Great Neck Library trustees on Wednesday approved $140,000 in new charges for the renovation of the Main Branch including $59,000 for the installation of an electrical transformer.
Russell Davidson, president of KG&D Architects, the project’s consultant, told trustees the new transformer became necessary when the PSEG refused to hook up cables to the current equipment.
“They told us, ‘We don’t allow that transformer anymore. You have to get a new one, and this is the cost,’” Davidson said. “We didn’t anticipate that this wasn’t allowed.”
Davidson said PSEG said the existing transformer no longer meets LIPA specifications.
Several trustees objected to LIPA forcing taxpayers to buy and install new equipment because it was easier for PSEG to maintain.
But citing their lack of choices, they voted to pass a motion to pay for the new transformer.
Trustees said they accepted VRD Contracting’s $52,000 installation bill for wiring outdoor electric light poles as a necessary expense.
But several trustees said they took issue with a $3,600 quote for high tech quad outlets, used for charging stations for laptops and cellphones, kiosks for the library catalogs, and other electronics.
“Four thousand dollars is insignificant” compared with a budget in the millions, said building committee member Les Kahn. “But $1,000 per quad? It seems incredible to me.”
LibraryTrustee Josie Pizer proposed that the board delay its decision on the outlets so trustees could further review the proposal.
But Davidson advised against waiting.
“The walls are open,” he told them. “Do it now, or don’t.”
All trustees voted yes for both expenditures except for Pizer, who voted against the high-tech outlets.
Trustees said they also wondered about an extra hardware charge of $4,000 for door closers.
“You’re spending over $150,000 in door hardware in your new library. It’s not uncommon that you miss a couple of things,” Davidson said. “Overall, you’re getting really good value for this.”
Trustees also signed off on a new bathroom for staff, storm drain and plumbing work, and an $8,300 charge for two-inch conduit recommended by Verizon and Corstar, the library’s IT vendor, to lessen work in future installations.
The new charges boost the $9.6 million construction bill, but come out of the budget’s contingency line.
The work will not delay the spring 2016 opening, library Executive Director Kathy Giotsas said.
“I think the public is going to be really excited when they see the new building,” she told the Great Neck News.
The board also voted to accept a $5,885 bid for tree pruning by Davey Tree Expert at the Main Branch, to avoid damage by branches over the winter, and $30,525 bid for Jani King cleaning services.
They also approved $72,064 for property and liability insurance through Sept. 1, 2016, with Utica Insurance Companies.
Board President Marietta DiCamillo presented a plaque to outgoing interim Director Christine Johnson, who started in 2001 as a senior librarian and is leaving for a different job.
