The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 9:06 a.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Eliza Langhans, Lynn Omasta, Mary Williams.
Absent: Milton Howard
Harold distributed the budget to date.
The quote for geotechnical services came in at $6,000. That seems somewhat high. We decided to get another quote since we don’t need the services right away.
Received an invoice from Stephen Hale for copying, shipping, etc.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: pay the invoice.
Eliza, Harold, Stephen, Patience Jackson, and Rosemary Waltos had a very long conference call the previous week. Patience is concerned about some of the features of the design of the new building. The design follows the building program which was approved by the MBLC. We agree that safety and security of the staff and patrons is extremely important. We will make sure no design feature compromises safety or security.
We need written approval from the Hatfield Planning Board regarding our plan for parking.
Rosemary thinks having a model is a good idea. We don’t need one yet.
Next step: Trustees have requested a meeting with the Selectboard to request LFNAC be reconstituted as the Library Building Committee.
There is no need for this committee to meet again.
The meeting adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – June 4, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:38 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Eliza Langhans, Lynn Omasta, Mary Williams.
Susan described some libraries she visited recently on the cape. Dodie reported on the renovated Forbush Public Library in Westminster. Dodie also noted at the MBLC monthly meeting that morning, it was reported the next construction grant round is likely to be July 2010. Some of the libraries that have been awarded state grants are still trying to secure municipal funding. The deadline for doing so is December 2009, but they will be given an extension until June 2010.
We reviewed Harold’s report to the Hatfield Library Trustees and made some minor changes.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: present the report to the Library Trustees.
We will ask the Trustees to request a televised meeting of LFNAC and the Trustees with the Selectboard. We are requesting that members of LFNAC be appointed to the Building Committee. One or two more people might be added.
We need to make sure our finances are in order. Eliza will review all invoices and make sure there is an up-to-date spreadsheet listing expenses.
We will send a press release to the Gazette about the progress of LFNAC and letting people know there are plans of the proposed addition/renovation at the Library available for comment. Comments may be made on Post-It notes attached to the plans or in a notebook next to the plans. The press release will be sent to coincide with the naming of the Building Committee.
Our next meeting is Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Eliza Langhans, Lynn Omasta, Mary Williams.
Susan described some libraries she visited recently on the cape. Dodie reported on the renovated Forbush Public Library in Westminster. Dodie also noted at the MBLC monthly meeting that morning, it was reported the next construction grant round is likely to be July 2010. Some of the libraries that have been awarded state grants are still trying to secure municipal funding. The deadline for doing so is December 2009, but they will be given an extension until June 2010.
We reviewed Harold’s report to the Hatfield Library Trustees and made some minor changes.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: present the report to the Library Trustees.
We will ask the Trustees to request a televised meeting of LFNAC and the Trustees with the Selectboard. We are requesting that members of LFNAC be appointed to the Building Committee. One or two more people might be added.
We need to make sure our finances are in order. Eliza will review all invoices and make sure there is an up-to-date spreadsheet listing expenses.
We will send a press release to the Gazette about the progress of LFNAC and letting people know there are plans of the proposed addition/renovation at the Library available for comment. Comments may be made on Post-It notes attached to the plans or in a notebook next to the plans. The press release will be sent to coincide with the naming of the Building Committee.
Our next meeting is Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Monday, June 8, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – May 21, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Eliza Langhans, Lynn Omasta. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Susan Gaughan and Mary Williams
We reviewed the full set of drawings. Stephen had made some minor changes to the site plan and added cross sections.
We reviewed our contract with Stephen to see what still needs to be done.
Are 20 parking spaces enough? There is space for future expansion of the parking lot for 19 more spaces, and a proposal to add some spaces to the part of the elementary school parking lot that’s closest to the library. Stephen will talk with Rosemary Waltos to learn MBLC’s opinion.
We reaffirmed that we do not want a rendering at this time.
Geotechnical report: We may be able to use the report from the library addition that was proposed several years ago.
There was much discussion on the value of a model and whether we should expend the money that one would cost. We’re leaning toward having a model but there was no definite decision.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: to pay the final invoice submitted by Stephen Hale upon receipt of outstanding items: outline spec and some corrections to the drawings.
Next step: We need to submit a final report to Library Trustees. For continuity, it would be best if the Building Committee evolved out of the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee. The Selectboard wants a say in the membership of the Building Committee. Adding another member or two would be a good idea since it is possible some members would resign before the completion of the project.
If everything proceeds smoothly and on schedule, the ideal building start date would be spring of 2011.
Our next meeting is Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Eliza Langhans, Lynn Omasta. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Susan Gaughan and Mary Williams
We reviewed the full set of drawings. Stephen had made some minor changes to the site plan and added cross sections.
We reviewed our contract with Stephen to see what still needs to be done.
Are 20 parking spaces enough? There is space for future expansion of the parking lot for 19 more spaces, and a proposal to add some spaces to the part of the elementary school parking lot that’s closest to the library. Stephen will talk with Rosemary Waltos to learn MBLC’s opinion.
We reaffirmed that we do not want a rendering at this time.
Geotechnical report: We may be able to use the report from the library addition that was proposed several years ago.
There was much discussion on the value of a model and whether we should expend the money that one would cost. We’re leaning toward having a model but there was no definite decision.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: to pay the final invoice submitted by Stephen Hale upon receipt of outstanding items: outline spec and some corrections to the drawings.
Next step: We need to submit a final report to Library Trustees. For continuity, it would be best if the Building Committee evolved out of the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee. The Selectboard wants a say in the membership of the Building Committee. Adding another member or two would be a good idea since it is possible some members would resign before the completion of the project.
If everything proceeds smoothly and on schedule, the ideal building start date would be spring of 2011.
Our next meeting is Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
LFNAC Minutes – April 18, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee held an open house at the Hatfield Public Library from 1:00 until 4:00 to show the latest plans to residents of Hatfield.
LFNAC members present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Mary Williams.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: to pay the invoice submitted by Stephen Hale.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
LFNAC members present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Mary Williams.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: to pay the invoice submitted by Stephen Hale.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, May 17, 2009
LFNAC UPDATE MAY 2009
Members of LFNAC (Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee) are VERY HAPPY. After 18 months of meetings and discussions, plus lots of time and energy, our hard work has paid off.
At Town Meeting on May 12, the citizens of Hatfield voted “to approve the scope and preliminary design for renovation and expansion of the Dickinson Memorial Library and Museum” and “To authorize the Library Trustees of the Hatfield Public Library and/or the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept any grants which may be available for the project.”
Now the serious fund-raising begins. The Library Trustees are forming a Fund-Raising Committee that will be organizing a variety of events designed to raise awareness of the upcoming Library Building Project and to contact potential donors.
Construction grant funds will likely be available from the state in January of 2010 and the Library Trustees will submit an application. The Trustees and the Fund-Raising Committee will also research the feasibility of other grants such as Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and funds for historic preservation.
All Hatfield residents have an opportunity to become involved in this exciting project by serving on the Fund-Raising Committee or by making a generous donation to the new Hatfield Public Library.
May 17, 2009
At Town Meeting on May 12, the citizens of Hatfield voted “to approve the scope and preliminary design for renovation and expansion of the Dickinson Memorial Library and Museum” and “To authorize the Library Trustees of the Hatfield Public Library and/or the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept any grants which may be available for the project.”
Now the serious fund-raising begins. The Library Trustees are forming a Fund-Raising Committee that will be organizing a variety of events designed to raise awareness of the upcoming Library Building Project and to contact potential donors.
Construction grant funds will likely be available from the state in January of 2010 and the Library Trustees will submit an application. The Trustees and the Fund-Raising Committee will also research the feasibility of other grants such as Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and funds for historic preservation.
All Hatfield residents have an opportunity to become involved in this exciting project by serving on the Fund-Raising Committee or by making a generous donation to the new Hatfield Public Library.
May 17, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – April 23, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:35 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Milton Howard
Most of this meeting was spent discussing preparations for Town Meeting.
We decided to do a bulk mailing to all town residents with basic information about the project. Will the grant pay?
We also decided what exhibits we need from Stephen to present at Town Meeting. Front & back elevations, 3 floor plans and site plans plus outline specs and cost estimate based on specs will be copied back-to-back and stapled into a packet to distribute at Town Meeting.
We are owed an outline spec per the contract. It will be needed for a more accurate cost estimate. We are also owed a rendering. Do we want it at this point or later? We decided to wait on the rendering. We will have a rotating 3-D image displayed on a laptop at Town Meeting. We will need the rendering before we ask the town for money for construction.
Stephen had revised some of the drawings since the open house on Saturday. More refinements were made at this meeting.
Our next meeting is Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Milton Howard
Most of this meeting was spent discussing preparations for Town Meeting.
We decided to do a bulk mailing to all town residents with basic information about the project. Will the grant pay?
We also decided what exhibits we need from Stephen to present at Town Meeting. Front & back elevations, 3 floor plans and site plans plus outline specs and cost estimate based on specs will be copied back-to-back and stapled into a packet to distribute at Town Meeting.
We are owed an outline spec per the contract. It will be needed for a more accurate cost estimate. We are also owed a rendering. Do we want it at this point or later? We decided to wait on the rendering. We will have a rotating 3-D image displayed on a laptop at Town Meeting. We will need the rendering before we ask the town for money for construction.
Stephen had revised some of the drawings since the open house on Saturday. More refinements were made at this meeting.
Our next meeting is Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
LFNAC Minutes – April 16, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:04 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams.
Absent: Milton Howard
The Committee reviewed the PowerPoint presentation that Harold had created to show to the Historical Society members.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To approve the warrant articles for the Town Meeting based on text suggested by the MBLC.
Article: To see if the Town will vote to approve the scope and preliminary design for renovation and expansion of the Dickinson Memorial Library and Museum.
Article: To authorize the Library Trustees of the Hatfield Public Library and/or the Board of Selectmen to apply for, accept, and expend any grants which may be available for the project.
There was some discussion of having the children’s room upstairs. While having library functions on multiple floors creates some problems in terms of staff being able to monitor all areas, the situation is better in the proposed building than in the current one. Having the children’s area on the same floor as the meeting room means that popular children’s programs can easily be moved into the meeting room.
The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m. to attend the meeting of the Historical Society.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams.
Absent: Milton Howard
The Committee reviewed the PowerPoint presentation that Harold had created to show to the Historical Society members.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To approve the warrant articles for the Town Meeting based on text suggested by the MBLC.
Article: To see if the Town will vote to approve the scope and preliminary design for renovation and expansion of the Dickinson Memorial Library and Museum.
Article: To authorize the Library Trustees of the Hatfield Public Library and/or the Board of Selectmen to apply for, accept, and expend any grants which may be available for the project.
There was some discussion of having the children’s room upstairs. While having library functions on multiple floors creates some problems in terms of staff being able to monitor all areas, the situation is better in the proposed building than in the current one. Having the children’s area on the same floor as the meeting room means that popular children’s programs can easily be moved into the meeting room.
The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m. to attend the meeting of the Historical Society.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Monday, May 4, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – March 26, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:35 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect and Tim Heatwole, landscape architect.
Absent: Lynn Omasta, Milton Howard
Tim presented some detailed drawings of landscaping. One issue is parking: how do we get enough parking spaces yet not pave lots of park-like areas? We don’t want to have to rely on street parking or encroach on the water detention area between the library and the elementary school. Can we count the parking area at the school as part of library parking? We need to check with the Planning Board. We also don’t want to lose “points” with the MBLC for too few parking spaces.
Stephen presented some revised drawings which he had modified to meet square footage of the Building Program.
Most Committee members can no longer make the trip to Cape Cod on April 3. Rather than try to organize a group, members will try to visit the Cape libraries that Stephen has designed on their own. Members should also try to visit the Lexington Library.
The Historical Society will meet on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church. Susan will ask if LFNAC can make a brief presentation. [Susan sent an email to committee members on April 1 that the Historical Society has agreed to let us have 10-15 minutes at their next meeting to talk about the library plans.] LFNAC will meet at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:00 p.m.
LFNAC will meet at 11:00 on Saturday, April 18 at the Library. The open house begins at 1:00 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting and the open house.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect and Tim Heatwole, landscape architect.
Absent: Lynn Omasta, Milton Howard
Tim presented some detailed drawings of landscaping. One issue is parking: how do we get enough parking spaces yet not pave lots of park-like areas? We don’t want to have to rely on street parking or encroach on the water detention area between the library and the elementary school. Can we count the parking area at the school as part of library parking? We need to check with the Planning Board. We also don’t want to lose “points” with the MBLC for too few parking spaces.
Stephen presented some revised drawings which he had modified to meet square footage of the Building Program.
Most Committee members can no longer make the trip to Cape Cod on April 3. Rather than try to organize a group, members will try to visit the Cape libraries that Stephen has designed on their own. Members should also try to visit the Lexington Library.
The Historical Society will meet on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church. Susan will ask if LFNAC can make a brief presentation. [Susan sent an email to committee members on April 1 that the Historical Society has agreed to let us have 10-15 minutes at their next meeting to talk about the library plans.] LFNAC will meet at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:00 p.m.
LFNAC will meet at 11:00 on Saturday, April 18 at the Library. The open house begins at 1:00 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting and the open house.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Saturday, April 11, 2009
LFNAC UPDATE April 2009
After carefully weighing all of the options and lots of deliberation the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee (LFNAC) decided to pursue an addition/renovation to the Dickinson Memorial building for the new and improved Hatfield Public Library.
The reasons for choosing an addition/renovation instead of a new building are many:
· Using an existing building is a “green” choice;
· LFNAC is sensitive to having another vacant municipal building on Main Street;
· A separate library building next to Dickinson Memorial would crowd the lot and eliminate much park-like area;
· Hatfield residents are sentimental about the current library building
Now architect Stephen Hale is making detailed drawings incorporating all of the features listed in the Building Program.
Hatfield residents can keep up-to-date on the progress by reading the Hatfield LFNAC blog at http://hatfieldlfnac.blogspot.com
LFNAC members: Harold Green, Chair; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet, Secretary; Martin Antonetti; Susan Gaughan; Milton Howard; and Mary Williams.
The work of this Committee is funded through a $40,000 grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $8,000 from the Friends of Hatfield Library, $4,000 from Hatfield Library Funds and $8,000 from the town of Hatfield, approved at the May 2007 Town meeting.
The reasons for choosing an addition/renovation instead of a new building are many:
· Using an existing building is a “green” choice;
· LFNAC is sensitive to having another vacant municipal building on Main Street;
· A separate library building next to Dickinson Memorial would crowd the lot and eliminate much park-like area;
· Hatfield residents are sentimental about the current library building
Now architect Stephen Hale is making detailed drawings incorporating all of the features listed in the Building Program.
Hatfield residents can keep up-to-date on the progress by reading the Hatfield LFNAC blog at http://hatfieldlfnac.blogspot.com
LFNAC members: Harold Green, Chair; Historical Commission Liaison Lynn Omasta, Vice-Chair; Library Trustee Dodie Gaudet, Secretary; Martin Antonetti; Susan Gaughan; Milton Howard; and Mary Williams.
The work of this Committee is funded through a $40,000 grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $8,000 from the Friends of Hatfield Library, $4,000 from Hatfield Library Funds and $8,000 from the town of Hatfield, approved at the May 2007 Town meeting.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – March 12, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Susan Gaughan, Milton Howard
Now that we have decided to pursue an addition and renovation to the Dickinson Memorial Building, Stephan has begun making more detailed drawings. We reviewed Stephen’s drawings. There was lots of discussion.
If the Library assumes responsibility of the collection in the Historical Museum, we have more options in terms of design and fewer worries about MBLC funding. Stephen suggests that we display some of the items by distributing them throughout the building and integrating them into the décor. Museum storage and work space could be located in the basement, but it would be a nicer space than the attic since there would be some natural light. The current attic (Museum) could become the public meeting room. All of these ideas are preliminary. We need more discussion with the Historical Society. The Library Trustees and the future Director would also have to agree with this plan.
We discussed handicapped access through the current front door in addition to what will become the main entrance at the back of the building near the parking lot. Can a ramp be integrated into the architecture and still look good? Can it be combined with a porch?
We will have another open house at the Library on Saturday, April 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect.
Absent: Susan Gaughan, Milton Howard
Now that we have decided to pursue an addition and renovation to the Dickinson Memorial Building, Stephan has begun making more detailed drawings. We reviewed Stephen’s drawings. There was lots of discussion.
If the Library assumes responsibility of the collection in the Historical Museum, we have more options in terms of design and fewer worries about MBLC funding. Stephen suggests that we display some of the items by distributing them throughout the building and integrating them into the décor. Museum storage and work space could be located in the basement, but it would be a nicer space than the attic since there would be some natural light. The current attic (Museum) could become the public meeting room. All of these ideas are preliminary. We need more discussion with the Historical Society. The Library Trustees and the future Director would also have to agree with this plan.
We discussed handicapped access through the current front door in addition to what will become the main entrance at the back of the building near the parking lot. Can a ramp be integrated into the architecture and still look good? Can it be combined with a porch?
We will have another open house at the Library on Saturday, April 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – February 26, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:40 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; Trustee Chair Melissa Green joined the group during the meeting.
Absent: Milton Howard
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay Sheila for 4 additional hours of work and to pay Stephen Hale $7664.
There was discussion of the comments made from the Open Forum held February 21.
Issues were
- using or not using the space that is currently the children's room;
- that we haven't allocated enough space for the museum;
- one selectman wants both the library and museum in the present town hall.
The Committee has already discussed the fact that the library would not easily fit into the Town Hall or the Center School regardless of the amount of money spent. Stephen says there are much better uses of the Center School (e.g. apartments) than a library.
Martin suggested that if the museum were part of the library, we could include it in our construction plans. A combined collection (books, etc. and artifacts) under the authority of the library director would help with security of the museum collection. Can the library staff handle this additional responsibility? Would the new director be qualified to maintain the artifacts and other museum items?
We discussed various drawings of our final two options: add/reno to Dickinson or a new building next to Dickinson. A new building requires more overall footprint on the site. Abutters (currently Thomas and Mary Lynn Carroll) will be crowded. The town would lose some park-like space. Pushing the building back will encroach on the water detention area which may have to be reengineered. A new building will be less expensive than an add/reno and be better organized for a small staff.
An add/reno will cost approximately 20% more and be more difficult to design in terms of ensuring equal access regardless of mobility. It will require an elevator and two fire stairs because there will be 3 floors (basement, first floor, attic), and it will be more difficult to staff as there will not be a staff person on every floor. However, many townspeople want the library to stay in its current building. Committee members agreed that an add/reno would be an easier sell to the town.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Proceed with design for an addition/renovation to Dickinson Memorial.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
Committee members are planning a day trip to visit some of Stephen’s other library projects. Tentative date is Friday, April 3.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; Trustee Chair Melissa Green joined the group during the meeting.
Absent: Milton Howard
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay Sheila for 4 additional hours of work and to pay Stephen Hale $7664.
There was discussion of the comments made from the Open Forum held February 21.
Issues were
- using or not using the space that is currently the children's room;
- that we haven't allocated enough space for the museum;
- one selectman wants both the library and museum in the present town hall.
The Committee has already discussed the fact that the library would not easily fit into the Town Hall or the Center School regardless of the amount of money spent. Stephen says there are much better uses of the Center School (e.g. apartments) than a library.
Martin suggested that if the museum were part of the library, we could include it in our construction plans. A combined collection (books, etc. and artifacts) under the authority of the library director would help with security of the museum collection. Can the library staff handle this additional responsibility? Would the new director be qualified to maintain the artifacts and other museum items?
We discussed various drawings of our final two options: add/reno to Dickinson or a new building next to Dickinson. A new building requires more overall footprint on the site. Abutters (currently Thomas and Mary Lynn Carroll) will be crowded. The town would lose some park-like space. Pushing the building back will encroach on the water detention area which may have to be reengineered. A new building will be less expensive than an add/reno and be better organized for a small staff.
An add/reno will cost approximately 20% more and be more difficult to design in terms of ensuring equal access regardless of mobility. It will require an elevator and two fire stairs because there will be 3 floors (basement, first floor, attic), and it will be more difficult to staff as there will not be a staff person on every floor. However, many townspeople want the library to stay in its current building. Committee members agreed that an add/reno would be an easier sell to the town.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Proceed with design for an addition/renovation to Dickinson Memorial.
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
Committee members are planning a day trip to visit some of Stephen’s other library projects. Tentative date is Friday, April 3.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Thank You, Sheila
Sheila McCormick, Director of the Hatfield Public Library since 2001, is the Director of the Sunderland Public Library as of February 23, 2009.
Sheila has done an amazing amount of work for HPL, especially in the last two years. While members of the Board of Trustees helped, Sheila was the person who wrote the grant proposal which resulted in obtaining $40,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for a Planning and Design project. (As a stipulation for receiving the $40,000, HPL was required to raise an additional $20,000, which it did.)
Sheila helped to select the members of LFNAC - the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee - to implement the grant. Since November of 2007, LFNAC has been meeting regularly and Sheila attended every meeting.
It was Sheila who wrote the Builing Program, the document that is currently guiding LFNAC and architect Stephen Hale in choosing a location for the new, improved Hatfield Public Libraryand designing the actual building.
Thank you, Sheila, for all of your hard work. Please be sure to visit us in a few years (although we hope to see you sooner) when you can see the beautiful new library that you helped create for Hatfield.
Sheila has done an amazing amount of work for HPL, especially in the last two years. While members of the Board of Trustees helped, Sheila was the person who wrote the grant proposal which resulted in obtaining $40,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for a Planning and Design project. (As a stipulation for receiving the $40,000, HPL was required to raise an additional $20,000, which it did.)
Sheila helped to select the members of LFNAC - the Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee - to implement the grant. Since November of 2007, LFNAC has been meeting regularly and Sheila attended every meeting.
It was Sheila who wrote the Builing Program, the document that is currently guiding LFNAC and architect Stephen Hale in choosing a location for the new, improved Hatfield Public Libraryand designing the actual building.
Thank you, Sheila, for all of your hard work. Please be sure to visit us in a few years (although we hope to see you sooner) when you can see the beautiful new library that you helped create for Hatfield.
LFNAC Minutes – February 12, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:45 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; and Rosemary Waltos from the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners
Stephen distributed updated site analysis matrix and ranking paperwork. He also presented more detailed drawings of the 5 possible sites including landscaping and parking. Our top two choices remain our top two choices.
There were several different drawings of an add/reno to Dickinson and also of a new building near Dickinson. There was much discussion of all possibilities.
LFNAC will meet with the Selectboard on Tuesday, February 17 at about 7:40 p.m. This will be a televised meeting, so some Hatfield residents will hear about our work to date. Selectboard members will see the ranking sheet. Stephen will not attend this meeting, but will be available by telephone if needed.
We will hold an open forum at the library on Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Stephen will enlarge the drawings of the 2 sites. There will be no formal program, but Stephen and LFNAC members will be there to answer questions. There will be light refreshments. Lynn will create a poster and email it to all members to distribute. Harold will post the forum on cable. Dodie will post the forum at Town Hall and also contact the Hampshire Gazette.
After discussing the situation with Rosemary, we decided to remain with our goal of a presentation at Town Meeting in May. We will ask for approval of the design and also approval to proceed with the next step which is to apply for a construction grant. The next construction grant round is likely to take place in January of 2010.
Sheila’s last day is Wednesday, February 18. There will be a going away party for her that evening from 6-8 p.m. at the library.
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale, architect; and Rosemary Waltos from the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners
Stephen distributed updated site analysis matrix and ranking paperwork. He also presented more detailed drawings of the 5 possible sites including landscaping and parking. Our top two choices remain our top two choices.
There were several different drawings of an add/reno to Dickinson and also of a new building near Dickinson. There was much discussion of all possibilities.
LFNAC will meet with the Selectboard on Tuesday, February 17 at about 7:40 p.m. This will be a televised meeting, so some Hatfield residents will hear about our work to date. Selectboard members will see the ranking sheet. Stephen will not attend this meeting, but will be available by telephone if needed.
We will hold an open forum at the library on Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Stephen will enlarge the drawings of the 2 sites. There will be no formal program, but Stephen and LFNAC members will be there to answer questions. There will be light refreshments. Lynn will create a poster and email it to all members to distribute. Harold will post the forum on cable. Dodie will post the forum at Town Hall and also contact the Hampshire Gazette.
After discussing the situation with Rosemary, we decided to remain with our goal of a presentation at Town Meeting in May. We will ask for approval of the design and also approval to proceed with the next step which is to apply for a construction grant. The next construction grant round is likely to take place in January of 2010.
Sheila’s last day is Wednesday, February 18. There will be a going away party for her that evening from 6-8 p.m. at the library.
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, February 15, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – January 31, 2009
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: George Ashley, President of the Historical Commission
Committee members described to George conversations we had had with Historical Society officers. According to George, the Historical Society has money in their treasury, but given the monthly maintenance cost of the Dickinson building, that money would soon be depleted. If the library vacates the building, the Historical Commission will argue to keep the building as a museum. Ideally, the two reading rooms would be display area and the attic would be work area. LFNAC members reminded George that if Dickinson becomes a museum, it is a change of use and would likely be subject to ADA compliance.
According to George, the Museum is owned by the town; the collections are under supervision of the town. It is up to the Historical Commission on behalf of the town to say where the museum is located. Members of the Historical Society do all of the actual work involved with the museum and collection.
LFNAC should meet with the Selectboard to keep them informed of where we are in our discussions with the Historical Society and Historical Commission and progress in general. We want the Selectboard to know that we’ve narrowed our options for a library site. Harold will try to get on the Selecboard agenda within the first 2 weeks of February. There’s no need for Stephen Hale to be present, although Harold will let him know about the meeting. Stephen may be able to answer some questions. [Note: LFNAC is on the agenda for February 17 at about 7:40.].
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay attorney Joe Cook for the work he did in reviewing the contract with Stephen Hale.
There are some potential problems with the Smith Academy Site (e.g. space, water issues). Rather than keep it in the mix of options and having Stephen spend time (i.e. grant money) designing a building for the site, the Committee decided to eliminate it now.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate the Smith Academy site from consideration as a place for the new Hatfield Public Library.
Harold will create a Yahoo Group so that all LFNAC members can have access to the latest spreadsheets (site analysis matrix, preliminary cost figures, etc.) as they are revised.
We plan on visiting other town groups during April to let as many residents as possible know what LFNAC has been doing. We identified the Library Friends, Hatfield Book Club, Council on Aging (lunch?), Lions Club, Hatfield Business Association, Hatfield Education Foundation, and PTO. Perhaps also town committees, although it is likely that most of those members are also involved in the above organizations. We also need to look at what else is happening before setting a schedule, e.g. holidays, school vacation.
LFNAC members should continue to visit other libraries as opportunities arise. Two questions to ask staff: What is the best thing about your library building? What is the worst thing?
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; the following meeting will be Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend these meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Committee members described to George conversations we had had with Historical Society officers. According to George, the Historical Society has money in their treasury, but given the monthly maintenance cost of the Dickinson building, that money would soon be depleted. If the library vacates the building, the Historical Commission will argue to keep the building as a museum. Ideally, the two reading rooms would be display area and the attic would be work area. LFNAC members reminded George that if Dickinson becomes a museum, it is a change of use and would likely be subject to ADA compliance.
According to George, the Museum is owned by the town; the collections are under supervision of the town. It is up to the Historical Commission on behalf of the town to say where the museum is located. Members of the Historical Society do all of the actual work involved with the museum and collection.
LFNAC should meet with the Selectboard to keep them informed of where we are in our discussions with the Historical Society and Historical Commission and progress in general. We want the Selectboard to know that we’ve narrowed our options for a library site. Harold will try to get on the Selecboard agenda within the first 2 weeks of February. There’s no need for Stephen Hale to be present, although Harold will let him know about the meeting. Stephen may be able to answer some questions. [Note: LFNAC is on the agenda for February 17 at about 7:40.].
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To pay attorney Joe Cook for the work he did in reviewing the contract with Stephen Hale.
There are some potential problems with the Smith Academy Site (e.g. space, water issues). Rather than keep it in the mix of options and having Stephen spend time (i.e. grant money) designing a building for the site, the Committee decided to eliminate it now.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate the Smith Academy site from consideration as a place for the new Hatfield Public Library.
Harold will create a Yahoo Group so that all LFNAC members can have access to the latest spreadsheets (site analysis matrix, preliminary cost figures, etc.) as they are revised.
We plan on visiting other town groups during April to let as many residents as possible know what LFNAC has been doing. We identified the Library Friends, Hatfield Book Club, Council on Aging (lunch?), Lions Club, Hatfield Business Association, Hatfield Education Foundation, and PTO. Perhaps also town committees, although it is likely that most of those members are also involved in the above organizations. We also need to look at what else is happening before setting a schedule, e.g. holidays, school vacation.
LFNAC members should continue to visit other libraries as opportunities arise. Two questions to ask staff: What is the best thing about your library building? What is the worst thing?
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Library; the following meeting will be Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend these meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – January 26, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale
Absent: Milton Howard
We reviewed the spreadsheet that Stephen had compiled based on an earlier version of our Building Program and updated the information to conform to our official Program.
We reviewed a new spreadsheet compiled by Stephen which contained rough cost estimates of the 5 possible sites for a new Library. Renovation to the Center School is the most costly option in terms of dollar amounts; addition/renovation to Town Hall is the next most costly.
We also discussed another category called “Town Impact (on other buildings in town)”. We added all of these figures to the Site Analysis Matrix that we’ve been working on during the last few meetings.
Renovation of the Center School and addition/renovation to Town Hall scored the lowest. MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate these two options from consideration.
Harold reported on the meeting of the Center School group. He relayed to them our concerns with using the Center School for a new Library. That committee posed the question: What about moving all town offices to the Center School and using the entire Town Hall for the Library? LFNAC rejected that proposal since it is dependent on too many things happening before we can begin to make serious plans.
LFNAC viewed several preliminary sketches of the remaining 3 sites and discussed the pros and cons of each. We’re hoping to decide on the one best site soon.
We still need to plan for forums and information sessions.
Our next meeting is Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m. at the Library.
The following meeting will be Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams. Also present: Stephen Hale
Absent: Milton Howard
We reviewed the spreadsheet that Stephen had compiled based on an earlier version of our Building Program and updated the information to conform to our official Program.
We reviewed a new spreadsheet compiled by Stephen which contained rough cost estimates of the 5 possible sites for a new Library. Renovation to the Center School is the most costly option in terms of dollar amounts; addition/renovation to Town Hall is the next most costly.
We also discussed another category called “Town Impact (on other buildings in town)”. We added all of these figures to the Site Analysis Matrix that we’ve been working on during the last few meetings.
Renovation of the Center School and addition/renovation to Town Hall scored the lowest. MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: Eliminate these two options from consideration.
Harold reported on the meeting of the Center School group. He relayed to them our concerns with using the Center School for a new Library. That committee posed the question: What about moving all town offices to the Center School and using the entire Town Hall for the Library? LFNAC rejected that proposal since it is dependent on too many things happening before we can begin to make serious plans.
LFNAC viewed several preliminary sketches of the remaining 3 sites and discussed the pros and cons of each. We’re hoping to decide on the one best site soon.
We still need to plan for forums and information sessions.
Our next meeting is Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m. at the Library.
The following meeting will be Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – January 17, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 9:06 a.m.
Present: Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams
Absent: Martin Antonetti, Milton Howard
We reviewed the matrix again and made some adjustments. The final rankings remained the same: the top two sites are a new building near Dickinson and an addition/renovation to Dickinson; a new building near Smith Academy is in the middle; the two bottom choices are renovation of the Center School and addition/renovation of a portion of Town Hall.
Stephen Hale is coming to Hatfield on Monday, January 19 to view more closely the buildings that could possibly be renovated for a new library. He will be accompanied by an engineer. Harold will get keys to the Center School so that Stephen and the engineer can go inside.
Rosemary Waltos of the Mass Board of Library Commissioners (Ann Larson’s replacement) visited the Hatfield Library. She used words such as “deplorable” and “unacceptable working conditions”. According to Rosemary, there will possibly be a round of construction grants in January 2010. If so, libraries have until summer 2010 to submit their final plan. Rosemary sees no reason for LFNAC to go to Town Meeting before the construction grant round is announced.
The Committee debated the pros and cons of presenting the final plan at Town Meeting in May 2009. We should have completed site selection by early February. Exactly why are we going to Town Meeting in 2009? What are we asking the town? What will the warrant say? Many members want to report our results and get a feel for the sentiment for a new library. If it is not favorable, that gives us a year to market the idea.
Wording of the warrant is very important. The warrant will ask the town to accept the LFNAC report, give the committee permission to proceed with the project, and to apply for grants. We are not requesting funding at this point, although since the library will be open to all town residents, we expect the town to pay a portion of the building costs. We also expect to get approximately 50% (maybe a little more) of the building costs from the state and to raise a lot of money privately.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To ask for a “placeholder” for a warrant at Town Meeting.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: LFNAC requests the Library Trustees to begin the fundraising process. LFNAC will help with presentations.
We need to plan educational programs, forums, meetings, promotional materials, etc.
We will mount the categories of the matrix and the resulting graph on the LFNAC blog. [Harold supplied the materials and Dodie imported the graphic into the blog, but it was too small to read. Harold will see if he can make the graphics larger.]
Sheila has distributed spiral bound copies of the Building Program to Selectboard members and will also give a copy to Louise Slysz.
LFNAC would like to meet with the Historical Commission to discuss the new library vis a vis the museum space. HC meets at the end of January.
Harold will go to the next meeting of the Center School group to learn what’s happening that may have an impact on LFNAC’s plans.
Our next meeting is Monday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams
Absent: Martin Antonetti, Milton Howard
We reviewed the matrix again and made some adjustments. The final rankings remained the same: the top two sites are a new building near Dickinson and an addition/renovation to Dickinson; a new building near Smith Academy is in the middle; the two bottom choices are renovation of the Center School and addition/renovation of a portion of Town Hall.
Stephen Hale is coming to Hatfield on Monday, January 19 to view more closely the buildings that could possibly be renovated for a new library. He will be accompanied by an engineer. Harold will get keys to the Center School so that Stephen and the engineer can go inside.
Rosemary Waltos of the Mass Board of Library Commissioners (Ann Larson’s replacement) visited the Hatfield Library. She used words such as “deplorable” and “unacceptable working conditions”. According to Rosemary, there will possibly be a round of construction grants in January 2010. If so, libraries have until summer 2010 to submit their final plan. Rosemary sees no reason for LFNAC to go to Town Meeting before the construction grant round is announced.
The Committee debated the pros and cons of presenting the final plan at Town Meeting in May 2009. We should have completed site selection by early February. Exactly why are we going to Town Meeting in 2009? What are we asking the town? What will the warrant say? Many members want to report our results and get a feel for the sentiment for a new library. If it is not favorable, that gives us a year to market the idea.
Wording of the warrant is very important. The warrant will ask the town to accept the LFNAC report, give the committee permission to proceed with the project, and to apply for grants. We are not requesting funding at this point, although since the library will be open to all town residents, we expect the town to pay a portion of the building costs. We also expect to get approximately 50% (maybe a little more) of the building costs from the state and to raise a lot of money privately.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: To ask for a “placeholder” for a warrant at Town Meeting.
MOVED, SECONDED, VOTED: LFNAC requests the Library Trustees to begin the fundraising process. LFNAC will help with presentations.
We need to plan educational programs, forums, meetings, promotional materials, etc.
We will mount the categories of the matrix and the resulting graph on the LFNAC blog. [Harold supplied the materials and Dodie imported the graphic into the blog, but it was too small to read. Harold will see if he can make the graphics larger.]
Sheila has distributed spiral bound copies of the Building Program to Selectboard members and will also give a copy to Louise Slysz.
LFNAC would like to meet with the Historical Commission to discuss the new library vis a vis the museum space. HC meets at the end of January.
Harold will go to the next meeting of the Center School group to learn what’s happening that may have an impact on LFNAC’s plans.
Our next meeting is Monday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Monday, January 19, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – January 5, 2009
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 6:37 p.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams
Absent: Susan Gaughan
Also attending: Stephen Hale, Architect; Tim Heatwole, Landscape Architect; Rick Martin, Secretary of both the Historical Society and Historical Commission; Corey Bardwell, Historical Society Treasurer; Huddie Bardwell, Historical Society Vice-President
Rick reported on conversations with Historical Society officers and Board of Directors.
HS is committed to taking care of the historical collection in the Dickinson building. HS does not want to move. HS does not want less space than it currently has. If the Library vacates the building, HS will work with other town departments to expand to the first floor. If LFNAC chooses an addition/renovation of Dickinson, HS will work with LFNAC. Once LFNAC has made a decision about the Library, HS will work within those plans. The ideal situation for HS is more space and to have display space. Other officers reiterated that they are waiting for LFNAC to present a plan and that they will respond to that.
Rick, Corey and Huddie left the meeting.
Stephen Hale handed out a schedule of proposed meetings and topics through May. The Committee made some changes due to state holidays.
Stephen passed out a matrix for site selection which had been revised based on LFNAC’s comments at the December 20 meeting. With this new and adjusted information, the top two sites are a new building near Dickinson and an addition/renovation to Dickinson. The two bottom choices are renovation of the Center School (serious issues with handicapped accessibility) and addition/renovation of a portion of Town Hall. A new building near Smith Academy is in the middle.
We viewed slides of the sites, several views of each, including some preliminary ideas for a new, improved Library. There was a lot of discussion of the various possibilities.
Our next meeting is Saturday, January 17, 9:00 a.m. at Hatfield Public Library. At that meeting, we will refine the matrix and also begin planning information sessions for residents.
The following meeting will be Monday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
Sheila distributed spiral bound copies of the Building Program.
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams
Absent: Susan Gaughan
Also attending: Stephen Hale, Architect; Tim Heatwole, Landscape Architect; Rick Martin, Secretary of both the Historical Society and Historical Commission; Corey Bardwell, Historical Society Treasurer; Huddie Bardwell, Historical Society Vice-President
Rick reported on conversations with Historical Society officers and Board of Directors.
HS is committed to taking care of the historical collection in the Dickinson building. HS does not want to move. HS does not want less space than it currently has. If the Library vacates the building, HS will work with other town departments to expand to the first floor. If LFNAC chooses an addition/renovation of Dickinson, HS will work with LFNAC. Once LFNAC has made a decision about the Library, HS will work within those plans. The ideal situation for HS is more space and to have display space. Other officers reiterated that they are waiting for LFNAC to present a plan and that they will respond to that.
Rick, Corey and Huddie left the meeting.
Stephen Hale handed out a schedule of proposed meetings and topics through May. The Committee made some changes due to state holidays.
Stephen passed out a matrix for site selection which had been revised based on LFNAC’s comments at the December 20 meeting. With this new and adjusted information, the top two sites are a new building near Dickinson and an addition/renovation to Dickinson. The two bottom choices are renovation of the Center School (serious issues with handicapped accessibility) and addition/renovation of a portion of Town Hall. A new building near Smith Academy is in the middle.
We viewed slides of the sites, several views of each, including some preliminary ideas for a new, improved Library. There was a lot of discussion of the various possibilities.
Our next meeting is Saturday, January 17, 9:00 a.m. at Hatfield Public Library. At that meeting, we will refine the matrix and also begin planning information sessions for residents.
The following meeting will be Monday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Stephen Hale will attend this meeting.
Sheila distributed spiral bound copies of the Building Program.
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
LFNAC Minutes – December 20, 2008
The Library Facilities Needs Assessment Committee met at the Hatfield Public Library at 9:08 a.m.
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams
Also: Rick Martin, Secretary of both the Historical Society and Historical Commission
The first order of business was how best to incorporate the Historical Society Collection into a new library.
Rick thanked LFNAC for the work it has been doing. The Historical Society is interested in taking over the entire Dickinson Building if the Library vacates it. If the project turns out to be an add/reno, the Historical Soc. wants to be part of the new facility. HS ideally wants to double the space it has and is willing to pursue grants to help fund its portion of the construction; HS has money for matching grants. HS will not voluntarily accept less space than it currently has.
Issues that were discussed: Library will be doing lots of fundraising. Are members of the Hist. Soc willing to participate? If Library takes over the entire building, what happens to the HS? If the Library vacates Dickinson, and the HS takes over, this is a “change of use” and must be upgraded to meet ADA requirements. If Library vacates, can HS afford to maintain entire building? LFNAC does not want to be responsible for having another vacant town building. Rick insisted that HS will find a way to maintain Dickinson. Said that ideally HS wants the original part of the building (i.e. the two front rooms and the attic) and hopes the museum would be open more hours. There are people willing to volunteer if they have a specific project. There are some people in town that expect the Library and Museum to co-exist. HS will support LFNAC’s recommendation and work with it.
Town sentiment seems to vary widely as to the best location for the Library. Some think the Library should stay in the original portion of Dickinson plus a new addition and that the Museum should be located in the new addition. Others like the idea of moving the Library to the Center School. Other ideas have also been expressed to different committee members.
The Historical Society is scheduled to meet in February. LFNAC needs more specific information from all of the officers before its next meeting on January 5. Rick will telephone other officers and perhaps have a conference call.
MOVED, SECONDED and VOTED: To accept the minutes of the previous meeting on December 6.
There was some discussion about the two Catholic churches merging, leaving a vacant building near the center of town. The decision as to which church will be used will be made by the Bishop likely after LFNAC has completed its work. Committee members decided the vacant church is not a viable option due to timing.
Stephen Hale arrived. At 10:15.
The first task is site selection since any plans will be based on the site. There are 5 possible sites:
1. Add/reno to Dickinson
2. Reno to Center School
3. Add/reno to Town Hall (not enough space for a separate new building)
4. New building near Smith Academy
5. New building near Dickinson
Stephen passed out a Site Analysis Matrix that he had compiled based on information he had gathered so far. The Matrix lists several criteria, rates each one and then assigned points for each to the 5 possible sites. This will give us an objective way to compare the sites. The sooner we can eliminate some sites, the more money we’ll have to put into the design of a preferred site. We reviewed the Matrix and made some adjustments. We will finalize the Matrix, except for engineering aspects, at our next meeting.
Stephen had also prepared a spreadsheet of an earlier version of our Building Program and made some suggestions. The spreadsheet is a good way to help visualize the spaces in relation to each other.
Sheila has not yet had the Building Program copied because she is still having some formatting problems. Harold and Martin will make another attempt to resolve the formatting and then the Program will be copied and distributed. The problems are not major, but are annoying (extra row in a table, extra space that refuses to be eliminated).
Next meeting: Monday, January 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 11:36 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
Present: Martin Antonetti, Dodie Gaudet, Susan Gaughan, Harold Green, Milton Howard, Sheila McCormick, Lynn Omasta and Mary Williams
Also: Rick Martin, Secretary of both the Historical Society and Historical Commission
The first order of business was how best to incorporate the Historical Society Collection into a new library.
Rick thanked LFNAC for the work it has been doing. The Historical Society is interested in taking over the entire Dickinson Building if the Library vacates it. If the project turns out to be an add/reno, the Historical Soc. wants to be part of the new facility. HS ideally wants to double the space it has and is willing to pursue grants to help fund its portion of the construction; HS has money for matching grants. HS will not voluntarily accept less space than it currently has.
Issues that were discussed: Library will be doing lots of fundraising. Are members of the Hist. Soc willing to participate? If Library takes over the entire building, what happens to the HS? If the Library vacates Dickinson, and the HS takes over, this is a “change of use” and must be upgraded to meet ADA requirements. If Library vacates, can HS afford to maintain entire building? LFNAC does not want to be responsible for having another vacant town building. Rick insisted that HS will find a way to maintain Dickinson. Said that ideally HS wants the original part of the building (i.e. the two front rooms and the attic) and hopes the museum would be open more hours. There are people willing to volunteer if they have a specific project. There are some people in town that expect the Library and Museum to co-exist. HS will support LFNAC’s recommendation and work with it.
Town sentiment seems to vary widely as to the best location for the Library. Some think the Library should stay in the original portion of Dickinson plus a new addition and that the Museum should be located in the new addition. Others like the idea of moving the Library to the Center School. Other ideas have also been expressed to different committee members.
The Historical Society is scheduled to meet in February. LFNAC needs more specific information from all of the officers before its next meeting on January 5. Rick will telephone other officers and perhaps have a conference call.
MOVED, SECONDED and VOTED: To accept the minutes of the previous meeting on December 6.
There was some discussion about the two Catholic churches merging, leaving a vacant building near the center of town. The decision as to which church will be used will be made by the Bishop likely after LFNAC has completed its work. Committee members decided the vacant church is not a viable option due to timing.
Stephen Hale arrived. At 10:15.
The first task is site selection since any plans will be based on the site. There are 5 possible sites:
1. Add/reno to Dickinson
2. Reno to Center School
3. Add/reno to Town Hall (not enough space for a separate new building)
4. New building near Smith Academy
5. New building near Dickinson
Stephen passed out a Site Analysis Matrix that he had compiled based on information he had gathered so far. The Matrix lists several criteria, rates each one and then assigned points for each to the 5 possible sites. This will give us an objective way to compare the sites. The sooner we can eliminate some sites, the more money we’ll have to put into the design of a preferred site. We reviewed the Matrix and made some adjustments. We will finalize the Matrix, except for engineering aspects, at our next meeting.
Stephen had also prepared a spreadsheet of an earlier version of our Building Program and made some suggestions. The spreadsheet is a good way to help visualize the spaces in relation to each other.
Sheila has not yet had the Building Program copied because she is still having some formatting problems. Harold and Martin will make another attempt to resolve the formatting and then the Program will be copied and distributed. The problems are not major, but are annoying (extra row in a table, extra space that refuses to be eliminated).
Next meeting: Monday, January 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 11:36 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dodie Gaudet, Secretary
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