State: Winfield needs to clean up mold problem

The Illinois Department of Labor has informed Winfield officials they must act quickly to remove mold discovered in the basement of the village's police department.

Village Manager William Barlow said the notice received this week from the state agency was short on specifics, but said the village needed to act immediately to clean the basement space.

The village hasn't been fined by the Illinois Department of Labor, Barlow said.

"We've demonstrated that we're going to be proactive in handling this situation," Barlow said. "There's a recognition that we have to put a plan together here."

It could take up to two months before the basement will be open again to police department personnel. While estimates haven't yet been sought by the village, Barlow said the cleanup work could cost between $15,000 and $20,000.

The state agency fielded a complaint from a village employee who claimed Winfield officials weren't doing enough to remove mold growing in the basement following a May 24 flood.

Two companies have since come in at the village's request to assess the water damage and extent of the mold growth.

About half of the police department's 4,200-square-foot space is in the village hall's basement. Among the items located in the space are the department's locker room, evidence room, lunch room and some of its files.

For now, the area is off-limits to all employees.

The village has installed dehumidifiers to help remove excess moisture from the basement and much of the carpeting and damaged wall boards will need to be removed.

The last major village hall renovation came in 1996, which included the construction of handicapped-accessible entrances and washrooms, as well as an expansion of police department offices.

The police department has lobbied the village board in the past for a new facility.