2025 Facilities Projects Updates
As we prepare to ask the congregation for approval to renovate the CLC restrooms, we wanted to give a quick review of our 2025 Facilities projects.
What’s Finished
Roof Project
The roof project has been years in the making, with Dave Hill carrying the bulk of the hard work. The congregation approved a budget of $758,365.70 for the project in May of this year.
Construction started in mid-August and was completed this week, October 24th. The project has been very smooth, with limited disruption to our operations. The total of all invoices paid to our roofers is expected to be $668,900. There are several additional expenses, which are still accruing, including landscaping, electrical work, and ceiling tile replacements. However, the project has and will remain on schedule and under budget.
CLC Trees & Landscaping
In preparation for the roof project, all of our experts advised us to trim or remove any trees overhanging the CLC Building. We expected to remove only 4 along the front of the building, but unfortunately, a large one on the south side of the building was too diseased to safely remain. This project also entailed extensive dirt removal to ensure proper drainage, stump grinding, irrigation system modifications, and new sod. Additionally, all of the remaining trees across the entire property were inspected and trimmed as needed as part of our typical annual maintenance.
Termite & Basement Projects
The Basement (yes, we have one!) has undergone several improvements this year. We discovered termites in several locations on the property, including the Sanctuary and the Basement. Approximately $1,000 was needed to remediate the garden beds on either side of the Sanctuary to help prevent future infestations. Several more thousand dollars were required to remove a substantial amount of old wood and trash from the basement.
Once the basement was empty of wood and termites, we also undertook a project to properly seal it. Over the years, water pooled under the concrete slab above and washed out substantial portions of the dirt, causing major water damage to the electrical and plumbing equipment in the basement. In total, we had to remove a substantial amount of concrete, fill in the voids, use a tar-like substance to properly seal the electrical conduit running into the wall, pour new concrete for the slab, replace several water heater pumps, and install a new sump pump.
Fire System Repairs
During our annual fire system inspections, it was discovered that several sprinkler heads were either damaged or improperly installed, but they were all able to be repaired. Additionally, it was discovered that the backflow prevention valve that connects our fire sprinklers to the city water supply needs attention as well. The valve itself is intact, but it is continuously flooded with groundwater and will require additional upgrades to stay dry, per city code.
HVAC Project
Many of our critical air conditioning units in the CLC were over 20 years old, years past their expected lifespans, and no longer able to keep up. Additionally, several units in the Main Building were in need of repairs to maintain a full lifespan. The congregation voted in January of this year to approve up to $250,000 to undertake the project.
For the budget, we only expected to be able to replace 5-7 units. Instead, we were able to completely replace 8 units and make substantial repairs on 3 additional units. The CLC Kitchen unit is still in need of replacement, but overall, a substantial amount of deferred maintenance was overcome. If you didn’t notice it was hot all summer, this is why!
Sanctuary Boiler
The Sanctuary Boiler received approval at the end of 2024, but the installation didn’t take place until January of this year. During the process, we discovered that both of the circulation pumps adjacent to the boilers needed to be rebuilt. Additionally, a CO gas detection and emergency shutoff system had to be installed to remain compliant with state regulations.
What’s Next?
In addition to the completed projects above, we still have several more in progress with approved funding:
Security Upgrades
We have relocated a key card lock to the front of Kourage Health to so that members still have access during off-hours, but we can ensure the area is secure during busy weekends. New key card locks will be installed on the Parlor and Scout Room doors next month, along with a new security camera and several camera relocations. $11,403 was budgeted for this in the 2025 Harvest process.
Accessible Power Doors
Power doors will be installed at the Choir Room entrance as well as the CLC Lobby doors. Electrical wire has already been run, and we are in the process of replacing a damaged door at the CLC before the final installation. $12,780 was allotted for this with 2025 Harvest money.
Music Area Refresh
The Choir and Handbell Rooms, along with the surrounding hallways and storage areas, have been in disrepair for some time. The carpets are irreparably stained, there are several damaged walls, and new paint is needed. We are in the process of refining the scope of work and collecting bids.
