By Chris Neidenberg / Reporter

EAST RUTHERFORD (Sept. 3, 2009) — Increasing safety and improving appearance are two key objectives of the East Rutherford Memorial Library’s upcoming $273,000 renovations, according to Councilman Jeffrey Lahullier.

Lahullier, liaison to the library’s board of trustees, explained that the facility plans to institute major upgrades starting around the beginning of October, after tentatively awarding the lowest bidder a $273,000 contract.

Citing ongoing negotiations at press time, Lahullier said it was premature to publicly identify the contractor until the agreement was signed. Though he noted that six bids were received, ranging from $273,000 to $430,000.

On Aug. 18, the borough council approved a shared-services agreement with the library’s board for the renovations. The agreement empowers Borough Engineer Glenn Beckmeyer to oversee all work at the Boiling Springs Avenue site.

“The library board will entirely fund the project from its budget,” Lahullier explained in an e-mail, noting that the board has at least $658,929 in its 2009 operating outlay, based partially on a state funding formula factoring in the borough’s total assessed value.

“Renovations will be performed around the library’s hours of operation,” Lahullier wrote. “There may be some time the library will have to stay closed due to construction.”

If the project starts on schedule, the councilman added, work should be completed by May 2010.

Details on the renovations

Lahullier noted that the planned renovations entail a major exterior face-lift and a project aimed at assuring safer evacuation in case of fire.

One aspect of the project is “changing the existing swing door,” which will let the facility increase its maximum occupancy from 40 to more than 200 people, based on national fire safety guidelines.

“The front door now opens, or swings in, to enter the front vestibule,” he stated. “If a large group of people rushed to exit and pushed against the door, you would not be able to open it. ... Our new door will swing out to open.”

Further, Lahullier noted the project will see installation of “new front masonry stairs,” which will lead to a new platform. It will be built at the top of the steps to the entrance.

The councilman said this change seeks to enhance patrons’ safety and reduce the library’s liability risks. “It is a safety issue if you exit a door leading directly onto steps, rather than a platform,” he pointed out. He cited, as other objectives, “resolving sewer issues and foundation (water) leakage,” installation of new lawn sprinklers and enhanced outdoor lighting, as well as new windows and shutters, replacement of the exterior side door and painting the building’s exterior trim.

“This project does not include proposed renovations to the children’s library located in the basement,” wrote Lahullier. “That is another project, which, I believe, will be done in the near future.”

Board President Richard Evans could not be reached for comment after several attempts. Eventually, the library referred The Leader’s inquiry to Lahullier. The board recently appointed Ken French library director. He replaces the retired Karen DiNardo, who departed after 23 years of service.

The library was dedicated in 1951 and houses more than 28,000 volumes.

North Arlington recently underwent renovations to its library, as well. The $200,000 project will be celebrated by a grand opening Saturday, Sept. 12.