By Laura Lane
However, they would like to get the community involved and hope to do so by forming a campaign committee.
³We¹re trying to get positive information out into the community and get people excited about the renovation of the library,² said Bill Pezzulo, the vice president of the North Merrick Board. ³And we¹d like members of the community to come up with different ideas on how to inform the public of the plans. All interested people have to do is write a letter to Margaret Cincotta (North Merrick Library director) and include their background and experience in publicity and campaigning.²
After the meeting, trustees voted in executive session to hire Park East Construction. Trustees said the company has offered efficient alternatives to complete the library¹s renovations without increasing the cost. The construction manager will be available to answer any questions at an upcoming meeting.
Pezzulo said he recently attended a public meeting held by the Long Island Power Authority to let them know that the North Merrick Library is interested in using renewable energy sources.
³The new lights in the library will be energy efficient and the architects are very interested in positioning the light fixtures and windows in such a way that we¹ll be able to use more daylight and less energy,² Pezzulo explained. ³We¹re investigating using solar panels on the roof to provide a portion of our electricity which I discussed with a LIPA representative.²
Trustees have also put in motion an application to become a municipality. Pezzulo said that Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg has been very helpful. He instructed trustees on how to file a municipality agreement with the county. If it¹s approved by the legislature, the library will be able to apply for a grant for up to $5,000 in Sept.
³In 2008 we¹ll be able to apply for a county grant too,² Pezzulo said. ³We¹ve reached out to between 10 and 12 public officials hoping to get all the grant money we can. We have intentions to apply for grant money from the state too and hope that the town will also help. But the library will have to finance some of the project.²
The next Library board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Comments about this story? E-mail llane@liherald.com or call (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
