Two Capital Propositions for Northport Residents

The Northport BOE approved a motion for two propositions on the May ballot for replacement of two boilers with gas conversion and associated mechanical systems at Bellerose Avenue Elementary School, estimated at $600,000, and replacement of univents at both Northport Middle and East Northport Middle School for an estimated $245,000.

Those monies would come from the $200,000 remaining in the Capital Reserve left over from May 1997, as well as $645,000 drawn from the new Capital Reserve which was established in 2008.

In addition, an interfund transfer to capital of $1.275 million, which includes leftover money from the window replacement project at the East Northport Middle School plus $125,000 in grants would  be used for a major facelift for the Northport High School auditorium, including $150,000 for repairing and painting the ceiling; $727,000 for replacement of the floor and chairs; and $385,000 for air conditioning.

The Board approved the boiler replacement after hearing input from Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Anthony Resca, who said they were “almost ready to go.” An additional $50,000 would be needed to run a gas line into the building but that would be included in next year’s budget. Trustee Julia Binger noted that the cost might be covered under an which the district is currently exploring.

Trustees also reviewed a “bathroom manifest” based on input from all the principals in the district and agreed to allot a maximum of $113,000 for repairs to the bathrooms at Ocean Avenue Elementary School. Trustee Andrew Rapiejko  remarked on the extent of bathroom repairs needed throughout the district for things such as old urinals which "emit foul odors," rust stains which can’t be removed, and old and stained floors. “It sets the tone for the building,” he noted.

Resca said repairs are done as needed but that it was difficult to prioritize. He hadn’t seen the manifesto and wasn’t familiar with some of the complaints but said any concerns should be directed to his office. Board Vice President Donna McNaughton wanted to know why the head custodians at each school weren’t “banging down the door” about the issues.

Resca said work is done on a continuing basis, including reglazing and replacement of toilets. Superintendent Marylou McDermott said she would prefer that repairs not be done on a patchwork basis, and Resca said he would prepare an estimate of costs for the Ocean Avenue bathrooms by the end of the week.

The Board debated utilizing such a large amount of money for the auditorium renovation. In its , the Operations and Maintenance Committee had suggested that the seating and floor replacement, and installation of air conditioning be part of the 2014-2015 budget. A pdf of the Plan is attached to this article.

Trustee Jennifer Thompson noted that the entire district benefits from use of the auditorium at one time or another. Trustee Lori McCue wanted to see improvement in the house lighting, and asked if there were a way to repurpose the seats. Resca said that would be impossible because they are built to fit within an arc.

Trustees noted the need for repairs to the auditorium as well but tabled that in favor of repairs to the Ocean Avenue bathrooms.

The Board will finalize the budget on Monday, April 16 at 7:30 pm in the high school's large cafeteria.