MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING COMMITTEE
December 19, 2001
VAUGHAN ROOM
Present: Joanne Grasso, Alex Hanson, Carvel Tefft, John O’Leary, Phyllis Eldridge, Paul McEachern, Claudia Morner, John Hynes, John Grossman, Todd Hanson, Peter Bresciano, Cary Rothenburger, Suzanne Ford, John Bohenko, Sherm Pridham,
Absent: Lenore Bronson, Noele Clews, Steve Mowry, George Robinson, and Kate Leith
Guests: John Burke, Dave Holden, and Marty Kennedy from VHB Consultants
II. O’Leary asked City Manager Bohenko to update the Committee on Administration activities.
A. Bohenko reported that City Council instructed Administration to proceed with studies of Parrott Ave. site and go through the review process with City’s land use Boards. Bohenko then introduced John Burke, City Parking and Traffic Consultant, who, along with Marty Kennedy from VHB Consultants, presented results of their parking and traffic studies.
B. Burke and Kennedy pointed out that they wanted to test the effect a new library would have on traffic and parking during absolute peak use time. The peak time (worst case scenario) can occur on Tuesdays for seven weeks of the year, during soccer games at 5:00 PM. The studies showed that, even at this absolute peak and brief worst case scenario, siting of the library at Parrott Ave. would work fine. Some suggested actions to make parking easier during peak time are: create head-in parking along Parrott Ave., reconfigure a small area near tennis courts, revise schedule of soccer.
C. Bohenko reported that soil conditions at Parrott Ave. are suitable for construction and would allow a cellar if desired.
III. O’Leary reviewed the schedule for designing and building a library (see attached).
IV. Several committee members asked about the status of the RFP to hire a design team. Bohenko reported that Dave Allen, City Engineer, was developing it from past RFPs. It was decided that Grossman, Morner, and McEachern will form a sub-committee to review the RFP. Any other committee member wishing to see the RFP is asked to call Pridham, and he will make it available.
V. Bresciano inquired about the status of the Building Program, pointing out that changes in technology require it be reviewed. He hoped we would not reinvent the wheel and would adapt ideas from other successful libraries.
Eldridge reported that the Trustees have hired a building consultant to work with Pridham and library staff to make revisions and update program. She said that Pridham had shown the Trustees a series of slides of libraries that had features that we could adapt at Portsmouth.
VI. Several committee members expressed an interest in visiting libraries with Pridham. Pridham will set up tours.
VII. Grossman asked about the status of appointing a new NLBC and the need to let members know that there will be an appreciable time commitment required. Alex Hanson reported that he understands that the current NLBC members will be asked to continue.
VIII. Alex Hanson pointed out that the funding plan being put forward was for a seven million dollar cap for construction. A goal of raising three million through fund raising will be set. Any money raised in fundraising will be subtracted from the seven million-dollar cap, not added to it. Alex Hanson also asked that the Trustees begin compiling a list of items (furniture, rooms, etc.) that people can donate toward.
A. Tefft commented that he had some concerns about designing a building to a set dollar figure. He asked if the seven million-dollar cap could be broken down into relevant components and how we can assure that designing with a set dollar limit does not compromise library function.
B. Todd Hanson answered that that would be the job of the chosen design team, working in partnership with the staff. The design team must be able to show and explain options available and consequences of choices to the successful completion of the building within the seven million-dollar limit.
C. Todd Hanson indicated that the cost of the major components of the library construction project could be calculated and “backed out” from the total cost.
O’Leary thanked the Committee for its continuing efforts and said that the City Administration would now report to the land use committees who, in turn would report to City Council. He pointed out that there would be public hearings as the process moves forward.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM