Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 5:00pm MINUTES Present: Ramona Burkey​ Jade Espin​ Benjamin Florsheim​ Sheila Jones ​ Anthony Mangiafico​ Chris Nardi​ Steve Nelson​ Joseph Samolis​ Eamonn Wisneski 1. Call to Order: Chairman Mangiafico called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm. 2. Public comment: No members of the public were present. 3. Approval of Minutes- Eamonn Wisneski made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2024 and October 22, 2024 meetings. Anthony Mangiafico seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Unfinished Business Consultant Updates: Jade Espin of Margaret Sullivan Studios provided an update on the public engagement findings. She outlined the project timeline, including the recent community information sessions and the successful online survey. Middletown is a blend of urban amenities with small-town charm, where the community takes deep pride in its rich history, diverse culture, and lively atmosphere. Espin reported that, based on input from the community sessions and surveys, Middletown community members identified what they value most about the Russell Library: the historical building and downtown location provide a unique and central gathering space for the community; community events and programs that foster engagement and connection between residents; engaging children's programs opportunities for young learners; friendly and helpful staff; a diverse selection of reading materials available in various formats; and resources and services for workforce developments. The community identified the following as barriers to enjoying the library: building is not accessible/easy to navigate; convenient and affordable parking; some members of the community lack awareness of library benefits and services; lack of community gathering space in the library; concerns that noisy/vibrant activity in library would conflict with silent reading areas; safety concerns due to building layout; lack of co-working space; and that the current building is outdated. The consensus among community members was that the library should remain in the current downtown and historical location due to a number of factors including a pedestrian-friendly environment, economic vitality, and accessibility for a diverse range of residents. The library, as a cornerstone of the community, creates a welcoming atmosphere for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Espin reported that the surveyed residents identified the following community aspirations as having the potential to make a deep impact and fostering a thriving Middletown for all: a space to commune, connect, and grow together (creating a space that actively combats post-COVID loneliness and isolation); diverse programming opportunities (such as author events, concerts, and plays); preparedness for times of uncertainty (offering public resources, shelter, and charging stations during natural disasters); stronger partnerships between nonprofits, city institutions, and educational entities to improve the quality of life for all; accessible and safe services for everyone; youth offerings and intergenerational experiences to support youth and promote life-long learning; and the library serving as an economic connector and catalyst. Espin reported that community members showed interest in a range of enhanced services from the library, including: culture and history programs (such as historical tours and local history programs); digital and tech-oriented programs (coding classes, robotics, 3D printers); socializing opportunities (cultural food sharing; coffee talk and teatime); lifelong learning and personal growth (home economics classes, STEM activities, college admissions test prep); intergenerational and family oriented programming (family game nights, intergenerational music festivals, family story time); health and wellbeing (mental health resources, nutrition classes, cooking classes); creative expression (dance classes, poetry workshops); and nature/outdoor (sensory gardens, herbalist workshops). The Middletown community identified the following spaces and places that would enhance their library experience: event space, community cafe, community living room, community theater, co-working zone, library of things, community garden, and a rooftop/terrace to include outdoor play space and reading areas). Espin noted that some of these spaces can coexist in the same area, increasing programmatic versatility and building flexibility. Looking at these desired spaces deeper reveals the following experience principles: building a shared sense of community and belonging; encouraging lifelong learning and intellectual experiences; offering diverse and enriching experiences that respond to community needs and interests; offering a refuge from the noise and busyness of everyday life to recharge/reconnect/enjoy themselves. Espin identified potential future planning activations: ADA-accessible safe spaces, increasing restrooms, providing free parking or a shuttle service to the library, and creating communal and social gathering spaces. Finally, Espin presented potential concept plans including some of the spaces/places that the community identified as most desirable, including a community kitchen, performance area, event space, meeting rooms, recording studio, roof terrace, courtyard, and study rooms. Eamonn Wisneski thanked Espin and the MSS team for the study, noting that the identified community aspirations were consistent with previously gathered input from the community in various committees over the past several years. Chris Nardi then presented an update from Silver Petrucelli + Associates, noting the fulfillment of the community engagement process and a summary of work done to date. As the original plan was to extend only to November 2024, Nardi walked the committee through a revised proposal to extend into 2025. Elements of the revised study would include the additional community engagement (already completed in October and November 2024), interior renderings (showing conceptual interior perspectives), a physical model (demonstrating the preferred library design and surrounding neighborhood context), and undefined additional services to cover unanticipated projects and tasks. The total compensation would be approximately $47,900 in fixed fees and a billed hourly allowance (not to exceed $10,000) for a total of approximately $57,900. Eamonn Wisneski agreed that, due to uncertainty of exactly what services might be needed, the hourly allowance structure made sense. Timeline and deadlines: no recent updates. Discussion of next phases of feasibility/capital planning- no recent updates. Budget status: Director Burkey reported that the balance on the prior purchase order is approximately $7,005, mostly due to more extensive community information sessions than originally anticipated. Economic impact study: Chairman Mangiafico said that the committee approved moving forward with this project at the last meeting. Director Burkey said that the RFP is ready other than having the City restore the committee's funding, which will be covered at future Finance & Government and City Council meetings. 5. New Business Library walkthrough: Director Burkey noted that the City Council has been invited for a Russell Library tour/walk-through on December 3, 2024. Eamonn Wisneski mentioned the recent lobby renovations. 6. Adjournment- Eamonn Wisneski moved to adjourn the meeting, and Chairman Mangiafico seconded. Unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:36 pm.