AVON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS PROJECT
BUILDING COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM by Chairperson Diane Hornaday in the Community Room at the Avon Public Library. Members present: Chairperson Diane Hornaday, Secretary David Goldsholl, Tad Kuziak, Scott Boos, Janet Stokesbury, Diane Carney, and Barbara Leonard. Absent: None. Also in attendance was Library Director Virginia Vocelli, Blythe Robinson, Assistant to the Town Manager, Architects Peter Wells and Bruce Tuthill.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING - JANUARY 23, 2008
On a motion made by Diane Hornaday, seconded by Scott Boos, the January 23rd minutes were approved.
III. COMMUNICATIONS FROM AUDIENCE
None.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MEMBERS
Diane Carney visited the Southbury Library and told of the staff's opinions of their new renovation. They said the architect was great to work with and that the public feedback was very positive. Peter explained that not everyone would be happy with the choices made but that this tends to sort itself out.
David Goldsholl attended a meeting at which town staff met with the architect to kick off the project of which he felt very positive. Diane Hornaday asked Blythe to tell the committee of future meetings. Peter volunteered to provide a synopsis of the meeting to the other committee members.
Suggestions were also made about different fundraising techniques. Peter Wells suggested a tile wall using tiles to show a donor's recognition. Mr. Tuthill can provide a list of ways to name donors. Communities have been able to raise tens of thousands of dollars through various fundraising efforts.
V. REVIEW LIBRARY PROJECT SCHEDULE
Peter is still gathering information for next month's meeting which will be held at the Library's Meeting Room March 19th at 6:30PM. Thereafter, the committee will meet on the first and third Wednesday evening of the month at 6:30PM beginning April 2nd. Virginia said we could meet in the History Room on the 16th, as the Community Room would be reserved that evening. The meetings in May are scheduled for the 7th and 21st.
VI. ARCHITECT'S REVIEW - LIBRARY BUILDING PROGRAM
Bruce Tuthill believes the project should run 14 months whether the staff stays in the library during the renovation or moves elsewhere temporarily. He felt the optimum would be to move out and rent a space. Ms. Hornaday suggested the committee members do their homework and inquire about available space and cost around town, that this cannot wait until July. An analysis of the costs to move out versus staying in the building and the construction period being extended due to this needs to be done. Bruce Tuthill set a timeline for after the referendum passed: six months for documents, two months for the bid process, breaking ground the Fall of 2009.
The grant application is due by September 1, 2008. Mary Louise Jensen is the contact at the State. Peter said she'd come to the Library to review the application. He needs the soil report right away, as well as the furniture report for what stays and what will be purchased, all necessary for the grant. Virginia can provide the furniture report. Information from the structural engineer is also needed. Peter will work on concept designs and should have a good idea by April. Blythe would like the committee to make an informal presentation to the Planning and Zoning meeting in May. She'd like to have this all ready for the Town Council meeting July 3rd. Peter suggested a "meeting with the neighbors" to present their ideas. Virginia will coordinate this. Peter feels that it is
important to open the project to the public's opinion. Diane Hornaday suggested ideas could be garnered from member's involvement in their local groups such as PTO meetings or senior citizen groups.
Peter presented some preliminary information on the Library design. He is hoping to stay within the Planning and Zoning Commission's guidelines so he won't have to apply for a variance. Blythe reminded Peter that additional staffing needs must be a factor in the design process. Diane Carney is concerned that the renovations would accommodate expected growth in the Town. Diane Hornaday questioned the operating costs. Peter will provide a list of costs. Blythe said the Town sends a cost explanation prior to the referendum to provide voters with some background on the project.
Diane Hornaday reminded the members of the material sent in their packets regarding "green" standards for new building. She in concerned how this information will tie into the Library project: LEED compliance.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
Virginia Vocelli brought an article to hand out showing that young adults are heavy users of their libraries.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Blythe Robinson motioned to adjourn, Diane Hornaday seconded, all agreed, and the meeting adjourned at 8:10PM.
Recorded by: Susan Gatcomb, Staff Person
David Goldsholl, Committee Secretary
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