The Holyoke City Council Finance Committee approved a $30,000 transfer Jan. 14 to address repairs at the War Memorial building, including replacement of steam pipes and measures to stop water entering the elevator pit.

Matt Peterson of the Department of Public Works, who identified himself as DPW building maintenance staff, explained the $30,000 estimate: about $15,000 to repair the steam condensate pipes and roughly $15,000 for waterproofing and foundation sealing around the elevator pit and adjacent areas. Peterson said quotes include sealing concrete and work around the elevator’s hydraulic cylinder to protect new elevator components from further water damage.

Committee members pressed for clarity about the water’s source. Councilor Sullivan said if groundwater is entering through a foundation crack, a simple sealant would not be adequate and more extensive excavation and footing drains might be required. Peterson said his understanding, based on earlier work by predecessors, is that groundwater had been entering the pit before the recent pipe leak and that the quoted waterproofing addressed known foundation seepage.

Councilor Sullivan recommended a low-cost analysis of the water to test for chlorine (indicating a water-main leak) or sewage indicators; Peterson agreed to investigate whether the water department could run such tests.

Committee members voted to approve the transfer; the chair said the item will move forward to the full council.