PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013 (DRAFT)
A special meeting of the Public Building Commission was held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 in the Lion’s Community Room in the lower level of the Raymond Library (840 Main Street). The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chairman Daniel DePietro.
PRESENT: Daniel DePietro, Chairman
Richard Domler, Vice Chairman
Valentine Povinelli, Jr., member
Travis Simpson, member
Richard Kehoe, member (Chairman of the East Hartford Town Council)
ABSENT: Pasquale J. Salemi, Jr., member
Patricia Harmon, member (Town Council)
ALSO PRESENT: Mary G. Martin, Project Administrator for Raymond Library
Gregg Verallis, Facilities Manager, Town of East Hartford
Peter D. Wells, AIA, Tuthill& Wells Architects
Loren M. Grabinsky, Consulting Engineering Services (for MEP)
Alan R. Chandler, Szewczak Associates (structural engineer)
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13, 2012 MEETING MINUTES:
Motion by:Richard Domler
Seconded by:Travis Simpson
To approve the Minutes of the December 13, 2012 meeting.
Vote: Motion approved unanimously. (Mr. Kehoe abstained).
TOUR OF RAYMOND LIBRARY:
All present were taken on a tour of the building by Mr. Wells during which he described the renovations to take place. Some of the items highlighted included a discussion of the raising of the new Main Level Children’s section floor to accommodate appropriate ceiling levels for the Lower Level; the inclusion of separated structural supports to meet seismic Code compliance; and the use of concrete on steel deck floor structures. It was noted that the unexcavated area in the Lower Level, discussed at the December 13, 2012 meeting, will now be explored as part of the installation of toilets on the floor above.
Lighting will primarily consist of T8’s with lamps and ballasts compatible with other Town facilities; the new elevator will have two doors and the ability to open at all levels to provide better handicapped accessibility; and the railing system in the atrium (“stacks”) area will be modified to be Code compliant regarding the distance between the vertical members. Shelves will also be modified to allow for wheelchairs to pass in a serpentine fashion through the stacks.
Public Building Commission Minutes – Page 2 of 3
January 17, 2013
It has not yet been determined if the existing elevator shaft and piston can be abandoned in place and filled-in with sand and concrete materials, or if it must be removed.
The new Young Adults section to be created on the west side of the Main Level of the atrium will be enclosed in glass to provide separation but also visibility by the Library staff. A new stair is to be constructed to the front of this section (leading up to the Mezzanine Level, terminating at the north side of the atrium). There was discussion as to the appropriateness and reasoning for selecting glass as the main design element of the new stair. Mr. Verallis stated his concern over future maintenance. Mr. Kehoe commented on his desire to see the design blend in with the historic character of the Main Level lobby (in front of the area that is now the Circulation Desk).
OLD BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION ON PROGRESS OF RAYMOND LIBRARY PLANS:
The group returned to the Lion’s Room and examined the plans as they have progressed to date. A set of these documents was given to Project Administrator Ms. Martin to have available for further review. Her office is located in the Lower Level of Town Hall. Mr. Wells stated that these are progress plans and do not yet include all elements of the designs such as ceiling plans.
It was determined that there shall be a children’s restroom, separate from the other public restroom on the Main Level, with wall-mounted toilets and sinks at a height appropriate for children.
After more discussion, the Commission summarized their comments as follows:
- The ramp leading to the exterior Lower Level entrance to the Community Rooms (east side of the addition) is to be heated for snow and ice removal.
- Exterior up-lighting is to be included to highlight historic details of the façade on the Main Street elevation.
- More discussion needs to be held on the proposed design of the stairs at the front of the Young Adult section. This issue should be addressed as it relates to the condition of the original ceiling in front of the current Circulation Desk pending its condition when it is revealed.
Ms. Martin is to bring the façade elevations to the Historic District Commission for their review and comment due to the building being a contributing resource to the Central Avenue – Center Cemetery National Register District. Elevation drawings should be complete by the first week of February when they will be reviewed by the Mayor and the Raymond Library Company.
Public Building Commission Minutes – Page 3 of 3
January 17, 2013
Further discussion was held on the timeline for design decision making. Plans are scheduled to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 31, 2013 and then to the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 13, 2013. Final designs will be ready for Building Officials and Fire Marshal Office review by the second week of February. The next meeting of the Public Building Commission will be scheduled following the 30-day review period of Building and Fire staff for final review and approval of plans and specifications.
NEW BUSINESS:
It was noted that Mr. Simpson has been reappointed to the Public Building Commission for a five-year term to expire in December 2018.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by:Valentine Povinelli
Seconded by:Richard Domler
To adjourn the meeting of the Public Building Commission (10:04 P.M.).
Vote: Motion approved unanimously.
Recorded by: Mary G. Martin _________________________________
(signature)
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