Joint Committee on Infrastructure & Library Trustees Meeting – June 24, 2026

This was the first meeting of the joint committee formed to oversee the design and construction of the Nashua Public Library renovation project. The committee includes members of the Infrastructure Committee, the Library Board of Trustees, and city staff. The meeting focused on orienting members to project phases, approving initial professional services contracts to begin schematic design, and establishing a framework for future decision making.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes: None available (first meeting).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments.

Discussion Items

• Project Overview: Administrative Services Director Tim Cummings explained that the joint committee was created by resolution because the city charter is silent on library capital projects. He noted a $1 million appropriation is available for early design work.
• Project Team Introduction: Owner’s project manager Kayla Gallo (Left Field) presented the proposed project timeline: schematic design (12 weeks, July–September 2026), design development (14 weeks, October 2026–January 2027), construction documents (14 weeks, January–April 2027), bidding (6–8 weeks), with construction start targeted for fall 2027. She emphasized that dates are estimates and may slip.
• Funding Plan: Cummings stated that only the first $1 million is currently appropriated. A second appropriation for the remainder of design (estimated $581,224 in OPM services plus architect and CM fees) will be needed in late summer/early fall 2026. A third appropriation for construction bonding would be sought in spring/summer 2027.
• Cost Estimates: Gallo provided the following schematic‑design‑phase contract amounts: Left Field (OPM) – $103,048; Design Lab (architect) – $651,440; Consigli Construction (CM) – $16,576; Universal Environmental Consultants (hazardous materials assessment) – $4,500; Geotechnical Services Inc. (site testing) – $13,500. Total: $789,064, leaving approximately $210,936 in the current appropriation.
• Design Process Clarified: Trustee Jetty asked for explanation of design phases. Gallo and Joe Sullivan (Left Field) explained: schematic design (~35% of final plans) focuses on program requirements and concept; design development (~60%) adds detail; construction documents (100%) are the bid‑ready set. Cummings stressed that major decisions should be made during schematic design to avoid costly changes later.
• Solar/Energy Discussion: Alderman Dowd raised the city’s policy to reduce fossil‑fuel dependence, asking that renewable energy options (solar, electric, hydro) be evaluated early. Sullivan confirmed the design team will analyze energy systems and present cost‑benefit comparisons during schematic design.
• Design Guidance: Trustee Kane asked how “guiding design principles” are defined. Cummings responded that the committee will develop and approve a design guidance document before schematic design begins.
• Roles & Communication: Cummings and Gallo outlined the project team structure: architect with sub‑consultants, construction manager, OPM, city administrative staff, and library staff as the operational conduit. The joint committee will approve contracts, invoices, and major decisions. A project website will provide public information; public forums will be held at critical milestones.
• Transparency & Invoicing: Chairman O’Brien explained that invoices will be vetted by the OPM and presented at monthly meetings. Cummings has limited authority to approve urgent payments up to a certain dollar amount, but will report back to the committee.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Phase 1 contracts (passed by roll‑call vote, 10–3–1?): Trustee Dresner moved to approve the five contracts as listed. After discussion, Alderman Dowd’s motion carried with 10 yes votes (Trustees Dresner, Jackwith, Jetty, Kane, Kennedy, “Paradiddy” (Padma), LaFlamme; Aldermen Johnson, Dowd, Greg, O’Brien) and 3 no votes (Trustee Jetty, Alderman Johnson, Alderman Greg [later recorded as yes?]). The final tally was announced as 10 yes, 3 no (discrepancy noted).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:57 PM.
• Next Steps: Cummings will distribute draft committee rules before the next meeting, targeted for late August/early September 2026.