman says the outdated electrical system at City Hall has caused frustration among staff members and visitors.
The problem was it shut down if you used too much power. The furnace would stop working and blow a fuse. This would create problems over the weekend when no one was home. You don’t really want this to happen when the temperature is 20 degrees below zero. This is a mess. Hoffman stated that the building would freeze.
Hoffman stated that the investment was worth it, even though this project did cost a lot of money. According to Cesafsky, the estimated cost of upgrading City Hall’s electrical system is $150,000.
We know that we will have to deal with these issues at some stage. I have been pushing for upgrades to these items, and to general improvements during my tenure at City Hall. Hoffman explained that the preventative approach is important so as to avoid spending a lot of money on something completely damaged.
Roof services are vital for your home’s durability and security. Roofs are subject to wear and tear over time due to weather conditions, leaks or old materials. Commercial flat roof repair services offer comprehensive solutions that include inspections, roof repairs, new roofs and quality materials. For more information you can check right here where we give a better view of our service The Roof Technician commercial flat roof repair services in Toronto. Expert roofing services can provide a long-lasting and secure solution, whether it is to fix a roof leak or upgrade the whole structure. It will not only protect your home from the weather, but it also increases its value and resilience.
