Capitola Library Faces Power Pole Hurdle

By Jondi Gumz

Rain delays and a problematic PG&E power pole mean the new Capitola library under construction will not be ready to open until the fall.

The contractor, Otto Construction, is making progress on the $15.15 million project despite the COVID-19 crisis, which has shuttered many non-essential businesses.

“It’s starting to look pretty good,” said Steve Jesberg, Capitola’s public works director.

He got a 5-0 vote Thursday night from the City Council, authorizing him to pay PG&E up to $400,000 to remove the power pole at the corner of Wharf Road and Clares Street.

It’s just beyond the new library’s wide expanse of windows.

At the groundbreaking in November 2018, officials expected the 11,700-square-foot building would be complete in late 2019. The next date was for completion in May and now September or October.

Delays were caused by rain and by discussions on what to do about the power pole.

The idea of undergrounding the utility lines was explored first, but that was too expensive, leaving removal of the power pole as the only option.

Meanwhile, PG&E — burdened by wildfire bills — filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and has been trying to find its way out ever since.

Jesberg said he had approached PG&E to get a cost estimate for the power pole relocation but never got one.

He said he expected PG&E to invoice the city, with the city required to pay upfront and the project starting eight to 10 weeks thereafter.

Previous city estimates put the cost at $300,00 to $400,000.

Jesberg had some good news: With some unexpected revenue and careful spending for furnishing and fixtures, about $650,000 is left in the library project budget to cover the power pole expense.

With the city facing a $2.2 million shortfall in hotel room tax revenue due to COVID-19 shutdowns, the council voted 4-1 to hire pollster Gene Bregman for $15,000 to ask voters if they would support higher taxes.

The poll will ask about three options, raising the sales tax, raising the utility tax and extending Measure F, the 10-year increase in the sales tax by one-quarter percent for essential city services.

Councilwoman Yvette Brooks voted no. Councilman Ed Bottorff voted yes, but he questioned whether a higher sales tax would be a solution given the COVID-19 store shutdowns.

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