MINUTES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETING – MINOT-SLEEPER LIBRARY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2007

PRESENT:  Deborah Doe, Chairman, Shirley Yorks, George Corrette, Roger Nicholls, Co-Chairman, Barbara Greenwood, Glenn Dorr, Deborah Gilbert, Secretary/Librarian

Joe Stater, Doris Stater, Ginnie Saulnier, Joe Denning, Steve Favorite, Ann Dorr, Paul Fraser, Rick Alpers, Archie Auger, Ruth Munroe, Mary Scott, Nancy Gavalis,  Don Paradis, Anne White, Lynn Passinissi, Judy Willson, Bob Gilbert, Murray Campbell, Elizabeth Corrow, Bruce Van Derven, David King Architect

ABSENT:  Bill Barrett

Roger Nicholls welcomed everyone and had them introduce themselves as well as state what their relationship to the town or library was.  In addition to the library trustees there were representatives from the Friends of Minot-Sleeper Library, the Budget Committee, the Planning Board, the CIP Committee, the Select Board, members of the community and the Town Manager.

Roger Nicholls then introduced David King Architect.  David briefly explained the project and where it stands today. (The model and plans were available for viewing.) George Corrette then passed out copies of the revised cost estimate ($1, 817,036).  David King then opened up the floor for questions.

• It was asked if there had been consideration to bringing the addition out to the side towards the old Premium Glass building.  Mr. King responded that it was safe to assume that the soil would be the same there as it is behind the library.  It would likely require the same type of foundation and there may not be any cost advantage to changing the design in that direction.  More importantly, it would not give the library the space it needs, because the addition would only be one story. Mr. King also felt that it was more aesthetically pleasing and respectful of the original building to put the addition to the rear of the library.
• There were questions regarding parking.  Mr. King commented that the 6 parking spaces behind the library would not be lost.  They would just be moved to run along the side of the addition.  The rest of the parking would be in the recently purchased lot next door to the library.
• HVAC was a concern and it was asked if there was any consideration to alternative heating and cooling systems in light of the recent cost increase in fuel oil. (The system is currently planned with an oil-fired furnace.) Mr. King noted that the system was designed with fan-coils, to avoid having large ducts in the cathedral ceilings.  He also mentioned that he was LEED accredited (leadership in energy and environmental design; which is a good resource for sustainable design issues,) and would be interested in helping the library explore alternative heating systems.  He did caution, however, that a geothermal system could be significantly affect the budget, though it would have a lower operating cost.
• There was a question about using insulated concrete forms in the project.  Mr. King responded that he would look at the design, and thought that it might be possible that they could be used.
• There were questions about the glass curtain that runs across the back of the proposed addition.  Some felt that the southern exposure might make heating and cooling more difficult.  Mr. King responded that there were exterior sunshades to keep the sun out in the summer, and that the solar heat gain could be a benefit in the winter. Nevertheless, he would take a close look at the curtain wall with respect to energy efficiency at the beginning of the construction document phase.
• There was a question about the design and why it did not match the existing library more closely, such as the Gothic style windows.  The original library is on the National Register, and the National Park service, which is responsible for the national register, stipulates that an addition to a building which is listed on the register should not exactly mimic the original building; one should be able to distinguish the original from the addition. Mr. King felt the design was a good match, because it complemented as well as respected the original building.
• There was some discussion about the proposed meeting room.  It is planned for program use for the library but could be available to the community whenever it is available.
• Elizabeth Corrow asked Mr. King if he had any experience working with the construction manager method where you bid out each piece of the project instead of the project as a whole.  Mr. King responded that he had worked with a construction manager acting as contractor with the public library in York, Maine.  He found it to be a positive experience and that it did save money.

Roger Nicholls thanked everyone for coming.  He stated that people often think of questions and/or comments after they leave a meeting and asked everyone to please contact himself or the library if that was the case.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Gilbert, Secretary/Librarian