HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-28-2011 Branch Library reportFormer Branch Libraries Reuse Advisory Committee
Angeline Kounelis & Vincent Piccirilli, Co -Chairs
Report to the Town Council
June 28, 2011
The Committee held its 10th meeting on June 13, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Present were
members Angeline Kounelis, Vincent Piccirilli, Rena Baskin, Maria Papadopoulos and Joseph Previtera, along
with Steven Magoon, and the reporter from the Watertown Tab.
From the May 31st RFP, two qualified bids were received for the East Branch, and none for the North Branch. Mr.
Magoon presented a bid summary and the six -point list of criteria for evaluation. The two bids were:
• Russell Preschool: Proposed lease 25 years at $1/year, for preschool & community use.
• St. James Armenian Apostolic Church: Proposed lease 30 years at $24,000/year for 5 years, with
adjustments every 5 years tied to the CPI with a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 7%, for church &
community use. Proposed ten 5 -year extensions at market rates.
The Committee reviewed the bids using the evaluation criteria. Mr. Previtera recused himself as he is the Vice
President of the Russell Preschool. The key issues discussed were:
1. The Committee members agreed that both bidders were seen as desirable, and would provide a good
reuse of the property consistent with the community goals.
2. The St James proposal was seen as superior because of the higher financial return to the Town.
3. The parking situation seemed more favorable with St. James since they have an existing parking lot,
where Russell Preschool would use on -street parking.
4. St. James noted that their parish council would have to approve the lease, but this was not seen as an
issue.
5. St. James also offered up to $1 M to buy the property, but this could not be accepted because under the
public bid law a new RFP for sale would have to be published. Also, as Town Council voted its
preference to lease, not sell, the properties, the Committee felt obligated to try to lease the properties.
The Committee voted 4 to 0 to recommend to the Town Manager to proceed with the St James proposal, with Mr.
Previtera not voting. The Town Manager will bring his recommended action to the Town Council for a vote on
how to proceed with the East Branch lease.
Regarding the North Branch, Mr. Magoon will follow up with the Russell Preschool to see if they are interested in
pursuing a lease. There was another preschool interested in the North Branch but did not submit a proposal, and
Mr. Magoon will follow up with them also. The Committee decided to wait until the lease negotiations are
underway with the East Branch before proceeding with another RFP for the North Branch, with the next meeting
will be scheduled towards the end of the summer.
This report to the Town Council is only a summary, and minutes will be published after approval by the
Committee.
Prepared by: Vincent Piccirilli