Q: How did we decide what to include in the OPL Bond Proposal?
A:The Library asked professional engineers and architects to assess the building and property. They provided recommendations and prioritized needs. Additionally, in 2024, Library users, staff, and community members were surveyed and provided additional input.
Q: Were there issues with the original work not being done properly and if so, why not pursue legal action or recourse? What are you doing to make sure it doesn’t happen again?
A: We pursued possible recourse and were advised that it would likely not be successful. In addition, codes and standards have also changed over the years.
To ensure that our project is designed and built to code and that the work is constructed properly and professionally, our Board of Trustees has prioritized hiring architects and engineers who have a proven track record of excellence. They are also pursing industry-standard warrantees and guarantees and have hired an independent construction management firm to oversee all phases of the project to make sure that the design and the work is completed to specification, to code, and to completion.
Q: What are the roles of consultants?
OLA Consulting Engineers: The Library engaged OLA in 2017 to provide an analysis of our geothermal HVAC system and to provide recommendations for maximizing its effectiveness and ultimately, to plan for the installation of a new system. In 2018/2019, they designed a supplemental boiler system, which was installed in 2020/2021 with grant and existing library funds. They are currently working, in coordination with our architects, to design the rest of a new HVAC system to replace our failing geothermal system. They are also currently working with the library on an expedited design to replace a broken HVAC unit with a new unit that will be integrated into the new system.
Lothrop and Associates Architects: The Library engaged Lothrop and Associates in 2022 when it became clear that HVAC was not the only issue with the library building. Lothrop was engaged to conduct an analysis of the known issues and to review service-level challenges in our building. They are currently working with the library on all areas of renovation design work and are managing the permitting process for all parts of the related projects.
SGH: SGH was brought onboard in 2017 to review the recommendations of another engineering firm regarding the retaining wall. Since that time, SGH engineers review monthly surveys of the wall and have been advising the library about the stability of the wall. In 2021, the survey results showed signs of wall distress and since that time, SGH has been working with the Library to develop a repair plan to address the issue. They are currently designing work for the repair and are coordinating their work with Lothrop and OLA.
Calgi Construction Management: The library board is sensitive to the fact that issues arose during the construction of the library building in 2005 through 2007 and are committed to ensuring that proper construction management is done on this project. Currently, Calgi is advising the library on the project budget and schedule and we expect to continue to work with them on project management should the bond pass.
Munistat: The library engaged Munistat as financial advisors to advise us on the bond terms and financial impact. Because the library is a school district public library, any bond needs to be managed by the school district and their financial advisor. The school district requested that the library hire an independent financial advisor to assist the library in preparing the financial information for the bond vote.
Q: How are you approaching this project differently than when the library was built nearly 20 years ago? What lessons learned from that work are you applying to ensure the building is not in the same situation in 2045?
A: The Library Board of Trustees and Administration have been taking the time to do due diligence to make the best decisions possible for the library and the community. They attempted to address the building issues with an incremental approach as funds became available but ultimately felt that taking a consolidated approach would address costly critical issues and would result in the best value. The Library Board has hired professionals who specialize in the particular needs of the library building and grounds and who have demonstrated in past projects their ability to effectively address building problems and service-related needs. The Library Board has also prioritized proper construction management and professional, independent oversight to ensure that design and/or construction issues do not occur.
Q: What is the School District’s relationship with the Library? How is it involved in the bond?
A: The Ossining Public Library is a School District Public Library which, even though independent in governance and management, relies on the School District to hold a bond vote. The Library cannot legally bond on its own. The Ossining Union Free School District is responsible for arranging for and holding the bond vote and will be the bonding authority if the bond vote passes. The library will manage the oversight of the work and will work with the school district on a payment schedule.