Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: The Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, a historic landmark in the heart of Elgin, continues to stand as a living piece of local history, thanks to the dedication of a small but passionate group of volunteers. Last week, the city council unanimously approved an updated agreement with the nonprofit organization that manages the museum. The fire barn, located at 533 St. Charles Street, was originally built in 1903-1904 to house two horses and a hose wagon. At the time, it was the southernmost building in Elgin, marking an important part of the city's early fire department history. Under the new agreement, the city remains responsible for maintaining the building, covering utility costs (excluding telephone service), and providing property insurance. Last year, the city spent approximately $4,456 on utilities and $945 on insurance. The city also handles periodic repairs and plans to repaint the exterior this year. Although the previous five-year contract expired in 2002, it continued under the same terms, including a symbolic $10-per-year lease. The new agreement keeps these conditions largely unchanged, with a five-year term and the same low rental fee. However, the revised contract includes an automatic renewal clause, extending the agreement for additional five-year periods unless either party decides to terminate it. The nonprofit is also required to maintain and update museum records, including an inventory of the collection, which must be made available to the city. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan work tirelessly to keep operating costs low, handling much of the maintenance themselves. They spend around $200 annually on fuel for the museum’s three antique fire vehicles, which are used in parades and special events. Two of the vehicles are stored in local fire stations, while one is on display at the museum. The group has been seeking a dedicated storage space for the past two years. Despite these challenges, the museum remains a popular attraction, welcoming about 672 visitors in 2016—its usual annual number. It relies entirely on donations and volunteer efforts, with 77 active members contributing each year. Betts has volunteered for five years, while Carrigan has been involved for seven. This year, the museum added new exhibits, including a wall dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, and a display about a devastating fire in 1956 at the Rialto movie theater, which led to the collapse of its roof. Carrigan is also working on a special project: a historical yearbook-style publication chronicling the 150-year history of the Elgin Fire Department. He hopes to release it by midsummer. Thanks to the efforts of Rich Hoke, the city’s Building Maintenance Superintendent, the fountain in front of the museum will soon be restored and operational during warmer months. The museum itself, filled with fire department memorabilia, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993. The space is available for rent for various events, including memorial services, children’s birthday parties, and visits from groups like the Northern Illinois Fire Buffs. Due to its volunteer-run nature, the museum is typically open every other Sunday afternoon, though visitors are encouraged to call ahead at 847-697-6242 or email for more information. Admission is suggested at $2 for adults and $1 for children under 7. For more details, visit www.elginfiremuseum.com/. Thanks, Dan Pleated Filter Elements,Stainless Steel Pleated Filter Element,Pleated Filter Element,Ss Pleated Filter Element ANPING COUNTY ANSHENG WIRE MESHES PRODUCT CO.,LTD. , https://www.aswiremesh.com