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Board approves up to $550,000 for Cascade branch and Wisner Center furniture refresh
Summary
Manager Smith and staff recommended awarding furniture contracts to multiple vendors with a budget not to exceed $550,000; trustees approved the purchase, noting lead-time constraints and $40,000 pledged by Friends of the Library for specialty items.
The board approved procurement of furniture for the Cascade branch of the Kent District Library and the Wisner Center with a combined budget not to exceed $550,000.
Manager Smith and library staff said the project went to bid March 11 and returned three bids; two bidders included design assistance. After mandatory walk-throughs and interviews, staff recommended contracting with Custer Office Environments, Dwell Learning Environmental Specialist and Casper Corporation. Smith said staff interviews and direct purchasing choices could save an estimated 10% to 20% compared with using an outside consultant.
Staff emphasized tight lead times and warranty terms as primary selection criteria. The Friends of the Library pledged about $40,000 toward specialty play-space items such as a large play house; staff said some items may arrive a few weeks after the June soft opening but that orders would be placed immediately upon board approval. Trustees approved the recommended vendors and the not-to-exceed amount.
