War Memorial waterproofing and steam‑pipe repairs tabled after councilors seek DPW briefing

The Finance Subcommittee on Dec. 23 tabled a $30,000 appropriation request for repairs at the War Memorial after councilors asked for more technical detail from the Department of Public Works.

The War Memorial Commissioner (Laddie), speaking for DPW staff who were not present, described the problem as leakage in the lower level caused by condensate/backflow in the steam return valves that created three areas of seepage. The repair plan in the packet included waterproofing an elevator pit (estimated in discussion as about $8,000–$10,000), repiping the steam returns (approximately $15,000), and a $5,000 contingency for unforeseen issues.

Councilor Jourdain pressed why the committee needed both pipe repairs and a separate waterproofing expense, arguing that if the leak came from a broken pipe then fixing the pipe should address the problem and additional pit waterproofing looked like a potential waste of $10,000. Laddie said the waterproofing request was intended as a preventative measure to guard against other possible failures in the basement and that some initial containment steps were already taken while full repairs remain pending. Committee members also questioned why the issue identified in May was returning now, and Laddie attributed delays to staffing transitions at DPW and difficulty getting the right parties to produce plans earlier.

Given the outstanding technical questions and an absence of DPW lead Carl (on break/vacation), the subcommittee voted to table the appropriation so DPW can present estimates and a clear scope when staff are available.

Sources: Discussion and tabling of Item 7 at the Dec. 23 finance subcommittee meeting.