Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Minutes Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Members Present Members of the Public Present Steve Nelson Howard Weissberg (Public Works) Phil Pessina Sandra Russo-Driska (WebX) Sheila Jones Eamonn Wisneski Ramona Burkey Call to Order Meeting called to order at 5:03 PM by Co-Chair Phil Pessina Public Comment on Agenda Items NONE Approval of Minutes of April 23, 2023  Motion made my Eamonn W to approve minutes of the April meeting.  2nd by Steve N Brief discussion followed on whether Library feasibility issues and notes needed to be added into the minutes, however it was decided that the April meeting was specific to City Hall and so the minutes will stand. Also, Ramona noted that it is WebX, not Zoom used by the committee. Note: Change choose to chose in 2nd to last paragraph.  All in favor with noted changes. Unfinished Business Timelines/Deadlines- Ramona B discussed the deadline for the Library to apply to the Community Investment Fund from the State. Planning on applying for $250k allows for a full and robust feasibility study of the Library. Deadline is June 30, 2023. They are currently working on the grant, so it is urgent to decide on whether or not we are still looking for a combination site for both buildings when it comes to applying for this grant. Phil P noted at this time we are looking at one site for City Hall and the next meeting it should be our intention to clarify. Discussion followed. Steve N noted while a site decision on the Library is not needed right now, we did need to identify the needs of the building and site requirements. Ramona discussed the deadline for the Library site to be put forward as November 2024.  Feasibility Study Comm Minutes Pg. 2 New Business Feasibility of Citizens Bank Site: Note: Henry was running late and so further discussion occurred on the Library grant deadine and what is needed to meet that, and also Phil P will inquire with the Mayor on site approval once we hear the results from Henry Myerberg. June 14th Meeting Conflict: choose new date The proposal for the next meeting date is Wednesday, June 21st since the car show is on June 14th and conflicts with our regular meeting. All agreed on this change of date. (Note: Henry Myerberg arrived at 5:19pm.) The feasibility of Citizens Bank Site presentation was made my Henry M. Phil recommended sending the presentation to committee members. Phil noted the charge of this committee is to research and decide locations best for both sites. The summary of the presentation found that the Citizens Bank site is not only feasible but desirable for the City Hall site, accommodating plenty of square footage for required spaces and parking, and the only remaining item to calculate is cost of the project. Confirm Regular Meeting Schedule Phil P. noted we moved June 14 to June 21, however going forward there is a proposal to move our regular monthly meeting schedule to the 4th Tuesday of the month @ 5pm beginning with Tuesday, July 25. Additional Public Comment Howard W commented that the presentation was fantastic and noted the Citizens Bank building is viable for City Hall but not the Library. An intern is going through the data and crunching the information needed from the City Hall surveys. Phil P asked that an email be sent to all committee member on the 4th Tuesday of the month and availability. Steve N asked Howard to look at available sites or ideas for sites for the Library site. Howard stated he would investigate sites and report at a future meeting. Discussion followed on the criteria and variables to be evaluated. Henry M noted the “pyramid” of prerequisites as presented is essential in determining sites and checking as many boxes as possible will help narrow down sites quickly. Phil P asked Howard W to have a presentation of sites available at the June 21st meeting. Discussion followed on s/f needed, and other significant elements needed in the site.  Feasibility Study Minutes Pg. 3 Adjournment  Motion made by Eammon Wisneski to adjourn the meeting at 5:49pm  2nd by Steve Nelson  All in favor Respectfully Submitted: Sandra Russo-Driska Notetaker, Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee