Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 5:00pm Present: Sheila Jones Anthony Mangiafico Steve Nelson Jon Pulino Sandra Russo-Driska Joe Samolis Eamonn Wisneski Ramona Burkey (Russell Library Director) John DiFillippo Jade Esplin Shuyu Fang Benjamin Florsheim Christopher Nardi David Stein Margaret Sullivan 1. Call to order: Chairman Anthony Mangiafico called the meeting to order at 5:00. 2. Public comment on agenda items: None. 3. Approval of Minutes: Steve Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2024 committee meeting, Eamonn Wisneski seconded. All in favor except Sandra Russo-Driska abstained from the vote. 4. Unfinished Business a. Timeline and deadlines: Ramona Burkey reported that there were no recent developments impacting timelines and deadlines, but that might change if the committee selects a library location. b. Sites: deferred for later in meeting. c. Discussion of next phases of feasibility/capital planning: deferred until later in the meeting. d. Budget status: Ramona Burkey reported that the budget is on track, as we are approximately halfway through the consultant timeline and have spent approximately half of the consultant budget at this point. 5. New Business a. Consultant status reports: Silver Petrucelli + Associates, Margaret Sullivan Studios: Margaret Sullivan presented to the Committee on the results of the community input sessions and online survey. The in-person sessions were productive- attendees tended to come in waves , enabling deeper conversations with participants. There were over 70 live community input session participants (in seven different sessions across Middletown) spanning 3000 minutes of total interaction. There were also over 680 responses to the online community survey, which Margaret stated was a positive sign about library reach into the community. The participants identified many Middletown strengths (a civically engaged population, family friendly, diversity) and challenges (post-COVID loneliness, lack of places for teens, limited spaces for co-working or meetings). Margaret Sullivan then presented the key takeaways from the community input in four categories: Library Location, Library Facility, Variety of Program Spaces, and Sense of Community. Library Location: most of the community wants the library to remain close to downtown, preferably at its current location, due to a number of factors: supporting economic development, pedestrian-friendly to adjacent areas, and accessible to residents. Library Facility: the community expressed affection and appreciation for the historical library building, but noted that it is not accessible for all, lacks clear wayfinding, and does not always allow for a welcoming and inviting ambiance. Variety of Program Spaces: the community wants more intentionally designed spaces for specific purposes, including children, teen development, co-working, group meeting spaces, arts and culture events, and intergenerational learning experiences. Sense of Community: the community greatly values the library and trusts library leadership to improve library services in Middletown. One program participant, who described himself as a low-income resident, that said that the Russell Library saves him from something every day- from saving money borrowing materials or otherwise serving as a lifeline to his existence. Community members listed their most desired potential reasons to visit the library: sense of community (intergenerational activities/events, joyful and inviting atmosphere), career and job support (job searching coaching, co-working & meeting space), family and youth development (more programs and resources for teens, childcare), inclusive and diverse resources (various forms of media available including E-books, increased books/DVDs/magazines), and vibrant programs (intergeneration and bringing the community together in various ways). The community also desires increased convenience (more/better parking, bookmobile, Amazon-type lockers for picking up books/materials/things) and safety (ADA accessibility, inclusive design, more/better restrooms, covered path to parking). Margaret Sullivan said that these potential improvements were particularly popular with families and senior citizens. The survey revealed that what the Middletown community values most about the Russell Library: the historical building and downtown location, children's programs and services, community events and programs, friendly and helpful staff, access to books in various formats, resources and services to support career development, and the safe and quiet space. The community also identified barriers to enjoying the library: the building interior is not accessible or easy to navigate, parking that is not convenient or affordable, lacking public awareness of offered library programs and services, limitation in operational hours, a lack of community gathering space, and no space for co-working or group meetings. The most popular spaces that survey participants said would make them stay at a new library longer included a community café, reading nooks, event space, community garden/green space, "library of things" (a collection of items, such as specialty cake pans, that are useful to residents but might not be affordable or otherwise make sense to own), community living room, and an art studio/gallery. Other original ideas suggested by individual participants included a teen hangout space, intergeneration gathering space, messy maker spaces, meditation room, and a yoga room. Margaret Sullivan said that although the community café is a popular national library trend, this is particularly true according to Middletown residents that identified the city as a "foodie town." The top five outdoor elements the community would use the most per survey results were outdoor reading areas, a garden, a rooftop garden, outdoor play space, and a plaza. The programs and activities most desired by the community were programs designed to explore (community culinary workshop), study & work (homework help, small business classes), connect (cultural sharing supper, social clubs), thrive (food pantry, social services, community childcare), and play & create (STEM activities, arts classes). Additional original suggestions from participants included calligraphy lessons, career prep classes, town history session, family movie nights, volunteer programs, and gaming nights. Margaret Sullivan noted that using food as a cultural connector was a frequent discussion theme. Low-income or fixed budget responders, including the "ALICE" population with incomes above the poverty level but struggling to survive, were particularly interested in places to thrive. One man said that the Lawyers in the Library program at the Russell Library saved him from not having the resources that he needed. The tools and collections most desired by the community included resources to explore (tool set, sewing machine), resources to study & work (laptops, college admission test prep), resources to learn (graphic novels, various formats of E-books), resources to thrive (library of things, mental health resources), and resources to play & create (Legos, Nintendo Switch, 3D printer/pen, painting materials). Additional original resource suggestions from community participants included teen volunteer opportunities, meeting technology resources, adult career reenter resources, and board games. Margaret Sullivan concluded by observing that although the amount of input was significant, the most important takeaway was the clear affirmation from the Middletown community about how important the Russell Library is in their quality of life experiences. Steve Nelson inquired about the community's specific response to perceived parking issues. Margaret Sullivan said that although a limited number of people said that they do not visit the library at all due to parking issues, most responding that parking was adequate but believed that a lack of available parking spaces and feeling unsafe crossing the street could be barriers to others using the library. Jade Esplin of Margaret Sullivan Studios said that parking issues were more prevalent among online survey takers, with respondents describing parking as both an access issue and an affordability issue. Paid parking is a pain point. Shuyu Fang of Margaret Sullivan Studios added that some users have to limit the way they interact with the library out of concerns about paying for additional parking. Steve Nelson said that libraries frequently experience this issue and should have onsite and accessible parking. The Russell Library currently has only one accessible parking spot in front of the building. Patrons still make it to the library, but parking is often cited as a barrier to increased usage. Margaret Sullivan said that patrons in need of accessible parking spots noted difficulties. She reported a perception that parking could be improved by using a timestamp or other method to allow limited free parking in the library area. Eamonn Wisneski thanked the consultants for collecting this data- a lot of people have anecdotal evidence and individual perceptions, but it is helpful to have a deeper understanding of community desires. He also was encouraged to hear that the community is so supportive of the Russell Library. Margaret Sullivan said that the team will continue to analyze the data and present additional findings in the future. The Feasibility Committee next heard an update from Christopher Nardi and David Stein of Silver Petrucelli + Associates. His biggest update were developments at a recent meeting with Mayor Florsheim, Director Burkey, Eamonn Wisneski, and officials from the State Historical Preservation Office about potential renovation of the existing Russell Library campus. The group walked the library campus, including the main library building, the "White House" used for staff office space, and the outside of the "Yellow House" on Broad Street. Based on the Yellow House prior interior reconfiguration, current condition, the library's goals in serving the Middletown community, and the importance of maintaining a downtown presence and ensuring continued use of the historical church segment of the building, the group agreed that the existing building should be considered a loss. The group discussed maintaining the fabric of the neighborhood and the rhythm of the existing buildings on campus and in the neighborhood. Chris Nardi said that the group also discussed the possibility of seeking potential library construction grants, including Community Investment Fund library construction grants or tax credits for library renovation. Following the community input sessions and online survey, Silver Petrucelli + Associates continues to work on potential building programing and space needs for a next generation library. Chris Nardi shared updated graphics of potential building footprints on the existing Russell Library campus based on the conversations regarding the rhythm of the neighborhood, and will continue to examine how to balance the historical nature of the church with programmatic needs in a new library. There were no other notable changes to the pros and cons regarding other examined sites. Based on programmatic analysis and feedback from the state, the current Russell Library campus is validated as a viable site. The team is not yet ready for a cost estimate, pending additional analysis, but would anticipate a cost of over $60 million dollars based on recent trends for renovations of this type. Proposed underground parking at the library would have an impact on cost estimates. David Stein noted potential unknowns in construction costs, including finding adverse conditions once construction starts and the limited campus size compromising construction work area. Anthony Mangiafico questioned whether the Hubbard Room should be retained considering all circumstances. The committee discussed the tension between the perceived historical value of the room (noted to be in the rear of the building with limited street visibility) with practical considerations, including existing graphics depicting a service entrance in that area of the building and the proposed underground parking access. Steve Nelson inquired about rooftop amenities, such as an outdoor garden identified in the community surveys. Chris Nardi agreed that a rooftop green space could bring an otherwise lacking outdoor presence to the library. After the consultant presentation concluded, the committee returned to discussion of the deferred next phases of feasibility/capital planning- City Hall status. Mayor Florsheim reported that the city continues to work with an architect to assess the current City Hall facility, which should confirm current status but also help identify the highest and best use of the site. The same team continues to analyze an identified potential new location on Main Street with the same architect to confirm that it would be an appropriate City Hall site. Mayor Florsheim said that although City Hall does not have the same urgent facilities issues as the Russell Library, the building is not meeting space needs, so initial rental of the proposed Main Street site could help alleviate urgent space pressures while providing further opportunity to evaluate the building. The exact timeline for such a temporary move remains unclear at this point while the facility assessment is underway. Any lease term would be limited in time and scope (meaning a portion of the existing building), and there are some accessibility concerns that could limit immediate use for public meetings. The committee discussed the possibility that the current City Hall site could be a temporary Russell Library location in the event of a significant renovation at the existing library campus requiring demolition of some portions of the building. The biggest advantage of the proposed location is an existing building located on Main Street. Steve Nelson thanked Mayor Florsheim for his involvement in the SHPO meeting. Mayor Florsheim stated that the potential loss of the Yellow House would be justified as to greatly improve library facilities. 6. Executive Session to discuss sites: Anthony Mangiafico moved to enter Executive Session with an invitation to Mayor Florsheim and Director Burkey to attend. Sandra Russo-Driska seconded. Unanimous in favor. Executive Session commenced at 6:05 pm. Steve Nelson moved to exit Executive Session at 6:24, Eamonn Wisneski seconded. Unanimous in favor. The committee exited Executive Session at 6:24 pm. Sandra Russo-Driska made a motion that the Feasibility Committee move the current Russell Library site forward as the proposed site for the Russell Library. Seconded by Steve Nelson. Unanimous in favor. 7. Additional public comment: none. 8. Adjournment: Steve Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Sandra Russo-Driska. Unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm.