HVAC and Fire Suppression Top Priorities for Jones Library Repairs

Report on the Meeting of the Jones Library Buildings and Facilities Committee, May 21, 2024

The meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. The recording can be viewed here.

Present: Farah Ameen (Chair), Eugene Goffredo, George Hicks-Richards, Facilities Supervisor
Staff:  Sharon Sharry, Library Director

Nine members of the public were present on Zoom, five of whom spoke during the public comment period.

The main item on the agenda was a discussion of the committee’s charge to develop an alternate approach to address the needs of the Jones Library if the demolition/expansion project were to end.  Such a plan has not been revisited since Western Builders assessed possible repairs in 2017 and Kuhn Riddle Architects (KRA) updated the initial estimates and performed an accessibility review in 2020. Since that time, the Trustees and project proponents have argued that a repair-only approach would be more costly to the town and would deliver an inferior building than the proposed renovation and expansion (currently estimated to cost $55 million). [Editors Note: This argument wrongly assumes the town would commit to addressing every need in the Jones Library ahead of other town buildings, and that there would be no contribution from fundraising, CPA funds, or grants.] 

Library Facilities Supervisor George Hicks-Richards described the Western Builders/KRA options but Library Director Sharon Sharry said, “those two different options don’t work anymore.” Hicks-Richards agreed, saying “They’re not realistic.”

While it seemed apparent the committee was not enthusiastic about developing a repair plan, Sharry and Hicks-Richards agreed that addressing the HVAC system and fire suppression were the highest priorities. He said that the Western Builders work looked at retaining a gas boiler, but it would be preferable to get rid of fossil fuel. “If we were able to make a capital request this year, I would be pushing for the fire system and HVAC design study funds,” Hicks-Richards said. 

When asked by Chair Farah Ameen if there might be grants or other funding sources for these repairs, Sharry responded no since only she and Hicks-Richards would work on this effort. [Editor’s Note: There are federal, state, and utility incentives that could be pursued to help offset the cost of electric HVAC systems.] Sharry and Hicks-Richards said that library services would likely have to be moved elsewhere during repairs/upgrades to the HVAC system and atrium roof, although Trustee Bob Pam (see below) said in his public comment that he thought it might be possible to undertake several of the needed repairs with minimal disruption to services.

Sharry said that she will work with Hicks-Richards to draft a schedule of repair priorities to bring to Town Manager Paul Bockelman, who would ultimately decide what repairs would be funded and when. Of the most pressing needs to be addressed, Hicks-Richards said that the fire suppression system would be a relative easy fix. Sharry suggested that, since the Town Council had not yet voted on the FY25 Capital Improvement Plan, funding could be allocated by Bockelman for library repairs. Currently, more than $1.1 million is projected in the FY25 Capital Plan for debt service on the larger renovation/expansion project. 

Public Comment
Bob Pam, Library Trustee and Treasurer, read a prepared statement  (beginning at time stamp 3:20 in the recording) listing 11 suggestions for prioritizing elements of a less costly repair and renovation plan.  His suggestions included the following:

1. Prioritize the HVAC system, atrium roof, and fire suppression systems over a three year time frame.

2. Replace the gas boiler with air source heat pumps, seeking  cost savings through energy credits and rebates.
3. Repurpose the current boiler room for other uses.
4. Utilize movable partitions in the Woodbury Room to allow the room to be used for two activities at the same time, easing space conflicts.
5. Repurpose several rooms (for example, media room, craft room, several rooms on the second floor and in the 1993 addition).
6. Install two single stall bathrooms on the first floor, likely in the rear of the reference area. 

Maria Kopicki called for fresh eyes and fresh ideas in this process. “With all due respect to the the three members of this committee, I don’t think that that is a broad enough group of people and perspectives to really think this through and come up with different alternatives on how you would approach this.” She further suggested that Eugene Geofreddo consider recusing himself. “It’s important that the work that is done to produce a different plan be completely free from any real or perceived bias. If something is put forward that is obviously just being set up to fail, that would benefit Mr. Goffredo’s spouse [as an employee of the Library’s Capital Campaign].” 

Arlie Gould said that she would like to see a more modest approach – less demolition, more historic preservation.

Hetty Startup, a member of the Amherst Historic Commission, said “I am so conscious of the many unmet needs in this town. It seems foolish to move forward with an extended process to facilitate rebidding when there are so many other needs to be met,” she said.

Facilities Report
George Hicks-Richards reported that the building’s air conditioning system remains problematic and is going to need substantial repairs.  There were leaks in the building following the last heavy rain – mostly from the atrium roof.  On a positive note, he also noted that the library has acquired a new electric van with a 100-120 mile range, which is sufficient for one week’s usage around town on a single charge (a charging station has also been installed on site). Hicks-Richards said he thinks that this may be the first all-electric commercial vehicle in town.