Photograph by Paul Myers
While construction is under way for the new, improved Saratoga Branch of the Santa Clara County Library, library faithfuls continue to use the library's smaller temporary facility just down the street. Here, Frances Wong uses the automatic checkout machine.
San Francisco firm named for library's second phase
By Oakley Brooks
The city council has awarded a contract to San Francisco-based construction firm Thompson Pacific to begin the $8.9 million second phase of the Saratoga Community Library renovation.
Thompson Pacific's low bid, more than $400,000 below last year's estimates for completing the new 49,000-square-foot library on top of the recently finished foundation and footings, caused Assistant City Manager Lorie Tinfow to let out a quiet "yeah" when she announced the news to the city council Jan. 8.
Already construction costs on the first phase of the projected $14.5 million expansion have run the project some $200,000 over estimates. Unforeseen costs to move and store the library's books during construction, and to operate an interim library along Saratoga Avenue, have run another $225,000.
The overruns led the library project's oversight committee to warn the city council last month that the expansion was costing too much. Tinfow, who is coordinating the expansion for the city, told council members that in a pinch they could call on several contingency funds--including the interest earned on the bond money approved by voters in March 2000.
For the time being, however, most of the contingency funds won't be touched. After announcing Thompson Pacific's total bid, Tinfow urged the council on Jan. 8 to leave the bond interest in the bank.
Still, members of the city council, who one year ago ordered architect Mark Schatz to trim $500,000 from the library project, continued to operate with tight fists.
They urged Tinfow and construction manager Gilbane Building Co. to bargain Thompson Pacific down on the installment of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and energy-efficient double-paned windows in the new facility.
Some council members also balked at Schatz's request for nearly $58,000 for extra design work and added expenses, as the architect closes out his work for the city.
"I feel like we're getting nickeled and dimed here," Mayor Nick Streit said.
Council members with similar objections relented after Tinfow agreed to communicate to Schatz the city's reluctance to spend any more money on design, outside of his contract.
"We are all nervous about this next phase being a sinkhole for money," Councilwoman Ann Waltonsmith told Tinfow.
Thompson Pacific was scheduled to start construction this week, with the tentative opening of the renovated facility set for March 2003.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
