AVON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS PROJECT
BUILDING COMMITTEE MINUTES
AUGUST 20, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Barbara Leonard in the Selectman's Chambers in Town Hall Building 1. Members present: Barbara Leonard, Janet Stokesbury, Diane Carney, Scott Boos and Tad Kuziak. Members absent: Chairperson Diane Hornaday and Secretary David Goldsholl. Also in attendance were Assistant Town Manager Blythe Robinson, Library Director Virginia Vocelli, Architect Peter Wells and Library Board of Trustee member Mary Suter.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING - JULY 22, 2008
Tad Kuziak asked to add the line to page two under Section IV - "that if we couldn't agree as a group on the expansion plan, then how could we expect the Town to accept it." Diane Carney motioned to accept the minutes as written with the changes, Tad Kuziak seconded, and all agreed.
III. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE
None.
IV. COMMUNICATION FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Tad Kuziak was concerned about the recent assault incident at the New Harford Library with hopes that we wouldn't experience this at the Avon Library. Diane Carney felt that it was not the job of the Library staff to provide security and that perhaps the Town might look to hire security personnel for this. She didn't want to sell the need for added staffing as a security problem, but rather as the need to provide the same or improved level of Library services. Virginia Vocelli added that it is her primary concern to provide services to the people, that security was not a major part of the staff's function.
Diane Carney was discouraged by the Town Council's last meeting. She felt the project was unfairly compared to the recent High School project. Barbara Leonard said the Council was adamantly opposed to hiring additional staff. Blythe Robinson reminded the committee that the cost of the building was a one time cost; whereas, the staffing and operational costs would not go away. She said these costs needed to be eased into the operating budget.
Blythe asked Mr. Schenck that a request for a referendum date for the project be included in the packet for the next Town Council's meeting September 8, 2008.
Virginia Vocelli will submit the grant application August 21, 2008.
V. DISCUSS LIBRARY PROJECT - PUBLIC OUTREACH
Barbara Leonard met with Chairperson Diane Hornaday and discussed her ideas for public outreach for the project. She will e-mail the exact dates and times of the various groups to the committee. The PTO, Junior Women's Club, Newcomers and Encore meet in September. Janet Stokesbury said that usually the first PTO meetings are more social than informational and the committee might get only three to five minutes for a presentation of the project. Janet said to get there early and set up pictures and then answer questions later. Scott Boos suggested the purpose of the meetings was to inform, to spread awareness and enthusiasm. Tad Kuziak suggested we develop a fact sheet the members could use for consistent delivery of information. Blythe suggested she and Virginia could develop this. Diane Carney
said, per John Carlson, that the committee could inform the public but could not sway opinion one way or the other. Peter Wells suggested that an opening date not be included in the fact sheet as delays could be expected.
Ms. Leonard also mentioned the Lion's Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and Seniors as the next level of outreach. Blythe reminded that this was not a plea for funds but informational meetings. Barbara asked for volunteers:
Janet Stokesbury: Roaring Brook and the Middle School
Barbara Leonard: Pine Grove, Thompson Brook and Newcomer's
Diane Carney: Encore
Tad Kuziak and Scott Boos: High School
Open: Junior Women's, Avon Education Connection
Ms Vocelli suggested looking on the Avon website for other clubs and organizations the committee could contact.
VI. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Blythe included the last of Peter's invoices as his work is complete. Peter is leaving 9% open to cover attendance at meetings. Diane Carney motioned, Tad Kuziak seconded, and all agreed to pay Tuthill and Wells, LLC invoice #3892 in the amount of $14,720.00 as presented.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
The next meeting will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Selectman's Chambers Town Hall Building 1.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Janet Stokesbury motioned, Diane Carney seconded, all agreed and the meeting was adjourned 7:40 PM.
Recorded by:
Susan Gatcomb, Staff Person
David Goldsholl, Secretary
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