N. Merrick gears up for $1.2M capital projects vote

The North Merrick School District will hold a facilities referendum on Monday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Fayette Elementary School, giving the North Merrick community the opportunity to vote on the expenditure of $1.2 million of a $1.4 million capital reserve fund to make repairs at Camp Avenue, Old Mill Road and Fayette elementary schools.

In May 2009, North Merrick residents voted to approve the establishment of the fund to address various facility needs. After the vote, the district began setting aside surplus monies in the fund, which may not exceed a $1.4 million cap.

Since the money is already budgeted, expenditure of the capital fund would not increase property taxes, according to North Merrick Superintendent David Feller. "The money has already been set aside, so it won't have any impact on the tax levy, as well as anyone's taxes,” Feller said.

With input from residents during public meetings and from John Grillo, the district architect, and Jim Saitta, the director of school facilities, the Board of Education identified the most urgent projects, while remaining within the $1.4 million budget. Money was earmarked for the following:

1. $552,000 toward concrete and asphalt repairs at Camp Avenue and Old Mill Road.

2. $232,000 toward the removal and replacement of asbestos flooring at Camp Avenue, Fayette and Old Mill Road.

3. $339,000 toward renovations to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at Fayette and Old Mill Road.

4. $20,000 toward the renovation of gymnasium safety equipment at Fayette.

5. $57,000 for contingencies.

On Thursday, Saitta gave the Herald a tour of the district’s three schools, identifying the main problems that he believes must be corrected.

At Old Mill Road, Saitta said he wants to repave the sidewalk, which has several cracks, as well as fix the concrete surrounding the bus loop. In addition, he wants to add a curb to help delineate the line between the bus loop and the sidewalk.