Joint Committee on Infrastructure and Library Board of Trustees Meeting - August 5, 2026

This joint meeting of the Infrastructure Committee (Aldermen) and the Library Board of Trustees focused on the status and next steps for the Nashua Public Library renovation project. Key agenda items included a project update from the owner's project manager (Left Field), review and approval of invoices, adoption of the committee's rules of operation, and approval of the library building project plan. Discussions also touched on the adjacent Courtyard/Plaza project, solar energy options, and future bond authorizations.

Public Comments

• One speaker, Ms. Gare, expressed concerns that some residents are afraid to visit the library due to homeless individuals and people with drug addiction, and also objected to a children's book with nudity. She urged the committee to address these issues before spending more money. The Chair acknowledged her advocacy but stated that the meeting's focus was on the construction project, and suggested other venues for her concerns.

Discussion Items

• Project Update: Joe Sullivan (Left Field) presented a progress overview. The project is based on the feasibility study's "addition option" (Option 2), an approximately $45 million, 60,000 sq ft renovation with partial demolition and addition. Design Lab (architect) and Consigli Construction (CM) are involved. Coordination with the Courtyard Plaza project is ongoing; the plaza project (approx. $4–4.5 million) is separately funded and managed by Community Development. The committee requested detailed information on plaza funding sources and timelines.
• Timeline: Schematic design workshops are underway; design is expected to be completed in mid-October 2026. A bond authorization for design phase funds (estimated couple million dollars) will be needed in the fall, with a construction bond anticipated about a year later. Alderman Johnson stressed the need to understand the impact on taxpayers, noting that the city typically sells about $25 million in debt per year.
• Invoices: Two invoices were presented: Left Field OPM invoice #1963 for $64,349 (services through June 30) and Design Lab invoice #26.03-726 for $68,100 (15% of schematic design plus 3D scan and survey). Both were approved after discussion on vetting and timing.
• Rules of Operation: Director Cummings presented operational procedures (meeting time, agenda setting, packet deadlines, chair's authority up to $50,000 for time-sensitive changes, etc.). The committee agreed to a 6:00 PM start time rather than 5:30. Trustee Jetty questioned the $50,000 threshold; Mr. Sullivan explained it is standard and cost-effective for critical path items.
• Project Plan Approval: The library building project plan was approved. Key discussion points included:
  • Solar: Trustee Jetty advocated for actual solar installation rather than just solar-ready. Mr. Sullivan explained that the baseline design includes infrastructure for solar, and a bid alternate for full installation can be added later. Director Cummings noted that the city may bundle solar projects for better pricing. The plan was approved with the understanding that solar readiness is the floor and further analysis will inform a decision.
  • Nashua Media/CTV: There was discussion about potentially incorporating space for Nashua Community Television (Nashua Media) into the library, as a complementary creative use.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of June 24, 2026 unanimously.
• Left Field Invoice: Approved (motion carried with one nay).
• Design Lab Invoice: Approved (motion carried with one nay).
• Rules of Operation: Approved (motion carried with one nay). It was clarified that the library board of trustees retains final approval of the design, and the joint committee handles financial and operational oversight.
• Library Building Project Plan: Approved (motion carried with no dissenting votes noted).
• Next Meeting: Tentatively set for Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM, subject to chamber availability.