Congregation Kehillat Israel
April, 2021
Building report

While our building was not in use for most of the year several tasks were accomplished:
1. 2.The Rabbi’s study/office was refurbished (carpet, pain, stains, furniture etc)
2. The landscape was cleaned up with major tree/shrubs trimming
3. The new security pad was installed on east door to allow entry by code
4. The intercom and “door release” buttons from Katherine and the Rabbi’s office were repaired
5. Security / deadbolt locks were installed on all doors as a tool for “active shooter” defense
6. Security cameras (four) were purchased and installed where Katherine can monitor by remote
7. New KI signage on the corner of Forrest and Aurelius Rd was installed
8. Hallway Carpet (deep cleaning) this year was accomplished as well as annual social hall floor
9. Several boiler repairs including a new boiler room exterior door was installed (LFD has code)
10. Long term repairs and capital improvement plan was accomplished by a team
11. New drinking water dispenser purchased / installed along with routine plumbing repairs

I would like to thank so many members who have invested dozens of hours in support of all of the above accomplishments. David Weiner, Liz Harrow, Rachel and Ben Amber, Jim Zacks, Ken Glickman, our own Katherin Booker, and so many others who have provided work and guidance to the building committee. I especially want to thank Rachel Amber who has stepped up to take over as chair of the committee for the upcoming 24 months. Yesher Ko’ach to all!

Building Committee Notes on Building Needs and Proposals – March 2021

There is a $20,000+ surplus from this year’s budget. Here are some thoughts about what to do with it in the short term.
Building priorities short term (1 -2 years):
1. Put in zoom and streaming technology for sanctuary, social hall and several class rooms
2. Fix or find an alternative to the drain pipe from the east roof to the city storm sewer. One solution would be a rain garden
3. Fix up the Sukkah and get new outdoor furniture
4. Create handicapped restroom or find alternative for handicapped access to existing bathrooms
5. Put in overhang or awning over upper parking lot entrance door
6. Repair railing and, if necessary, front steps going into the library
7. Repair leak in the patio which goes into the basement. Resurface the Patio
8. Put in special key locks (?) for access to building by fire department
9. Put in security glass on Library outside doors. Replace mat throw rug in library by door.

The Building Committee has done a walk through of the building and prepared a proposal on short term improvements for the Board’s consideration.

Building Priorities Long Term
Key question: are we going to stay in this building for longer than 5 years? 10 years? Longer? To make this decision, we need to consider the other two alternatives proposed—move to another building (e.g., the Church on Hagadorn) or move onto a Lansing Jewish Campus at the Shaarey Zedek site. We have an ad hoc committee looking at the single campus idea. We need to decide how to broaden this discussion.
Once we have made a decision about whether we are going to stay or go, we can enumerate the various options/needs for the existing building for the long term. Some of these include:
1. New HVAC
2. Electrical upgrade
3. Permanent handicapper toilet facilities
4. Upgrading our kitchen
5. Changes to the roof, including a new roof at some point
6. New driveway from upper parking lot to lower parking lot
7. New insulation
8. Changes in signage and landscaping