Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 8, 2010 Wyckoff Library project seen going ahead at $3.9 million by John Koster The long-delayed expansion and renovation of the Wyckoff Memorial Library will likely be approved at a cost of $3.9 million. That figure is up from the $3.8 million discussed at a public meeting earlier this year, but down from the $4.5 million that was previously projected. The Wyckoff Township Committee and Wyckoff Library Board recently discussed the cost at a joint meeting. “It clearly seems to be moving toward some sort of resolution,” said Wyckoff Mayor Rudy Boonstra, who is also a member of the library board. Boonstra said late last week that both the township committee and the library board need to have one last meeting before the township committee approves the building permit, but that the two groups had negotiated seriously after a township committee meeting at which supporters and objectors of the expansion spoke. Many people who spoke urged the township committee to proceed with the construction, and promised their support in terms of funding and publicity. Others expressed concerns about a perceived lack of architectural oversight and the library board’s alleged coolness toward Jerry Goetting, an opponent of the plan. Goetting has argued that an internal expansion with a second row of stacks could complete the project for $1.5 million or less. Library architects and staffers have explained that installing a second floor inside the present structure would be structurally unsound and would lead to cramped head-space and increasing staff needs. Committee members, notably Brian Scanlan, had urged that environmental measures such as solar panels be installed as part of the initial construction. But the committee members also asked how the projected cost had gone from $3.8 million -- the figure the township committee concurred seemed fair last spring -- to $4.5, which committee members felt was high based on the present economy. Construction costs will be covered by funds the library has saved from the township’s mandatory annual contribution to the library, and significant voluntary contributions from individual residents and groups. Earlier this year, the township committee negotiated with the library board and received a $300,000 surplus for tax relief from the board. Marilyn Force, a long-term library staffer and interim director, is now heading library operations following the resignation of Library Director Judy Schmitt for health reasons a few weeks ago. Brownie Leaders Danyel Competiello and Annamarie Marino of Wyckoff Brownie Troop 24 recently held a Brownie Investiture ceremony at Sicomac School. The girls crossed from Daisys to Brownies and performed a skit, sang a song and recited the Girl Scout law as part of the ceremony. Bridge over happy waters CIRINO LANDSCAPING Fall Clean-Up Snow Plowing Personal Service Free Estimate ANY % New Clients Only • w/Coupon • Exp 1/31/11 • Not Combinable Suspension extended (continued from page 4) sponsored by the school board and may not be present for or attend any board-sponsored activities either on campus or in any school district where the school is participating in the activities during his suspension. According to the resolution passed by the school board, the student will be provided with an alternative educational program during the period of suspension from Ramapo High School that meets the core curriculum standards in accordance with state and federal laws. The student must also continue to participate in drug counseling and psychotherapy during the period of suspension, and the student’s chemical screening results must be provided to the student assistance counselor during the suspension. If the student engages in conduct warranting expulsion according to state law, or fails to comply with any of the terms and conditions of the suspension, it will amount to a knowing and voluntary waiver of the student’s right to a free and appropriate public education in the event that a decision to expel the student is made by the board according to state law. During the previous school year, long-term suspensions were imposed on two other students for drug-related activities. 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