Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 5:00pm Attendees: Present: Sheila Jones Anthony Mangiafico Steve Nelson Sandra Russo-Driska Eamonn Wisneski Ramona Burkey (Russell Library Director) Benjamin Florsheim (Middletown Mayor) Christopher Nardi (Silver Petrucelli + Associates) John DiFilipo 1. Call to order: 5:00 2. Public comment: John DiFilipo did not make a public comment. 3. Approval of Minutes 1. May 28, 2024- tabled 4. Unfinished Business 1. Timeline and deadlines 1. Referendum: The committee discussed whether there would be adequate time to have the library issue go to public referendum this year. The committee discussed that, in light of public reaction at city council meetings this year to the city budget process, the timing might not be ideal. The committee discussed past referendum votes and whether the voting public was made adequately aware of the issues. Chairman Mangiafico voiced reservations about not moving forward with the library referendum because other city projects also potentially under consideration do not appear to be as far along in the planning process as the potential  library referendum. Sandra Russo-Driska noted a possibility of a special election date for a future referendum. 2. Discussion of next phases of feasibility/capital planning 1. City Hall status: Mayor Florsheim provided an update on the City Hall relocation process. Per city hall employees, the current building is not meeting space needs for city government. Moving into the Main Street bank building this year would save significant money over a complete renovation of the current city hall site. Regarding a potential upcoming referendum, Mayor Florsheim does not see a way forward in 2024 for a proposed referendum. 3. Budget status: Director Burkey reported that the committee still has in excess of $100,000. The consultant team bid was $95,000, and some minimal money has been spent on supplies for the community survey. 4. Consultant status reports / design updates: Chris Nardi presented recent design updates based on continued feedback received from the Committee. Chris Nardi designed a potential loop around the building for a potential book drop-off and other vehicular traffic, but noted challenges with the potential design choice- lost parking spaces in rear parking lot, grade changes around the building, and encroachment into planned building space (due to size of lot). In addition to the vehicular bookdrop, there would also be a pedestrian bookdrop, which would be prioritized. A second option would be a single lane loading dock on the north side of the building. Director Burkey stated that although a vehicular book drop would be convenient to certain patrons (such as those with mobility options or children in the car), the loop does not appear likely due to the size of the campus. Chris Nardi noted a third option- a vehicular book drop could be incorporated into underground parking. The team continues to examine potential below grade parking, including price. Chris Nardi then turned to revised architectural space designs for inside the building, the first of which is modeled on Concept A of the design  exemplars. The children’s dept is now on the first floor and the adult collection would be located on the second floor to allow easier family ground level access. Primary library services would be on the right side of the building, with community spaces to the left side. Steve Nelson said that this would be the most intuitive for patrons entering the building, with the main entrance effectively serving as a hub to all areas of the building. Turning to Concept C, Chris Nardi showed an updated floor plan. The main entry in this concept does not face Broad Street- it is turned 90 degrees and leads into the library services portion of the building. There would be a rooftop plaza area above the community room near the lobby. The outdoor sail design has been modified to show smaller sun shade forms. Steve Nelson questioned having the main entrance-way not clearly visible from Broad Street and the use of columns (to the extent this would hinder future adaption). Director Burkey asked about energy efficiency, including possible solar panels and geothermal. Chris Nardi is incorporating these considerations, but geothermal is limited due to overall campus size and lack of open space. Steve Nelson stated a preference for more rooftop spaces, including a potential rooftop garden. Chris Nardi asked whether the Committee would prefer rooftop space to be on the second floor level (as is pictured in Concept C). Eamonn Wisneski stated an interest in solar panels, but stated that designing a versatile rooftop area with public access should be prioritized. He also stated a preference for enhanced ability for people outside the library to see into the building. Finally, he asked whether there would be elevator access to the roof. 5. New Business 1. Economic Impact Study: Director Burkey reported that there is money remaining in the budget that could be used for the previously discussed economic development study. The Manchester study cost approx 20,000. Sandra Russo-Driska stated that a similar studies commissioned for the Downtown Business District yielded helpful information. Chris Nardi stated that an independent study would be preferable. Director Burkey stated that the study would likely be similar  to the Manchester results. Anthony Mangiafico said that an economic impact study could be valuable to the voters. Eamonn Wisneski stated that, in light of the issue likely not going to referendum this year, there would be time to conduct an economic study. 2. Meeting format: Anthony Mangiafico asked the Committee for meeting hybrid/virtual preferences. The Committee discussed a preference for flexibility offered by virtual meetings as to attract more attendees and allow for unusual schedules during summer months. Unfortunately, the Hubbard Room technology is not conducive to virtual meetings. Sandra Russo-Driska made a motion to make the upcoming July and August Committee meetings fully remote, and then resume hybrid meetings in September. Sheila Jones seconded. Unanimous in favor. 6. Adjournment: Sandra Russo-Driska moved to adjourn, Sheila Jones seconded. Unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:13.