Middletown committee considers environmental study, funding options for proposed library rebuild

The temporary library building committee in Middletown discussed this evening whether to move forward with an environmental impact study for a possible library rebuild and how to pay for it.

Ramona, a staff member who is managing the project, told the committee she had contacted Chris Nardi at architectural firm Silver Petrucelli about firms that could perform a phase‑1 environmental review and that “there is about $22,000 left on a purchase order that we have open with Silver Petrucelli,” which could be used if Silver Petrucelli can subcontract the work. She said she had not yet received firm price quotes. The committee’s chair asked whether $22,000 would be sufficient; Ramona replied she did not yet know and would obtain more information.

Why it matters: the committee must balance short‑term repairs and long‑term rebuilding. Ramona said voters approved an infrastructure bond last November that includes some funds for repairs and reconstruction; she cautioned large ticket items such as modernizing the library elevator (which she estimated at $150,000–$200,000) and replacing the chiller are competing claims on bond proceeds.

Committee members pressed several procurement and timing points. Ramona recommended using the existing purchase order with Silver Petrucelli and subcontracting to an environmental engineering firm if possible, which would avoid issuing a new request for proposals (RFP). She warned that if an RFP were required, proposals might arrive after the fiscal year end (June 30), at which point unspent funds would revert to the general fund and require reappropriation.

The committee also discussed site history and potential risks the consultant would examine. Ramona said a phase‑1 review typically looks at records and tests for contaminants such as asbestos, lead and PCBs, and noted the library facility has occupied the site for about 150 years; an adjacent private residence at 139 Broad Street could fall inside the footprint of any new construction and would need study. Phil, a committee member, raised a question about a possible buried oil tank at the neighboring house; Ramona said she had been in that basement and did not believe anything was buried there and that the library had converted from oil to natural gas decades ago.

Decisions and next steps: the committee approved the minutes from Dec. 22 after Pamela Steele moved to accept them and Phil seconded (ayes were recorded; the transcript does not specify individual counts). Members did not authorize a contract tonight. They asked Ramona to check with purchasing about whether Silver Petrucelli may subcontract under the existing purchase order and to obtain quotes; she agreed to bring numbers and an update at the committee’s April meeting.

Budget context and constraints: Ramona noted there is roughly $26,000 unencumbered from an earlier $200,000 appropriation in addition to the $22,000 on the Silver Petrucelli purchase order. She also said she would monitor bond spending priorities and coordinate with city hall on any RFPs or contractor selections for elevators, air conditioning and related capital work.

The meeting adjourned after a motion to close and a vote in the affirmative. The committee will reconvene in April to consider procurement options and any vendor estimates.