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Library Board of Directors

Regular Meeting

Norwalk, CT · June 12, 2025

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Minutes

CITY OF NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING JUNE 12, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Moina Noor, Chair; Haroldo Williams; Patsy Brescia; Mary Mann; Alex Knopp; Jannie Williams (present during the meeting, but not at Roll Call.) STAFF: Sherelle Harris, Norwalk Public Library Executive Director I. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Noor called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM II. ROLL CALL Ms. Noor called the roll as listed in the Attendance section. Ms. Williams was not present during Roll Call, but was present during the meeting. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Regular meeting: May 8, 2025 ** MS. MANN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. ** MR. KNOPP SECONDED THE MOTION ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were no members of the public participating. V. REPORTS A. President 1. Charter Revision Shortly before the meeting, Ms. Noor emailed this Board with the language proposed by the Charter Revision Commission. The Library Board had previously sent a letter to the Charter Commission with the Board’s suggested language on three items. Two of the items regarded the budget. Charter Revision said the Board was part of the ordinance, but the main topic was the appointment of the library director. At the May 15 meeting, Charter Revision voted to include the Library Board in a consultative way. Per Ms. Noor’s email, the language in their draft is that the library director will be appointed by the mayor following consultation with the Library Board and confirmation by the Common Council, and to serve as specified by this charter ordinance and until a successor is duly appointed and qualified to serve, unless otherwise terminated in accordance with this charter or as otherwise set forth in law. This is the language that the Council will vote on, on approximately July 8, with a public hearing prior, said Ms. Noor. 06.12.25 Library Board p1 Ms. Noor acknowledged that this language doesn’t go as far as the Board would like. It doesn’t follow the example of many other Connecticut municipal libraries, and doesn’t follow the language proposed in the Board’s letter. However, it does put the Board back in the appointment process; the Board previously had no mention in the charter. Mr. Knopp said these revisions are meaningless, a disappointment, and don’t go far enough. The Charter Revision Commission is ignoring the Board’s request. Ms. Noor said that these revisions bring the Board back to baseline, which is the common practice. 2. Strategic Building Plan Ms. Noor said that she and Ms. Harris had been in touch with Sharon Connors in Purchasing about funding a strategic plan and a building plan. Approximate budget is $15,000. They were told by Ms. Connors that that amount is well under the purchasing threshold, and they can open a public RFP (request for proposal) process. Ms. Connors reached out to Ellen Paul, a purchasing colleague at the Connecticut Library Purchasing Consortium, who is amenable to being a resource. Ms. Noor said the next step is reaching out to Ms. Paul over the summer, with a goal of starting the process in September. Ms. Harris said she had already previously reached out to Ms. Harris and will reach out again. Ms. Brescia asked if there were plans to do another survey; she thought it would be good to get the concept in front of people. Ms. Harris was favorable to a survey because people are using libraries differently than they did during Covid. She mentioned that for previous public feedback there were focus groups. Mr. Knopp recalled paper copies of the survey at the libraries, senior centers, and community centers. There was discussion about online surveys. Ms. Noor said the next question was how to make a survey part of the strategic planning process. B. Library Director 1. Main Library Parking Lots (Director’s Monthly report) Ms. Harris shared on her screen the Board Report, dated June 9. She, Ms. Williams and Ms. Harris met with the Parking Authority last August to do a walkthrough of the lots to see how they can be combined. The challenge is that the lots are separate. Mott Avenue (entrance on Belden) has 37 spaces, 3 Belden has 11, Eagles lot has 30. The late Dick Brescia secured spaces in the Yankee Doodle Garage for staff when he was Parking Authority chair. Board agreed during the last meeting that staff can park in the Eagles lot at night on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ms. Harris said the Wall Street improvement materials were originally going to be put at the 3 Belden or Eagles lots, but they moved the staging site to the old courthouse lot. So the library will have the 30 Eagles spaces for an additional year at $12,600 per the contract. Ms. Harris said the “library parking” will be installed in the Eagles lot per the consent of the Eagles Treasurer. 06.12.25 Library Board p2 Directional signs were added to the 1 Belden lot. Ms. Harris requested an additional “library parking” sign be placed on the Eagles fence; sign has been paid for. Lots have been restriped, including directional arrows at the library parking lot (Mott Avenue entrance). Ms. Harris said the leaning pole in the 1 Belden lot was removed and the hedges were trimmed, but she would suggest further trimming, so that motorists in the lot can see pedestrians/cyclists walking on the sidewalk before they get to the entrance/exit to avoid potential collision. Guardian, the building management team, is working on a proposal for fence removal between the 1 and 3 Belden Avenue parcels; it should be ready by June 13. Ms. Brescia brought up drainage needs that she has been working on for many years. Ms. Harris said that she would mention this issue again along with the egress issue. She explained that the money to pay for the project was rolled over from the FY2024-25 operating budget and needs to be in processed by June 30. Mr. Knopp asked if Public Works or the Parking Authority could do this infrastructure work. Ms. Harris explained that she has made the request several times, but nothing had been decided. She further stated that she met briefly with Jim Travers about taking over the lot, which Mr. Knopp has been advocating for. He mentioned the money-making aspect. She mentioned the previous discussion of the lot remaining free for up to The Parking Authority’s three-hour limit, to stay consistent with the Parking Authority’s three-hour limit and those staying longer would be fined. She the supervisors’ recommended a four-hour limit so that patrons who attend programs and then want to use the library, would have more time to use the library, but she would understand if The Parking Authority wanted to maintain consistency. 2. Capital Project Updates Ms. Harris screen shared information on Capital Projects, noting that she included items for the next fiscal year: Main library ADA-compliant door handles, the library van, Norwalk newspaper digitization, laptop vending machines, exterior security cameras for both libraries and one internal hallway camera at the recommendation of board members due to the thefts from her office. Cameras haven’t been turned on at either library. Ms. Harris recommended that the cameras go to the police station so they can immediately see issues they need to respond to. From the previous year, ADA-compliant doorknobs were not approved, but an additional sliding door was. They are still working out details for the paving of the SoNo parking lot and the installation of the EV chargers. The van was approved for the coming fiscal year. She said that the only option is rear wheel drive, vs. the preferred all-wheel drive. They will need a small ramp that can be stored in the van. Cost is approximately $51,000. There will be some money left over to add the logo to the van. Main library ADA-compliant door handles quote is for $500 per lockset for 60 interior and 3 interior, for a full project cost of $31,500. Guardian and William Hnatuk, Norwalk’s ADA compliance coordinator, collaborated on the project and are point people for the project. 06.12.25 Library Board p3 3. Reinstating Main Library as Polling Site Ms. Harris said the Registrar of Voters office reached out about using the library as a polling site again. Polling had been changed to Jefferson School because they expected a larger turnout during the last presidential election. Residents expressed their preference for the library. Mr. Knopp pointed out that Jefferson is logistically difficult for seniors. Ms. Brescia said when they were at the library, the signage was terrible and police coverage was inadequate. Ms. Harris said she had mentioned these issues to Diana Paladino at registrar’s office. Diana said signage was her forte and that she would speak with police chief Walsh about internal and external police coverage. Ms. Harris said she would follow-up with both of them in August. Library will be a polling site for the municipal primary on Sept. 9 and Nov. 4 municipal elections and subsequent general and primary elections. Ms. Noor asked about the elevator. Ms. Harris said the main library elevator and roofs at both libraries are in the Guardian budget, and that it may be best to wait until after the elections to have those replaced. 4. SimplifyCT Probono Tax Preparers Report Ms. Harris said SimplifyCT reported that between the two libraries about 1,800 tax returns had been filed, resulting in almost $3 million in refunds, which was a bit less than the previous year, likely due to a two-day snowstorm closure. The Norwalk Public Library is their third largest site. VI. OLD BUSINESS Ms. Harris shared a 3D rendering of the new furniture for the main library reading room CAP project. It includes a high-back couch, chairs, work tables with double-sided electrical outlets and data ports. She said the project was cleared with Bill Hnatuk for ADA-compliance. Final price is approximately $32,000. The project was budgeted at $20,000. Ms. Brescia proposed asking the library foundation to pick up the shortfall. Ms. Noor said that was on the agenda for the foundation meeting. There was discussion about a need for quality furniture. VII. NEW BUSINESS No new business was discussed. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM Respectfully Submitted, Jo Bennett Telesco Secretarial Services 06.12.25 Library Board p4

Agenda

REGULAR MEETING – LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA JUNE 12, 2025, 7:00 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email Sherelle Harris at sharris@norwalkpl.org with the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: DATE 1. May 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION V. REPORTS A. President 1. Charter Revision 2. Strategic Building Plan B. Library Director 1. Main Library Parking Lots 2. Capital Project Updates 3. Reinstating Main Library as Polling Site 4. SimplifyCT Probono Tax Preparers Report VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Packet

REGULAR MEETING – LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA JUNE 12, 2025, 7:00 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email Sherelle Harris at sharris@norwalkpl.org with the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: DATE 1. May 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION V. REPORTS A. President 1. Charter Revision Page 1 of 80 2. Strategic Building Plan B. Library Director 1. Main Library Parking Lots 2. Capital Project Updates 3. Reinstating Main Library as Polling Site 4. SimplifyCT Probono Tax Preparers Report VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 80 CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE: Moina Noor; Chair, Patsy Brescia; Vice Chair, Alex Knopp, Janie Williams, Haroldo Williams, Mary Mann (7:01 p.m.) STAFF: Sherelle Harris; Library Director I. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Noor called the meeting to order at 7.00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Ms. Noor Called the roll as reflected above. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: 4.10.25 B. Acceptance of 3.19.25 Special Meeting Minutes ** MR. KNOPP MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. Ms. Mann joined the meeting at 7:01 ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH FIVE IN FAVOR AND ONE ABSTENSION (MS. MANN). IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no one present to comment at this time. CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 Page 1 Page 3 of 80 V. REPORTS A. President 1. Charter Revision Update Ms. Noor provided an update on the charter revision, reporting on the recent Charter Revision Committee meeting, where both she and Ms. Peterson spoke. Two primary questions were raised: one regarding events at the previous meeting, and another concerning the authority to appoint the Library Board. Ms. Noor noted a shared concern among attendees about safeguarding the Library Board from undue mayoral influence. She also discussed her conversation with Tyler Fairbairn, Chair of the Charter Revision Committee, emphasizing the importance of protecting the library from external political pressures and maintaining a balance of power. Ms. Noor referenced a letter from the Association of Connecticut Library Boards in support of the proposed charter change. She stated that the letter, along with examples from other municipal library charters, would be submitted to the committee. Further updates are expected at the next board meeting. 2. Strategic /Building Planning Ms. Noor had no comments at this time. B. Library Director 1. Main Library Parking Update Ms. Harris provided an update on the parking situation. She stated that there are currently three parking lots used for library parking and stated the number of available spaces in each of them. She also noted that there are dedicated spaces at the Yankee Doodle Garage for library staff to park, thanks to the work of the Library Board. Ms. Harris mentioned that some staff feel unsafe walking to the Yankee Doodle Garage when they work evening hours. As a potential solution, she proposed that staff park there during the day and relocate their vehicles to the Eagles lot after dinner. She stated that there was support for this idea during a community services meeting. Addressing the Eagles lot, Ms. Harris reported that it currently has 30 spaces, some of which can be allocated for staff use in the evenings. While the goal is to retain all 30 spaces, since tge Wall Street Project will no longer need 13 of them, only 17 have been budgeted. Discussions are ongoing to explore funding for the additional 13. CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 Page 2 Page 4 of 80 Ms. Brescia noted that up to 20 employees sometimes use the lot and emphasized the importance of maintaining sufficient parking at the Eagles lot, Yankee Doodle Garage, and the Library’s own lot. Ms. Harris reviewed the recent improvements, including signage and striping. She reported that the 3 Belden lot still requires significant work, with striping being the only progress so far. She also stressed the need for directional signage at 3 Belden to prevent accidents and to enhance safety and discussed removing the fence addressing the egress issues between the 3 Belden lot and the library property. She added that they would follow up on a recommendation to meet with the Parking Authority to revisit the idea of the department managing Library lots. In response to a question about patron feedback, Ms. Harris said that patrons are generally satisfied unless there is a large program, and many are unaware that the Eagles lot is available. Ms. Brescia inquired about removing the social distancing markers left over from the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to Ms. Noor’s question about funding the remaining 13 parking spaces, Ms. Harris said that no decision had been made yet. 2. Library Landscaping Update Ms. Harris reported that funds are available in the budget for landscaping at both library locations. She stated that the Department of Public Works (DPW) is now responsible for snow removal in the parking lots, while a landscaping company handles lawn care. Their services include spring cleanup, plant and flower bed maintenance, debris removal, weekly lawn care, shrub trimming, and fall cleanup. The current contract runs from April through October. Ms. Harris said that they are trying to pinpoint consistency in their coming so that maintenance can plan between their visits. Ms. Noor asked whether the landscaping company had begun work. Ms. Harris replied that they had not and, to prevent complaints, internal staff had handled mowing. She added that she hoped to have a formal schedule by the following week. Ms. Harris discussed replanting bushes in the rose garden to help address a mosquito infestation. They had been cut because the maintenance staff said they were infested with mosquitoes that had been a major issue. She noted that their current pest control provider has been ineffective. They are considering hiring Mosquito Swad Plus, which is scheduled to begin treatment on Tuesday, May 13. The Health Department approved their product. Ms. Brescia inquired about the condition of the drains and whether they had been cleared. Mr. Knopp agreed with her concerns, stating that clogged drains can create ideal mosquito breeding CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 Page 3 Page 5 of 80 conditions. He recommended a multi-pronged approach, including the use of larvicide, eliminating standing water, and limited fogging. Ms. Harris stated that Guarding drops mosquito dunks in drains around the property that have standing water. Mr. Williams asked whether notice would be given to ensure the area is clear during fogging. Ms. Harris confirmed that fogging would begin at 7 a.m., hours before the library staff enter the building and that mosquito squad staff would notify anyone in the vicinity to vacate the area. 3. Norwalk Poet Laureate Updates Ms. Harris turned the discussion to the new Poet Laureate. Ms. Harris stated she has formed a mailing list and created several accounts listed below. Join the Norwalk Poet Laureate’s Mailing List https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0DKvaVcS3y1lXkfseGL3WP344DT9Ms9I2Rqog QRJcdMGfmw/viewform “Poets of Norwalk” Accounts Designed to be a hub for posting events/announcements related to the poets and poetry events in Norwalk. Poets of Norwalk https://linktr.ee/poetsofnorwalk. @poetsofnorwalk (Instagram) poets.of.norwalk@gmail.com 4. Evelyn Cunningham, NPL Children's Librarian, Won the Connecticut Library Association's (CLA) Faith Hektoen Award Ms. Harris announced that Ms. Cunningham, Children's Librarian at the Norwalk Public Library, has received the Faith Hektoen Award. She shared a brief biography, noting that the full press release was created and sent to media. Ms. Brescia suggested that the Board send a letter of congratulations, and the Board unanimously agreed. CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 Page 4 Page 6 of 80 5. FY2025-26 Recommended Operating Budget FY 2025-26 Recommended Operating Budget - Final Library/Starting on page 183 of 306 Ms. Harris provided an update on the operating budget, noting that there have been no changes. She confirmed that the two current funding requests—one for landscaping and the other for books—have been approved. The book request includes $15,000 to support e-books and digital downloads. She added that in the upcoming fiscal year, they plan to request $60,000 to accommodate the growing population in Norwalk. 6. Approved FY 2025-26 Capital Budget and Capital Existing Project Updates https://www.norwalkct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35927/FY-2025-26-Approved– Capital-Budget Ms. Harris reviewed the items approved through the Capital Budget and provided an update on their progress. She noted the increasing use of electric vehicles and expressed confidence in their preparedness, citing the availability of a charger at the main library and upcoming installation at the SoNo Library. She mentioned that funding was approved in the Capital Budget for a new electric van and sought the Board’s input on transitioning to electric vehicles instead of gas- powered ones. The Board agreed that electric vehicles are a more practical choice. Ms. Brescia added that the vehicles are expected to remain in use for over 10 years and emphasized the importance of making forward-thinking decisions. Ms. Harris also reported on upcoming capital projects, including roof replacements at both library locations and the elevator cap replacement. 7. Upcoming Programs Ms. Harris announced an upcoming session with holistic healer Antje Bakalov, scheduled for May 15. She also highlighted that James Walker—a podcaster and former City Editor at The Hour and Senior Editor at the New Haven Register—has authored a book titled Dead Windows: My Long Journey Out of Domestic Violence. He will speak at the library on Wednesday, May 14, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and again from 6:30–7:30 p.m. His biography is included in the agenda packet. CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 Page 5 Page 7 of 80 VI. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to discuss. VII. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss. VIII. ADJOURNMENT ** MS. BRESCIA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING ** MR. KNOPP SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted China Mayhew Telesco Secretarial Services CITY OF NORWALK LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2025 Page 6 Page 8 of 80 BOARD REPORT Sherelle Harris, Library Director June 9, 2025 The Norwalk Public Library System, with our open access to diverse resources, is the information and cultural center for Norwalk citizens and businesses. 1 Page 9 of 80 TO: Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors FROM: Sherelle Harris, Library Director DATE: June 9, 2025 RE: Main Library Parking Lots Update 2 Page 10 of 80 Main Library Parking Lots Meeting & Discussion August 13, 2024 (Revised May 3, 2025, June 7, 2025) Norwalk Parking Authority: Sirak Legesse, Bryan Lutz Norwalk Public Library: Sherelle Harris, Moina Noor, Jannie Williams Norwalk Public Library (NPL) and Norwalk Parking Authority walked the exterior of the Main Library for the purpose of making library parking more cohesive for visitors with clear signage and easy accessibility to the library from each lot. NPL currently has three (3) lots. NPL’s lot that is directly adjacent to the west side of the library off of Mott Avenue has 37 spaces, one of which houses a storage container and two of which are handicap accessible. West of NPL’s lot is the Eagles Club (6 Mott Avenue) parking lot. The city initially used the library's grounds account to rent 30 of those spaces for library parking; however for FY 2025-2026, the city will use the library ground’s account to rent 17 of those spaces for a lesser amount. The other 13 spaces will be used for the Wall Street Corridor Improvement Project staging materials. Next door to the library’s north entrance is the 3 Belden Avenue parcel, acquired recently by the City of Norwalk. 11 of those parking spaces are reserved for library visitors. See also the acquisition of 11 Belden Avenue. Main Library Parking Spaces Library Lot Mott Avenue 37 spaces 3 Belden Lot Belden Avenue 11 spaces Eagles Lot Mott Avenue 30 spaces at present Please note that Dick Brescia secured approximately 15 spaces in the Yankee Doodle Garage for library parking when he was chair of the Norwalk Parking Authority. UPDATE: May 19 email sent to Herb Sanford from Lamond Daniels, Community Services Chief. In reviewing this matter with Corporation Counsel this week, it has come to my attention that the City has a right to extend the lease for a period of one (1) year at the current rate of $12,500 for the year. Here’s the advice I received from our counsel. From City Attorney: “Lamond, Eagle’s right to renegotiate rent at the end of the Initial Term expired on January 31, 2025. Per the terms of the Lease (copy attached for your ease of reference), Section 4.2 states that “The Landlord may initiate renegotiation of Rent applicable the Renewal Term (the “Adjusted Rent”) by providing written notice thereof to the Tenant . . . no less than one hundred and fifty (150) prior to the expiration of the Initial Term. Said notice shall state the Adjusted Rent. . .” This provision is in the agreement so that the City would receive notice in advance of its fiscal budget process and plan accordingly. I did not receive written notice to renegotiate from Eagles in accordance with Section 17.2 of the Agreement. The time to give that notice has expired. We have a contractual right to extend the term at the current rent rate.” LEASE 3 Page 11 of 80 Page 2 of 11 Striping NPL’s parking lot off of Mott Avenue We revisited a previous discussion on May 23, 2024 about striping the parking lot for a better visibility and adding signage at the parking lot’s exit alerting that there is additional parking in the Eagle’s lot. We discussed all day and overnight parkers. Bryan and Sirak suggested a three (3)-hour parking limit to prevent all day and overnight parking. Supervisors suggested 4-hour parking, instead, for patrons who attend programs and then want to use the library. The Library Board’s opinion is that parking spaces are tight and suggested wider spacing between the lines. Sign, left, instructs drivers how to pay for on-street parking While parking will remain free, the lot will be monitored by the Parking Authority monitors on-street parking and violators of the specified parking limit will receive tickets. This will help with parking turnover, so more people get a chance to park in the lot and use the library. 4 Page 12 of 80 Page 3 of 11 Library parking exit at Mott Avenue Requested actions: 1) Stripe NPL’s parking lot for better visibility of parking lines, widen spaces. 2) Make the exit arrows on the pavement more visible. 3) Add signage at the exit alerting to additional parking in the adjacent Eagle’s lot. 4) Inquire as to whose responsibility it is and/or get an estimate for this cost of the work. NOTE: The Parking Authority has taken this responsibility. 5 Page 13 of 80 Page 4 of 11 Reversing NPL’s parking lot entrance and exit We discussed changing NPL’s entrance and exit for the purposes of placing our exterior book drop closer to the library. The book drop allows patrons to deposit their library books from the driver’s side of the car without exiting the car. Reversing the two would also have drivers go down the slight decline rather then up the slight incline. The recommendation is not to reverse the entrance and exit due to a blind spot which causes concern for liability and safety. Accessibility Parking We also revisited the topic of on-street handicap/accessibility parking. At present, the two handicap spaces the library presently has are in the parking lot and they are not near either entrance. Current handicap spaces in the NPL lot. These two spaces are located just to the left of the lot’s entrance, across from the sidewalk leading to the Mott Avenue entrance. 6 Page 14 of 80 Page 5 of 11 Eight (8) street spaces 30-minutes free 7 Page 15 of 80 Page 6 of 11 There are eight (8) free, 30-minute on-street parking spaces in front of NPL’s Mott Avenue entrance. We discussed making two of those spaces accessibility parking. Dilemma: The Parking Authority can manage paid, accessibility parking, but they are unsure as how to unpaid accessibility parking will work. (Bryan and Sirak discussed having standardize on street parking, a regulation change that will have SoNo match Wall Street). This is a great idea for ease, but considered dangerous to have patrons with accessibility parking needs to exit their cars in the traffic on this relatively busy street. 8 Page 16 of 80 Page 7 of 11 In addition to discussing the possibility of having on-street) accessibility parking in front of the Library’s Mott Avenue entrance, we discussed moving the two handicap/accessibility spaces from the south side of the parking lot to the north side because accessibility to the sidewalk is flatter and less prohibitive. Directly across from the two current This area has a curb. accessibility spaces. Directly across from the area proposed to move the accessible spaces for easier access to the north entrance. We will discuss with Bull Hnatuk, City of Norwalk’s ADA Coordinator. 9 Page 17 of 80 Page 8 of 11 We will forgo the thought of having accessibility parking on the street in front of the library entrance due to the dangers posed. If we decide against moving the current handicap/accessibility spaces to the opposite end of the lot, we would like to have leveled the area where the two spaces are at present Requested actions: 1) Level the ground where the current two handicap parking spaces are in the library parking lot. 2) Consider if we should have four (4) handicap spots, two (2) on both ends of the parking lot. Eagle’s Lot NPL leases 30 spaces in the Eagle’s parking lot. Those spaces are directly adjacent to the west side of NPL’s lot, but they are neither noticeable nor identified as library parking. Norwalk Public Library’s leased spaces in the Eagle’s parking lot Requested action: The 17 spaces leased from Eagle’s should be identified with signage. Herb Sanford, Eagles Treasurer, said he is fine with the signage. He likes the wording used to identify library parking in the 3 Belden Avenue lot. 10 Page 18 of 80 Page 9 of 11 3 Belden Avenue Parking Lot There are 11 spaces reserved for NPL visitors in the 3 Belden Avenue parking lot. These spaces are closest to the M&T Bank. The other spaces, the spaces closest to the 3 Belden Avenue building are for those utilizing the space and their visitors. An island divides the two. Cars enter on the side where the 3 Belden Avenue parking spaces are and exit on the side where the NPL spaces are. NPL spaces have signs identifying the spaces as for library visitors; however, there is neither directional signage nor signage from the street (Belden Avenue) indicating that parking for library visitors is in the lot. There is also a leaning pole at the beginning of the island that looks hazardous and unsightly. East side of the 3 Belden Avenue, nearest the street 3 Belden Avenue parking on the left. Library visitor parking on the right. 11 Page 19 of 80 Page 10 of 11 Photo of car going out the wrong way in the 3 Belden Avenue parking lot, April 2025. Many cars also go in the wrong way causing near collisions with those trying to exit both the parking lot and the M&T drive through window. 12 Page 20 of 80 Page 10 of 11 The fence the library’s north entrance and 3 Belden Avenue parking lot. Requested actions: 1) Trim hedges on the east side of 3 Belden Avenue, near the sidewalk/street. 2) Clean up the growth along the fence. 3) Add directional in/out and one-way signage. 4) Add signage alerting to library parking that can be seen from Belden Ave. 5) Remove the tilting pole at the beginning of the island separating library and 3 Belden parking spaces. 6) Remove the fence between the library and the 3 Belden Avenue parking lot and fix the egress issue for easier accessibility from the 3 Belden Avenue parking lot to the library. END 13 Page 21 of 80 UPDATE 4.1.25 Sign Proofs 14 Page 22 of 80 15 Page 23 of 80 UPDATE 5.1.25 Directional parking signs were added to the 1 Belden lot. 16 Page 24 of 80 I asked that a library parking sign be placed on the Eagle’s lot fence so when library see the “additional library parking” sign as they exit the library lot, they will know where the additional parking is. 17 Page 25 of 80 UPDATE 5.3.25 1 Belden parking lot (Mott Avenue) has been restriped and the directional arrows were repainted. The 3 Belden Avenue lot was also restriped. 18 Page 26 of 80 UPDATE 6.2.25 Leaning pole on page 9 removed. Hedges on page 9 trimmed. I suggest trimming them down more so that people, particularly, shorter people, can be seen by drivers from the parking lot before they get to the exit. 19 Page 27 of 80 Please see the quote for fence removal overgrowth and shrubs. Neil is also seeking a proposal to fix the egress issue. NOTE: Money was rolled over from FYE 2023-24 to FYE 2024-25 to take care of this issue. 20 Page 28 of 80 TO DO LIST 6.9.25 The library parking sign for Eagles’ fence is ready for pick up. A brief discussion with Jim Travers took place on May 27, 2025 about the Parking Authority taking over the library parking lots again. Email follow ups were sent to Jim Travers, Bryan Lutz and Sirak Legesse on May 28, 2025. Follow-up email sent on June 9, 2025 I proposed having Laz/Norwalk Parking Authority monitor library lots, which will remain free of charge for the allotted three or four hours, and giving tickets to those who overstay their allotted time. Three hours is consistent with the limit the parking authority set forth for the rest of the city. They can charge visitors who stay longer. Directional in/out signage needed for the 3 Belden Avenue parking lot. The fence removal and egress issues have not been taken completed yet; however, Guardian, Norwalk’s building management company, has received a quote to clean shrubs and overgrowth in addition to removing the fence. Neil/Guardian is currently working on quotes for the remaining egress work. 21 Page 29 of 80 CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATES 22 Page 30 of 80 23 Page 31 of 80 24 Page 32 of 80 We have money left over to pay to put the logo on the van. 25 Page 33 of 80 26 Page 34 of 80 27 Page 35 of 80 28 Page 36 of 80 29 Page 37 of 80 30 Page 38 of 80 31 Page 39 of 80 Main Library ADA-Compliant Door Handles $31,500 Continue the successful maintenance of city-owned historic properties The main library’s interior and exterior door handles are not American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant. The building has traditional door handles found in homes that require a tighter grip and twisting wrist motions that cause us to be non-compliant with ADA regulations. We need lever style handles that meet ADA requirements. Neil Rennie, from Guardian and William Hnatuk, the city’s ADA compliance coordinator, collaborated on this project. Door Count: 60 interior and 3 exterior at $500 per lockset ($31,500) NOTE: The second sliding door (at the north entrance) portion of this project was completed in March of 2025. 32 Page 40 of 80 MAIN LIBRARY: 2025 POLLING LOCATION District 137B (state years) | District A2 (municipal years) September 9, 2025 Municipal Primary Election (for Mayor, Common Council and Board of Education, etc.) November 4, 2025 Municipal Election (for Mayor, Common Council and Board of Education, etc.) 2024 TAX PROBONO RETURN STATISTICS REPORT FROM MARK SPIVAK TAX PREPARER, SIMPLIFY CT Between the two library locations we filed some 1,800 returns resulting in almost $3 million in refunds. This was about 15% less than the prior season, most likely due to the fact that we were shut out for two days one week due to a snowstorm. However, taken together, the libraries would be the third largest counseling site in Connecticut. ~END~ 33 Page 41 of 80 34 Page 42 of 80 Main Branch - Furniture Images June 5, 2025 - REVISED Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 lindabianchi@rhlco.com 1 Page 43 of 80 Adult Area Revised furniture drawing 4/28/25 from meeting notes. Verify wall dimension Confirm if power is on this wall? Verify length of area Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 2 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 44 of 80 Adult Area 3-D Colored Rendering 5.31.25 – some of the material colors shown on square tables and ottomans will need to be revised. Revisions will be added to slides when time permits. Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 3 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 45 of 80 Adult Area 3-D Colored Rendering 5.31.25 – some of the material colors shown on square tables and ottomans will need to be revised. Revisions will be added to slides when time permits. Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 4 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 46 of 80 Adult Area 3-D Colored Rendering Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 5 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 47 of 80 #L-01: Curved Lounge with wrapped tall back. OFGO Unify Series Adult Area Modular Lounge. Segmented units to create the curves. Shown with 2-Tone materials. Made up of (3) 54”w x 28”d x 53”h. Black Metal Post Legs. Laminate top: Linea Mocha on ottoman. Seat and Top Back: Mayer – Editor- Midnight #WC920-024 Mid Center Back: Stinson – Hopsack-Bamboo #HOP-15 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 6 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 48 of 80 #CH-1 & #CH-1A: Lounge Chair - OFGO – Tribute Series Mobile Lounge Chair Total Qty. (8) chairs: Single fabric. Black casters front and back on all chairs. #CH-1: (4) Mayer – Ephesus – Indigo #623-004 #CH-1A: (4) Mayer – Editor – Midnight # WC920-04 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 7 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 49 of 80 #TBL-1: Laptop Table – OFGO Studio - Pull Up Series Table. Adult Area 20”w x 13”d x 27”h. TFL Laminate: Linea Mocha #LM. Flat base slides easily under the Curved Benches and Lounge chairs. Metal post with flat base, Finish: Black. QTY: (2) Laminate surface Metal Finish Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 8 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 50 of 80 #TBL-3A & TBL-3B : Occasional Table. OFGO – Unify Series. Adult Area 24”w x 26”d x 18”h Laminate top with fabric sides. Black Metal post legs. Fabric noted below. Laminate top: Linea Mocha #LM Laminate Top (2) #TBL-3A (2) #TBL-3B Fabric: Mayer, Editor: Fabric: Stinson, Midnight - Grd. 10 Hopsack: Bamboo - Grd. 11 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 9 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 51 of 80 Adult Area (1) #TBL-2: OFGO Studio - Unify Series 36” round ottoman with laminate top (table), fabric wrapped side Hopsack Bamboo. Laminate: Linea Mocha #LM. Legs: Black Stinson – Hopsack- Bamboo, #HOP-15 Laminate top (2) #OT-24: OFGO - Unify Series 24” round ottoman fabric side; Stinson Hopsack, Bamboo. (2) #OT-30: OFGO – Unify Series 30” round ottoman fabric side; Mayer, Editor, Midnight. Qty. (1) Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 10 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 52 of 80 Adult Area Tables: OFGO - Lets Meet Series Community (Collaborative) Tables Panel Ends, modesty panel – wire management run down inside of one end panel. Includes OFGO #E3 Power unit Flush with surface top. 10 ft power cord – Plug in. Center in table. Laminate: Color Linea Mocha. Power Box Finish: Silver Fog, Black or Grey. #TBL-4: Size: 60”w x 30”d x 29’h. #TBL-5: Size: 72”w x 30”d x 29”h. #TBL-4: 60”w Table with Power. Price: $ 1,064.00 #TBL-5: 72”w Table with Power. Price: $ 1,110.00 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 11 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 53 of 80 Adult Area Table Top Power & Charger Grommet Unit. Byrne #MX2B Series. Flush mount into top surface – Dual sided -Pop Up unit feature. Size: 8” x 8” x 3”d. Mount one on each table – centered in top. Single Cord. 12 ft power cord – Plug in. Metal finish: Noted below. (Yellow line shows wire management under top). (1) per worktable #TBL-4 & TBL-5. Total (2) units. +Add price for wire management. Image shows 4 window unit per side. 2 power, 2 USB A+C . 15 amp power cord with integrated circuit breaker. White, Matte Storm or Black #TBL-4: 60”w Table with Power. Price: $ 1,795.00 #TBL-5: 72”w Table with Power. Price: $ 1,840.65 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 12 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 54 of 80 Adult Area Undersurface Mount Power & Charger Grommet Unit, locate in corners of table. Mockett Undermount. #PCS99A/UC. Size: 5” x 2 ½. Includes the mounting plate. Single Cord. 10 ft power cord – Plug in. + Add price for hidden wire management troughs. Box Metal finish: Silver or Black (Yellow line shows under surface wire management) #TBL-4 & #TBL- 5 (4) power boxes per worktable. Total (8) units. Left Side Right Side Mousehole cutout for power cord exit on end panels #TBL-4: 60”w table: $ 2,259.94 #TBL-5: 72”w table: $2,305.83 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 13 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 55 of 80 #CH-2: Chair at worktables Adult Area JSI – Hoopz Series: Sled base stacking chair, armless, Poly shell perforated poly back with upholstered seat. Frame: Black or Chrome – TBD? . Balanced Beige Shell, Table Laminate Beige Vinyl Uph. seat Image- Hoopz black poly shell, black vinyl seat, black sled base frame Poly Perforated Design Back, Shell in White with Blue Crypton upholstered seat Hearthstone Grey Shell /Grey Poly shell seat Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 14 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 56 of 80 #CH-2: Chair at worktables Adult Area JSI – Hoopz Series: Shell color options Upholstered seat: Mayer, Editor: color: TBD. Frame: Black or Chrome Laminate on worktables Poly Shell color options: Beige, Black, Green, White, Grey & Red Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 15 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 57 of 80 Presented by Rep; Linda Bianchi (860)-338-3566 16 lindabianchi@rhlco.com Page 58 of 80 Page 59 of 80 Page 60 of 80 Page 61 of 80 Page 62 of 80 Page 63 of 80 Page 64 of 80 Page 65 of 80 Page 66 of 80 Page 67 of 80 Page 68 of 80 Page 69 of 80 Page 70 of 80 Page 71 of 80 Page 72 of 80 Page 73 of 80 Page 74 of 80 Page 75 of 80 Page 76 of 80 Page 77 of 80 Page 78 of 80 Page 79 of 80 Page 80 of 80