Library project update: interior finishing, heating changes and higher paving costs

Town and project representatives briefed the Select Board on progress at the new library and changes affecting the budget and site work. Presenters said lower-level finishes are nearly complete, that painting and carpentry continue, and that acoustical ceilings and cabinets are arriving. To manage heating loads they recommended adding small propane boilers to work with existing heat pumps.

On site work, the presenters reported a recent paving estimate increased from $22,000 to $32,000 plus an additional $4,800 in site work. To reduce near-term cost they proposed using recycled cold-mix paving as an interim surface ($1,500 for the portion described), saying other installations in the region have held up under heavy winter plowing. The board expressed support for proceeding with design details and asked staff to return with firm cost/contract language before approving change orders.

“The paving itself has jumped to $32,000,” a project presenter said when describing the newest contractor estimate; the team offered recycled paving as a lower-cost alternative that could be paved over in the future if funds permit.