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Library director warns transformer installation may be delayed after utility flags power-line work; board approves renovation invoices and travel
Summary
Director Isabelle told the Ripon Public Library Board that Alliant flagged the library’s power lines as unsuitable for a new transformer, meaning additional line work may delay installation and require another short closure; the board approved travel and several renovation invoices.
Isabelle, the library director, told the Ripon Public Library Board on June 5 that contractors received notice from the utility that the library’s existing power lines were "not in good enough shape" to accept a new transformer, requiring additional line replacement before the electrical service changeover.
"Alliant had called him saying actually we just looked at your power lines and they're not in good enough shape for us to install the new transformer," Isabelle said. She added the scheduling for the remedial line work is unknown and "it could be months out at this point," and warned the library may need to close again for the utility work.
The director said the transformer itself has been delivered and that the panel switch is required for new basement lighting and other finishes. She also described progress across the renovation: new shelving and layout work, a new teen space, upgraded adult computer stations with power grommets, and newly reconfigured single-stall ADA restrooms. Isabelle said staff and volunteers completed strenuous prep work and that circulation and program statistics were affected temporarily by the move.
The board also reviewed and approved renovation-related invoices. Members voted, by voice, to approve a Library Furniture International invoice for $68,352.21 for phase 2 shelving and furniture and a Hendrickson invoice for $56,288.16 covering phase 2/3 furnishings. According to the director, deposit amounts and a small hold-back for corrections appeared on the invoices; the board then approved a disbursement from the renovation fund to reimburse the city for payment of those invoices. The transcript record of the final disbursement total in one exchange was garbled and not confirmed during the meeting.
In other business the board unanimously approved travel for Isabelle to present at the Association of Rural and Small Libraries conference in September; Isabelle asked that the travel be counted as work time and said she would keep expenses within budget. Vouchers and other routine bills had no significant issues.
Board members emphasized close monitoring of the transformer and utility scheduling because of the project's grant-linked completion date. Isabelle reminded the board the grant requires the project to be finished by Sept. 30 and said she would provide updates if the utility schedule threatens that deadline.
