Gary city employees assemble outside of City Hall during a community cleanup held Friday, September 17, 2021 (Michael Gard for the Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard / Post-Tribune)

Extreme temperatures have the city of Gary grappling with how to fix or replace its aging cooling system.

The Gary Common Council meeting was cancelled Tuesday after temperatures in council chambers registered over 82 degrees, Trent McCain, deputy mayor, said.

There are about six air exchangers in city hall and the unit currently down impacts the sector that includes the council chambers, Cleo Wesson Lounge, the Office of Constituent Services and possibly the board room, he said.

Currently, the other parts of city hall are OK. McCain said the city’s HVAC company, Mechanical Concepts of Gary, was out to inspect the unit and determine if repairs are possible.

“We are going to try to see if they can get it back online. Plan B is to get some portable units,” McCain said.

Problems with the air conditioning also made for an uncomfortable June city council meeting as temperatures soared in the triple digits outdoors. That time it was the chiller and workers were able to repair it, though the chambers remained uncomfortably warm for participants, he said.

Repairs of the aging system can be a challenge. Supply chain issues mean parts are not always readily available, McCain said.

“In the long term we are looking at taking a total assessment of our air condition unit… to see whether or not a replacement of the AC is warranted,” McCain said.

McCain said he spoke with Council President William Godwin, D-1st, and bringing council meetings on the road to other places in the city — such as ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen and the Gary Public Library — may be an option if repairs cannot be made in a timely fashion.

Godwin did not respond to requests for comment.

Marianetta Barber, executive director of public works, said the city has had issues with its cooling system for as long as she has been employed with the city.

“The system is old. When the heat gets to be 90 degrees, 90 tends to just shut us down,” Barber said.

It is difficult to tell just how old the system is because it is made up of multiple units that were not installed at the same time. A lot of the problems arise because of the way the system was built. Units were place in different rooms that are difficult to access and have little room for workers to conduct repairs, she said. Construction on the building itself was completed in 1928, according to information from the Gary Public Library.

“They are hard to get at,” Barber said.

Another challenge is over the years the city has had multiple companies come in and work on or install units.

“Each administration uses funds to keep it moving, repairing, repairing,” Barber said. Her recommendation is to evaluate the entire HVAC system and get bids on what a complete replacement would cost.

“All I can say is we are doing the best we can under the situation,” Barber said.

McCain said if the city moves forward with a replacement of the HVAC system, it will be able to tap American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for it. Funds are allowed to be used on improvements or replacements of HVAC systems to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“I’ve instructed our building crew to work very quickly. We are mindful of the supply change challenges there are and want to get it assessed as quickly as possible and get the necessary appropriations so we can start ordering unit in time to install. I have no idea what the lead time is, but I do know it is extended,” McCain said.

Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.