Council ponders window cleaning

Soap Lake — The Soap Lake Public Library will see some improvements.

Several years ago, vandals severely damaged the emergency exit door while attempting to break in the building, according to Mayor Pro tem DeVaun Black during the Soap Lake council meeting Wednesday.

"We beat it back in with a sledgehammer," Black said.

The inadequate door is still missing several pieces and is difficult to open.

Councilmember Maynard Hagen obtained an estimate totaling more than $800 for a new steel door.

"I think it's something important we should do," Black said.

Councilmember Barney Berg questioned the durability of the new door with regard to future vandalism.

"How do we stop people from attempting to break in, I don't know," Hagen said.

Councilmember Kandis Lair suggested a motion light system to deter negative activity.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of the door.

It will take approximately four weeks to receive the door, Councilmember JoAnn Rushton said.

The librarian requested additional help from the council for cleaning purposes.

The request entailed removing some windows from the building to clean them and reseal them. Hard water stains cover the windows and block the view of the lake.

"It's not a matter of urgency or safety," Black said.

City staff has not found a company with the proper equipment to remove the old windows and clean them.

Lair suggested replacing the windows with new ones and finding a way to prevent water from splashing onto them.

Council did not make a decision.