Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 5:00pm Present: Anthony Mangiafico Steve Nelson Joe Samolis Eamonn Wisneski Ramona Burkey (Russell Library Director) Benjamin Florsheim (Middletown Mayor) Christopher Nardi David Stein 1. Call to order: Chairman Anthony Mangiafico called the meeting to order at 5:08. 2. Public comment on agenda items: None. 3. Approval of Minutes: Steve Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2024 committee meeting, Eamonn Wisneski seconded. All in favor. 4. Unfinished Business- bypassed by agreement. 5. New business: Christopher Nardi and David Stein of Silver Petrucelli + Associates provided a consultant status report. Chris Nardi presented various site designs for the current Russell Library campus, with the main goal of collecting feedback on design concepts.Concept A would feature the historical church building on the left and the more modern portion on the right. Staff offices would be in the rear of the building, with public facing areas along Broad Street. There is potential for 60 underground spots in this concept, along with room for building mechanicals in the below grade area. All three concepts are a little under 60,000 square feet, as the design team identified efficiencies to allow a somewhat smaller footprint. Chris Nardi noted that these concepts are preliminary- we may want to move forward with one concept, or possibly include elements from all three. Concept B is a bridge between more traditional and modern appraoches. This concept is mindful of the rhythm of the neighborhood while allowing for a large building necessary for library programming. This concept also includes a courtyard in approximately the same location as the current library building. Chris Nardi mentioned that the children’s department should be on the main level as to allow easier access for families using strollers. Concept B has more rectangular forms that more easily lends itself to traditional construction. Concept C takes inspiration from Middletown’s nautical history with a modern appearance- the front of the building resembles a ship sail, with the main entrance centrally placed and resembling a ship bow. The team continues to work on introducing more daylight in this concept, with some skylights currently on the roof. The below grade area include parking and also a storage area. Chris Nardi noted that the main entrance, while centrally located to the building, might not be ideal if the library plans to hold events in the community spaces within the church portion and wanted to seal off the rest of the building. Chris Nardi noted that the team continues to contemplate the optimal design for the current Russell Library campus, and invited questions. Eamonn Wisneski thanked the consultants for providing three distinct concepts as possible exemplars. He noted a preference for use of the rooftop as a possible connection to nature, as has been suggested in the community information gathering process. Joe Samolis stated that the architecture of Concept A is reminiscent of other buildings across historical Middletown and Wesleyan, and noted a preference to not have flat roofing. Joe Samolis added that Concept C is an intriguing nod to Middletown’s planned return to the riverbend, but that he did not favor the middle concept. Mayor Florsheim agreed with Joe Samolis comments about regarding Concept A, which he said is reminiscent of other buildings in Middletown while being beautiful on its own, and the innovative imagery of Concept C. Ramona Burkey stated that the design concepts should include rear of building access to allow for deliveries and possible drive-through window service for patrons. The design should also factor in outdoor storage and setback needs. Anthony Mangiafico stated his preference for Concept A as a nod to history while also (including the separation using the glass portion of the middle building), and also the street front appearance of Concept C. The team will continue to work on concepts incorporating all feedback received to date. 4. Unfinished business. Anthony Mangiafico stated his preference to move forward with a possible city referendum this year. There will be a large voter turnout for the presidential election, and the work that has been done on the library project is further along than any other likely city project. Mayor Florsheim stated that 2024 could be a favorable election cycle. He added that the potential city hall move to Citizens Bank could have a shorter runway to completion as the building is already built, but that funding to help transition was not approved in the budget. Mayor Florsheim noted uncertainties about council budget plans, and that there is not much time before the council to would need to vote on a referendum. Joe Samolis asked whether the library might be included in other potential referendum projects, but Mayor Florsheim stated uncertainty over whether other proposed projects are ready to move forward at this time. The committee discussed the 2023 boathouse referendum as an example of how messaging did not adequately reach voters. Eamonn Wisneski opined that the community survey survey results point to broad public support for upgraded library facilities in Middletown, and stated that the Committee and Library should meet with the city council to clear up any misconceptions about the library, tour the current campus, and discuss the presented conceptual plans. Steve Nelson stated the importance of continuing preparatory work so that the plans will be ready when the time comes. Ramona Burkey outlined requirements for proceeding in 2024, including council committee votes and bonding procedures. There are also possibilities for additional funding sources, such as congressional directed funding and Connecticut State Library funding. Anthony Mangiafico voiced concern about other projects moving ahead if the library does not move forward, and agreed with the importance of continuing to educate stakeholders (including the city council) regarding the library construction project. Regarding budget status, Eamonn Wisneski proposed that the Committee allocate some of the remaining budget to funding an economic study. He stated that a similar study in Manchester helped illustrate the economic impact of modern library facilities to the community. Ramona Burkey said that the community survey conducted in this feasibility process showed that many users visited Middletown businesses before and/or after visiting the library. Chris Nardi said that he will look into incorporating such a study. Adjournment: Steve Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Eamonn Wisneski. Unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:13.