Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Minutes October 24, 2023 Members Present: Anthony Mangiafico Steve Nelson Phil Pessina Eamonn Wisneski Ramona Burkey (Russell Library Director) Call to Order Meeting called to order at 5:01 PM by Co-Chair Anthony Mangiafico Public Comment on Agenda Items NONE Approval of Minutes 1. July 25, 2023 meeting: Steve Nelson moved to approve the minutes, Eamonn Wisneski seconded. Unanimous in favor. 2. September 23, 2023: Phil Pessina moved to approve the minutes, Steve Nelson seconded. Unanimous in favor. 3. Unfinished Business a. Timelines/Deadlines- Director Burkey reported that the Request for Proposal (RFP) went out. RFPs are due back on 11/22/23. The committee will need to decide who might serve on a consultant selection committee, and the committee will need to decide the initial criteria. Director Burkey reported that the DECD did not grant the Feasibility Committee application- the agency marked several strengths and no weaknesses, so it is unclear why this was not granted. Anthony Mangiafico asked for the committee to receive past rubrics for similar projects for contemplation. b. Sites: needs, viability, and configurations- The committee is unaware of any material developments since the last committee meeting. Eamonn Wisneski noted news articles about the arcade project, but no other known developments. c. Discussion of next phases of feasibility/capital planning As noted, the RFP is out and we await proposals. Discussion regarding the selection process. Eamonn Wisneski opined that the committee should set up a subcommittee to nimbly and efficiently move through the application process, particularly in light of the overall timeline/deadlines previously discussed. Phil Pessina stated that we will also rely on assistance from the City to move quickly. d. Project budget status update The City granted the Committee $200,000 for Phase 2 of the study, which remains available. 4. New Business a. HMA2 final report on Phase 1 Director Burkey noted the final requested changes to the report had been made, and that the report summarizes some of the work that the committee has done to date. Eamonn Wisneski moved to accept the report, Steve Nelson seconded. Unanimous in favor. 5. Executive Session to discuss property acquisition- None. 6. Additional public comment- None. 7. Adjournment- Steve Nelson moved, Eamonn Wisneski seconded. Unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:22 pm.