The approval of a bid for Haddonfield Public Library renovations came just in time for National Library week.
Commissioners approved the bid for library renovations/addition from Premier Builders Inc., which submitted a bid of $1.77 million for the base bid with three alternate amounts of $185,000, $35,000 and $18,000. The meeting also introduced a bond ordinance on first reading for various capital improvements of $646,000, which commissioners also approved. The total cost of the project is estimated at $680,000.
“This is truly National Library Week because the library is moving ahead and will be closing on Sunday for our long-awaited renovation and expansion that is happening,” Library Director Susan Briant said.
After going out for bids time and again, the borough has finally received acceptable bids for the renovations.
Eight companies submitted bids with a base amount along with three alternates to do the renovation in varying amounts. Premier Builders Inc. was the lowest bidder in all categories and was therefore approved unanimously by the commissioners.
“This is great news for Haddonfield, and I want to thank the commissioners for all of their support, and the patient community,” Briant said.
The library planned to close on Sunday, April 19 and will be closed for about three weeks while staff sets up an alternative location at 123 Kings Highway, the old Accent Studio, for library service in Haddonfield — to open about May 11.
Residents will be able to obtain temporary library cards at the Camden County Library system, Cherry Hill Public Library and the Haddon Heights Public Library during the renovation. These library cards will be in effect during the time of the renovation until the library reopens.
Also approved at the meeting was the first reading of a bond ordinance for various capital improvements, including improvements to borough buildings; and the acquisition of trucks and equipment, including, but not limited to a garbage truck, front-end loader, chipper and police car cameras, and including all related costs and expenditures.
The improvements to borough buildings are estimated to cost $490,000, and the estimated amount of bonds and notes needed would be $465,500 for 20 years. The other expenditures are estimated to cost $190,000, and the estimated amount of bonds and notes needed would be $180,500 for five years. This totals $680,000 of estimated costs with $646,000 bonds and notes needed.
The public hearing and second reading will be held at the next commissioners meeting on April 28.
In other news:
• Commissioners gave proclamations to the Haddonfield Lions Club for Sight Awareness Month, the Distracted Driving Club for the National Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign and the Haddonfield Public Library for National Library Week.
• The ordinance to preserve cap bank was unanimously approved.
• Commissioners authorized setting the tax rate for the Open Space Tax Fund. The tax rate for 2015 shall remain the same at one half of $0.01 per $100 of assessed value.
• Commissioners approved the Environmental Commission’s “Earth Day” event for Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are permitted to set up a Popup Parklet to take up one parking space on the east side of Kings Highway between Mechanic Street and Haddon Avenue, set up chairs and tables in Kings Court and provide outdoor entertainment.
• The next commissioners meeting will be on April 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Borough Hall.
