[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6588810,"mediaKeyId","5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5","parentId",5548946,"title","Hubbardston trustees map phased lower-level renovation, cite ADA report conflict and seek contractor estimates","audioSeconds",1333,"startMs",1617000,"endMs",2950000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5&start=1617&end=2950","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5/thumbnail_1617000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6588810/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-trustees-map-phased-lower-level-renovation-cite-ADA-report-conflict-and-seek-contractor-estimates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588810-4afe7c31c031d50e2a7907a9052d11cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438617&Signature=XDKRGi6Ml~vTELcdVT~-gUbk2D7A90YW4NOlLM4ILMTMNllJd2fnE0th5-gyu0XvpWsy~SCEbky0tMjlhQnpNeNhyFT5L6FZtcEJQMXmT7DFAymJTRO9n1BOAmE0dDh00mAdTZHlDPVuR61hfdytXrCq3VpoWvfSW7dX8o-j~kYq55gic1N00dMepgJklQDSGaU3OX34~gqtGKZr0RRPuk3SM8LsXmGDDT1rgc54oiPvJvI6fJYWQD8IzavcX1IlfOrBm43tX3hl7Ma8BiOlDFLv1go6NldZN9Iiv7m4caxb7DugQh6VV48wQaiAuqcs8dt~IL9~MizMz0uKrkHctA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hubbardston","date","2025-08-08T01:24:35.873Z","article","Hubbardston Public Library trustees discussed next steps for a planned renovation of the library’s lower level, focusing on how to use about $40,000 in community preservation funds and whether to hire a general contractor to oversee the work.

Trustees said they prefer issuing an RFP to choose a general contractor to manage demolition and subcontract specialty trades and recommended getting an engineering/site visit and a high‑level cost estimate before finalizing an RFP. A consultant the town previously used, identified in discussion as the McCarty company, was proposed for an initial walk‑through to identify structural, asbestos and other engineering issues to include in the procurement.

The trustees described the renovation as a phased project. Phase 1 would use current funds for the south side of the lower level (including the area for the director’s office), with future fundraising or grant awards used to complete the north side. Trustees said phase‑1 work may include demolition to the studs, floor and lighting upgrades, removal of deteriorated items, and reconfiguring the south side for expanded programming and temporary technology space pending additional funding.

Trustees flagged several technical and regulatory issues that will affect planning and costs. An ADA report produced after the meeting’s other planning documents was described as containing specific accessibility requirements that conflict in several respects with a prior historical‑preservation assessment prepared by Wendy Frontiero. Trustees said they will present both reports to any consultant or contractor so reviewers can propose solutions that balance accessibility, historic preservation constraints and cost.

Trustees also raised building‑condition concerns that will affect scope and budget: visible mold on a southeast basement wall, ongoing attic pests (birds and bats) and incomplete attic flooring and ventilation, and uncertainty about whether asbestos or other hazardous materials are present. They noted previous site work (new gutters) intended to reduce foundation moisture but said remediation and containment estimates are needed. The trustees asked library staff to check with the town’s insurance and municipal insurers about coverage for remediation.

Trustees discussed potential funding paths beyond the $40,000: a separate technology wiring grant (referred to in discussion as an NBI grant) for internet and wiring, and other town grant pots including CPC/CIPC and legacy trusts (for example, a Fairman beautification trust noted as a possible match for exterior work). Several trustees suggested prioritizing exterior accessible paths and front steps as possible capital requests to the Capital Improvement or Community Preservation processes when applications are open.

On next steps trustees agreed to: (1) prepare an RFP framework with input from town staff (Nate and Prisha were named as the suggested town contacts), (2) invite the McCarty firm to provide an on‑site overview and a ballpark cost estimate (conceptual cost estimate, +/- ~15%), and (3) assemble the ADA and historical reports for any consultant to review before a formal RFP. Trustees noted timing advantages to scheduling much of the work across fall and spring to avoid summer contractor backlogs.

Trustees also discussed interior programming goals for the renovated lower level: modular furniture to allow flexible layouts, a programming classroom on the south side for children’s and community events, and longer‑term plans for the north side to house a smaller technology classroom and staff/storage areas once additional funding is secured.

Trustees agreed they would return to the full set of reports and proposed consultant input at the September meeting and that staff should contact McCarty to arrange an initial site visit and cost estimate prior to finalizing an RFP.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Library Trustees 8.7.25","oneSentenceSummary","Hubbardston Public Library trustees discussed next steps for a planned renovation of the library’s lower level, focusing on how to use about $40,000 in community preservation funds and whether to hire a general contractor to oversee the work.","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6588806,"Trustees plan orientation sessions, friends group outreach and fall events including road race and summer social",2384,1206000,3590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5&start=1206&end=3590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5/thumbnail_1206000.jpg","/articles/6588806/Massachusetts/Trustees-plan-orientation-sessions-friends-group-outreach-and-fall-events-including-road-race-and-summer-social","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588806-2c4cad3c9c1fc1ad883e52eb499e7d35/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438617&Signature=PWcDW2E6YLctdxKMBIbVnB29oFPeflI7u2naudmRtP5cY1Ij~Kc0-G-e4oy8fS5dBrIeuwTZ4GmaKKAtsnrMFLb2jf~4hfh3EfLV0MMPu9Qi7haatIYI4wo2k40unFPer4maAx4EjPUTTqpo3M~LCgstl-X8l0bLWKMU0mPWhZjU9raCAXAjMuUg5W0MKiFfqgkkrDt6PevVlV~NoP02kB83xE0UtH1iiH3RW~3xzspaHT4FOwdhGl1s0GyK5bnQzudCF0GdZA8dwuX-8oPjIewnq3xtLdv-i6vqkt4Dxjtyhe4qD~1zKA9OFVAxEApaM5-U-Gewn0Zw5fyrBL16ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees reviewed several non‑capital items that affect library operations and outreach: trustee training options, Friends‑of‑the‑Library organization formation, summer and fall events that support fundraising and community engagement, and volunteer coordination.

Trustee training: Trustees described online trustee training offered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and sessions from United for Libraries (part of the American Library Association). Trustees proposed a piecemeal approach — assign two or three short videos for trustees to watch before a meeting and discuss them for 10–15 minutes rather than trying to cover long programs in a single meeting. Trustees who attended the recent online sessions offered to prioritize the most relevant modules and share links via the trustees’ Google Drive.

Friends of the Library: The trustees reported that Whitney (Friends organizer) planned to reach out to the law firm Brecka & Brecka for help drafting nonprofit (501(c)(3)) documentation. Trustees discussed the practical hurdles to forming a friends group, including the secretary‑of‑state filing steps and the need for a point person to complete paperwork.

Outreach and events: Trustees reviewed upcoming community events the library will staff or participate in: a town summer social on Aug. 14 (library table at Curtis Mark Fields), the library road race on Sept. 6 (major annual fundraiser that raises about $3,000–$4,000 in prior years), and Field Day on Sept. 13. The trustees said volunteers are needed to staff registration, food and raffle/prize tables for the race and other events. Trustees also discussed library programs described by staff: a model‑rocket night for children on Aug. 21 and a storybook trail currently installed at Dotty Rock.

Trustees said they will coordinate publicity with town communications (town website, email blast and digital signage) and asked staff and volunteers to confirm availability for event days. One trustee volunteered to work on capital/Community Preservation ideas with another trustee for a future CPC/CIPC application round.

No formal votes were taken. Trustees asked staff and volunteers to follow up with event coordinators and the Friends group and to prepare materials for the September meeting about trustee training priorities and friends‑group progress.","Trustees discussed trustee training (ALA and MBLC materials), the Friends group’s attempt to form a nonprofit, and upcoming community events used for outreach and fundraising, including the library’s road race (Sept. 6), a town summer social (Aug. 14), a model‑rocket night and a storybook trail.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6588809,"Trustees acknowledge citizen concern about firearms in library; say public hearing could be considered",255,4611000,4866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5&start=4611&end=4866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5548946-bbe7497c406474b164a90a52969a4fb5/thumbnail_4611000.jpg","/articles/6588809/Massachusetts/Trustees-acknowledge-citizen-concern-about-firearms-in-library-say-public-hearing-could-be-considered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588809-47fd9ff6103914cd106531c2bd2faa46/orig.mp4?Expires=1770438617&Signature=FtxORKzr0~~VAQCkh-9FSASpoqgXclG6kxSo6~0v1t0t9enQKnXuCP09xS2laKQD7pOua-TR5P~8j4YOatMNQG6r7XmeTw-fUBil1RWSdndBnriDGyfRJ2uA26Hnhj4UyBtENogJjIxbOvTLOzCvV2nfV6Q7gusbViin9c1njZoW6sDOKiOgR9chrMCTWD1kpV~YoCOFC1kHH2RnamvbV9gnOGzqxh0N45CnGCLtu0Dv06UqmR6-GN-DdanNfaKsKGfOy5y5-RO-Y89dw5y~mZy~24kVl5CAxopnP1MkIQKGqOZ2JvawfyzPX6Jypr3RoYBt5m282TJW5qYxoBH9Dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees said they received an email from a town resident expressing concern about firearms being permitted at the library and that the matter may warrant broader public engagement.

Trustees recalled that a prior vote on the subject was close and said the chair (Morgan) should be involved in any next steps. Several trustees recommended against scheduling a special town meeting on short notice, and instead suggested any deliberation about a warrant article or policy change would be better handled at a regular town meeting with broader public notice.

Trustees did not take a formal vote at this meeting. They said staff had acknowledged the email and that Morgan emailed the sender to confirm receipt. Trustees agreed to discuss the matter further at a future meeting and to involve Morgan in planning outreach or a hearing if the board decides to pursue public input or a policy proposal.","Trustees reported receiving an email from a resident urging that firearms not be permissible in the library. The board discussed options including holding a public hearing and noted prior close votes on the topic; no formal policy change was made and trustees said the chair will lead follow‑up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hubbardston trustees map phased lower-level renovation, cite ADA report conflict and seek contractor estimates

Trustees plan orientation sessions, friends group outreach and fall events including road race and summer social

Trustees acknowledge citizen concern about firearms in library; say public hearing could be considered