Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 5:00pm Present: Ramona Burkey John DiFilippo Jade Espin Benjamin Florsheim Tom Ford Anthony Mangiafico Chris Nardi Steve Nelson Jon Pulino Howard Weissberg Eamonn Wisneski 1. Call to Order: Chairman Anthony Mangiafico called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm, 2. Public comment: None. 3. Approval of the minutes: Jon Pulino moved to approve the minutes from the May 28, 2024 meeting, Eamonn Wisneski seconded, unanimously approved. Anthony Mangiafico moved to approve the minutes from the June 25, 2024 meeting, Eamonn Wisneski seconded, unanimously approved. 4. Unfinished business: Ramona Burkey provided an update on timeline and deadlines. The library referendum will not occur this year, so the next milestone on the timeline will be the public input/community sessions, which Jade Esplin will report on later in the agenda. Mayor Florsheim provided a brief update regarding the City Hall status that there will not be a referendum question on the November 2024 ballot regarding City Hall. Analysis has shown that City Hall moving to an existing building would save the taxpayers as opposed to other options, as Howard Weissberg will further elaborate on later in this meeting. Mayor Florsheim anticipates that this library and city hall issues will go to city referendum in 2025. Ramona Burkey provided a budget/status update: the Silver Petrucelli + Associates scope of work is approximately 75% complete. Of the original $200,000 budget, we have $127,668.95 remaining unencumbered. Consultant and architect status reports: Jade Esplin of Margaret Sullivan Studios provided an update regarding upcoming community engagement sessions, including sessions focusing on youth, the North End community, families, and other groups. The October engagement sessions will both inform participants on work done so far, and also feature group discussions. Chris Nardi reported that, although the Russell Library question is not going to referendum in 2024, the team continues to work. Nardi has been examining progress in Manchester and other public library projects. Based on his analysis of budgets in contemporaneous municipal library projects, Chris Nardi has observed escalating costs and fees over the past few years across several projects. Under all circumstances, Chris Nardi and team are taking a step back and reexamining how to most efficiently and economically design and build a concept that would satisfy the building program. Anthony Mangiafico asked whether the previously discussed underground parking would be included in the most recent updates. Chris Nardi answered that underground parking is increasingly unlikely with continued analysis due to a number of factors, particularly overall cost. Eamonn Wisneski stated that underground parking was a popular item in the community engagement sessions, but it probably falls into more of a “wish list” item under all current circumstances. Eamonn Wisneski stated that, based on feedback received in community engagement sessions regarding the perceived parking barriers when visiting the library, working with the city to offer better parking options to library patrons will be important if we do not have underground or other on-site parking. The group discussed the October community engagement sessions. Howard Weissberg provided an update on City Hall. The building was constructed in 1958 at approximately 30,000 square feet, and a 1979 expansion added an additional 5,000 square feet. The building was renovated in 2001, but a 2012 study suggesting improvements was not acted upon. Numerous studies have been performed in recent years, including an internal space needs audit, HMA2 City Hall feasibility study, and studies performed by Landmark Architects, Kuegler Engineers, and Rubinoff Architects regarding both City Hall and 225-237 Main Street. These studies have revealed issues with the roof, windows, ADA accessibility, elevator, interior finishes, fire protection, plumbing, mechanical-HVAC, and electrical. The studies also show that the building is functionally obsolete for the intended purpose. The building is 35,000 square feet, but the Landmark report shows a need for 57,000 square feet. There is inadequate office space (particularly for confidentiality), departments in multiple locations, and a lack of meeting space. Adding a third floor is not viable due to building codes and as-built construction. Analysis reveals that the highest and best use of the parcel would include conference space, a blend of hotel and apartment space, all parking on site, and a connection to the river. The committee discussed 225-237 Main Street, which has a combined 53,700 square feet. This location meets city hall functional needs, would be a more accessible location to the public, uses existing underutilized parking structure, and would allow for a better use of the existing City Hall site. Anthony Mangiafico stated that Howard’s report underscores the difficulties in renovating in place. Howard Weissberg complimented Landmark Architects for a thorough analysis of the current City Hall building with challenges, as well as the benefits of moving to Main Street. Eamonn Wisneski complimented Howard for his thorough analysis and for the flexibility of the future plans. Steve Nelson discussed the parking needs of City Hall and the Russell Library, and the committee discussed how City Hall moving to this space could help activate the existing parking garage and take advantage of adjacencies. Both City Hall and the Russell Library will have to consider parking adjacency and educating the public on parking options. Steve Nelson questioned why parking would be located on the river side of the hypothetical building located at the current City Hall site, which might compromise the views. Howard Weissberg tended to agree but stated that the hypothetical proposal was intended to spur conversation and consideration and should not be considered a formal proposal. The top of the parking structure could be a public plaza. 5a. Economic impact study: Anthony Mangiafico questioned whether the previously discussed economic impact study should include not just the library (as discussed), but also the City Hall potential move and a hypothetical highest and best use of the current city hall campus. Eamonn Wisneski said this would make sense, particularly if both issues are combined on a referendum (and factoring in the hypothetical best use of City Hall site). Ramona Burkey stated that, related to costs, the bank building could be used as a swing space for either the library or city hall. Meeting format: the committee discussed the best meeting format, with consensus to continue virtual at the next meeting. Adjournment: meeting ended at 6:18