LFNAC Minutes February 7, 2008

The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. Present were Dodie Gaudet, Sue Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta, and Mike Paszek. Absent: Martin Antonetti, Milton Howard and Mary Williams

Since our meeting on Feb. 2, Harold has had several conversations including one with Anne Larson at the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners. We need to make some modifications to the actions we have begun. The MBLC does not follow the construction procedures outlined by the Secretary of State’s Office. This has resulted in some confusion of exactly what steps need to be taken and in which order. We are required by the MBLC to write a building program before hiring an architect.

Wording for the postings has been changed to “feasibility study” from “design study”. Deadline was moved to April 12 at 9:00 a.m. Time period for the completed project was moved to February 1, 2009 from January 1, 2009. We now need to revise the RFQ published in the Central Register. Dodie will see to the revision. Harold also drafted a posting that Sheila will submit to the Republican and post in the Library and Town Hall.

Sheila has received several inquiries due to our RFQ posting in the Central Register. They are requesting written detailed information. Harold had drafted an appropriate document which we reviewed.

MOVED and SECONDED: That we hire an OPM. We discussed the need for an OPM vs. members of the committee handling this task. Arguments against: An OPM will cost money; it will also cost money to negotiate a contract since no template exists; money would be better spent on a cost estimator than an OPM. Arguments for: an OPM would be an objective person, a professional whose job is to keep the project on track. The Library Trustees want an OPM involved. Harold and Lynn are willing to assume the responsibilities of an OPM. The MOTION WAS TABLED until after we talk with Anne Larson on Feb.16 and when all 9 members of the committee are present to vote.

We want to present our recommendation for approval at Town Meeting in May 2009. If we wait until later, the library will likely be competing with other capital projects.

We need to communicate with the Historical Society and/or Commission. Our recommendation will directly affect the Society and Commission and the historical collection on the second floor of Dickinson.

The next meeting will be Saturday, February 16 with Anne Larson at 10:00 at the Town Hall.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Dodie Gaudet, Secretary