Waynesville branch library set to reopen after HVAC and roof upgrades; county and foundation funded improvements

Facilities and maintenance director Tim Sisk and Waynesville branch library director Kathy Wasser updated the board on a multi‑month HVAC, chiller and roof project at the Waynesville library.

Sisk said three new air handlers are installed and connected to controls, two new bores are producing hot-water temps reported at 180 degrees, a new natural-gas service now supports building heat (replacing electric heat), the new chiller was set and scheduled to be run, and piping, valves and controls are in place. He said the work included fire-alarm panel replacement and structural repairs to damaged truss tails, soffits and framing; the roof was replaced with a 30‑year architectural shingle and associated gutters and fascia were repaired. Contractors named included RISE Construction, Superior Mechanical, McGill Associates (MEP), ISGA Electric, Trane and Hanes Technology.

Wasser said the Waynesville branch will reopen Monday, March 23 at 9 a.m., thanked the board and county administration for funding, and noted the library foundation provided roughly $20,000 to replace additional worn carpet with luxury vinyl plank. She said staff scanned and inspected the entire collection during closure, the IT department has installed new public computers for the Waynesville branch, and circulation and door counts increased sharply at other branches during the closure (Maggie Valley branch reported a 164% increase in door counts and a 171% increase in circulation across December–January for a small branch open two days a week).

Commissioners asked about projected energy savings from the natural-gas conversion; Sisk referenced a comparable Armory project that showed about a $4,000 monthly utility difference (not a guaranteed number) and said the new system will provide better longevity, controls and efficiency. The board thanked staff and contractors and approved routine items later in the meeting.