BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioners approved termite tenting at Tingley Memorial Library on June 6.
“We have to tent,” said Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby, who is also acting as interim Public Works Director. “A few years ago the library had some termite infestation and Tom (former Public Works Director Tom Woodard) brought the proposal to have it tented and it was denied and the termite company did some treatment and they’re back.”
Cosby said termites are in the walls and digging up under the baseboards of the building.
He recommended the commission approve additional inspections at an annual cost of $1,220 every year for four years.
“That wood is aged enough and has had enough humidity from being out on the Island,” Cosby said. “We’ve had conversations about salvaging it and raising it for enhanced parking and doing some improvements. If we don’t keep up with it there may not be anything.”
He said the books also need to be protected from termites.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said she did not go along with the add-on option.
“I agree we should tent it, but I think the other is a waste of money,” Vosburgh said.
“It’s an inspection and a treatment,” Cosby said. “It’s the spot check and if they get it, we don’t wind up where we’re at now.”
“They’re going to tell you as soon as they remove the tent you can get termites right away,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I’m ready to vote for the tenting, but I am concerned about the other.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the $6,100 bid from Cloud Pest Control but did not approve the annual inspections.
The Tingley Memorial Library was built in 1994. The non-profit corporation is independent of the Manatee County library system and was funded originally by benefactor Beulah Tingley.
