Nashua Library Board of Trustees Meeting – October 28, 2026

The Library Board of Trustees, joined by several Aldermen, met on October 28, 2026, to receive a project status update on the library renovation and expansion. Administrative Services Director Tim Cummings reported that the Board of Aldermen had approved a $3 million bond request for design services the previous night, keeping the project on schedule. The board approved three invoices and set a November 18, 2026 meeting to consider approving the schematic design.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: A motion to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2026 meeting was carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Project Status Update: Kayla Gallo, project manager from Left Field, presented a timeline and progress report. She stated the schematic design phase is 100% complete, and the construction manager is finishing the first cost estimate. Weekly meetings have been held with the design team, library staff, city departments, and the Board of Trustees. Completed tasks include a 3D scan, site survey, hazardous material assessment, and coordination with the courtyard project team.
• Asbestos and Mold: Alderman Paula Johnson asked about the hazardous material assessment. Gallo confirmed that asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and mold were found in the building; a full report is pending.
• Temporary Location: Trustee Scott Jakewith asked about securing a temporary library location. Gallo responded that the search is underway, with a target to have a location by early 2027. Alderman Johnson questioned the necessity of moving out during construction, citing school renovation projects that were phased without relocating students. Cummings explained that because the project involves demolition and addition, keeping the library open would extend the schedule significantly and increase costs. Alderman Dowd noted that school projects used phased construction within occupied buildings.
• Rent and Bonding: Alderman Johnson asked about the cost of a temporary location and whether rent would be included in the project bond. Cummings confirmed that temporary space costs would be part of the total $45 million project budget, and thus would be bonded. Johnson expressed concern about bonding rent for 20 years with interest, calling it "outrageous."
• Upcoming Meetings: Cummings announced a special meeting on November 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM for the board to review and approve the schematic design, contingent on prior approval by the Library Trustees at their November 4 meeting. Trustee Ernest Jetty clarified that the Library Trustees would vote on the design before it comes to this board. Alderman Dowd asked if changes from the trustees would be incorporated before the November 18 meeting; Cummings confirmed that would be the case.

Invoices Approved

• Left Field Invoice #196955: $19,349 for schematic design services through July 31, 2026 – Approved (voice vote with one nay).
• Left Field Invoice #1998: $19,350 for schematic design services through August 31, 2026 – Approved (voice vote with one nay).
• Design Lab Invoice #26-06.0826: $133,295 for schematic design services through August 31, 2026 – Approved (voice vote with one nay).
• Consigli Construction Invoice #1: $15,451.74 for construction manager services through September 23, 2026 – Approved (voice vote with one nay).

Key Outcomes

• The board approved all four invoices, each with a single nay vote (opposition not specified).
• The board will reconvene on November 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM to consider approval of the schematic design, pending adoption by the Library Trustees.
• The temporary library location is to be secured by early 2027, with costs incorporated into the project bond.
• The meeting adjourned via motion by Alderman Dowd.