12/17/2010
From Kathryn A. Wright, Chair, Grand Re-opening committee: The main area of the library has been painted. The service kiosk needs more work than originally thought, but that will be done. Work will continue on the roof as weather permits. New library signs are ordered.
The committee planning the Grand Re-Opening Celebration has declared the overall theme for the re-opening festivities is “Celebrating a Brighter Future for Mason Square” - based on the mission and vision of the Springfield City Library system. Probable date will be early March, when the renovations are completed to both the “library side” and the newly restored community room.
12/3/2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Jean Canosa, Carol Leaders and I met Scott Pierce at the Mason Square Branch this morning. The Sheriff's Office Painting crews completed painting the ceiling, walls and have cleaned the lights in the main area and the Children's Program room. They are doing an amazing job and will continue to paint until all of the rooms are completed. In addition, they have removed the shelves from the perimeter shelving units and are sanding and refinishing them. Work will soon begin on the new roof, Career Center, vestibule, as well as repairs to the service kiosk.
Kat Wright, Chair of the 2010 Committee to Plan the Grand Re-Opening of Mason Square Library, held the first meeting of the Committee on December 1. It was a very productive meeting and working groups are already established, with the goal of a major community wide celebration. This is a very exciting time for all of us.
11/19/2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: This has certainly been a very exciting week for all of us. Since the Urban League has moved out, we have visited the library with Ed Pikula and Scott Pierce from City Facilities.
Interior painting has already begun, roof repair will begin the first week of December, and other interior repairs will begin in the very near future. As soon as these renovations are completed, the carpeting will be replaced.
John Ramsay was interviewed by WFCR and many individuals including Mo Jones and Ruth Loving were interviewed by Peter Goonan.
As work progresses we will update our website. www.springfieldlibrary.org/branches/ms (look at our website for new photos)
Kat Wright is chairing the Neighborhood steering committee to help us plan the Grand Opening event. Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 1.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wfcr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1727687
11/12/2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The Urban League is moving as scheduled. We will keep updating you as we proceed to renovate and set up the Mason Square Branch. Thanks for all of your support and advocacy.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Friday, November 5, 2010
From Edward M. Pikula, Springfield Law Dept.: Our relocation expert, Steve Mollica has been working with the Urban League relocation specialist and the move is on target to be accomplished by Nov. 15. I personally met with Henry Thomas on Tuesday Nov. 2 and discussed the matter. He confirmed that their phones will be shut down and transferred to the STCC location for next weekend. We are still negotiating over payments for use and occupancy and relocation in the normal course of the statutory requirements, and I do not expect that those financial issues will be resolved prior to the move, but, based on the communications with Mr. Mollica and Mr. Thomas, I do not expect the City Council to vote on an eviction order.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: At this point, we are planning a tentative opening date for January 26, 2011. Once we move the books from the current space to the new space, renovations will begin for the new Community Room. Since that involves new lighting, painting, carpeting, wiring and installation of equipment, we are projecting that will take about three weeks. I have had discussions with Kat Wright, who is organizing the community steering committee to plan the grand opening event. Tentative Date for the Grand Opening: February 24, 2011. As soon as we have more details, we will keep everyone updated.
Friday, October 29, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The Law Department is working on the Use and Occupancy agreement. I have been in touch with Steve Mollica, the City Relocation Consultant to review the building inventory submitted by the Urban League consultant .Kat Wright and Liz Stevens are organizing a Steering Committee to work with the Mason Square staff to plan the grand opening event .As they say, no news is good news. The Urban League is still scheduled to move out by November 15th.
From Edward M. Pikula, Springfield Law Dept.: Our relocation expert, Steve Mollica has been working with the Urban League relocation specialist and the move is on target to be accomplished by Nov. 15. I personally met with Henry Thomas on Tuesday Nov. 2 and discussed the matter. He confirmed that their phones will be shut down and transferred to the STCC location for next weekend. We are still negotiating over payments for use and occupancy and relocation in the normal course of the statutory requirements, and I do not expect that those financial issues will be resolved prior to the move, but, based on the communications with Mr. Mollica and Mr. Thomas, I do not expect the City Council to vote on an eviction order.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: At this point, we are planning a tentative opening date for January 26, 2011. Once we move the books from the current space to the new space, renovations will begin for the new Community Room. Since that involves new lighting, painting, carpeting, wiring and installation of equipment, we are projecting that will take about three weeks. I have had discussions with Kat Wright, who is organizing the community steering committee to plan the grand opening event. Tentative Date for the Grand Opening: February 24, 2011. As soon as we have more details, we will keep everyone updated.
Friday, October 29, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The Law Department is working on the Use and Occupancy agreement. I have been in touch with Steve Mollica, the City Relocation Consultant to review the building inventory submitted by the Urban League consultant .Kat Wright and Liz Stevens are organizing a Steering Committee to work with the Mason Square staff to plan the grand opening event .As they say, no news is good news. The Urban League is still scheduled to move out by November 15th.
Friday, October 22, 2010
MSL WEEKLY UPDATES (OCT. 15 & 22)
Friday, October 22, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Attorney Pikula has been in touch with the City Relocation Expert, and the move of the Urban League to STCC is on track for the November 15th Deadline. The City is still working on the Use and Occupancy agreement. As soon as I have more specific information, I will let you know.
We will schedule a meeting with the Mason Square Advisory Committee in the very near future to plan for the grand opening celebration.
Friday, October 15, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The City Law Department has sent a counter offer to the Urban League offer for the use and occupancy agreement. I have requested and received a revised occupancy schedule from Steve Jablonski. Based on the Urban League vacating the space on November 15, the new opening date is planned for the week of January 24, 2011. We have updated the Mason Square Branch website.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Attorney Pikula has been in touch with the City Relocation Expert, and the move of the Urban League to STCC is on track for the November 15th Deadline. The City is still working on the Use and Occupancy agreement. As soon as I have more specific information, I will let you know.
We will schedule a meeting with the Mason Square Advisory Committee in the very near future to plan for the grand opening celebration.
Friday, October 15, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The City Law Department has sent a counter offer to the Urban League offer for the use and occupancy agreement. I have requested and received a revised occupancy schedule from Steve Jablonski. Based on the Urban League vacating the space on November 15, the new opening date is planned for the week of January 24, 2011. We have updated the Mason Square Branch website.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Friday, October 8, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Thanks to all of the wonderful and passionate library supporters at last Monday's [Oct. 5 City] Council meeting. An article in yesterday's Springfield Republican by Peter Goonan summarized the Council meeting. The following key points were addressed:
• The City Council will consider voting for immediate eviction of the Urban League at its November 8th meeting if the Urban League is not prepared to vacate by the new deadline, November 15.
• [City] Attorney Ed Pikula stated that eviction can be pursued under state law, with the [City Council] having the power to vote to issue a warrant to the sheriff to evict the tenant "forthwith."
• This item will be on the November 8th City Council meeting, for discussion and vote, if necessary.
• The [City] Council voted to accept $196,923 from the Springfield Library Foundation and $74,839 from the Springfield Museums Association, to pay for phase one renovations, furniture, shelving and equipment.
In addition:
• Roof repair will begin early next week. The delay is due to several days of rain this week.
• The vendors will store the furniture and equipment to accommodate a mid [to] late January opening.
• We plan to work with the Mason Square Advisory Committee to plan a major celebration, once the Branch is open. We welcome your suggestions!!
The Law Department does not have any further updates for this week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Thanks to all of the wonderful and passionate library supporters at last Monday's [Oct. 5 City] Council meeting. An article in yesterday's Springfield Republican by Peter Goonan summarized the Council meeting. The following key points were addressed:
• The City Council will consider voting for immediate eviction of the Urban League at its November 8th meeting if the Urban League is not prepared to vacate by the new deadline, November 15.
• [City] Attorney Ed Pikula stated that eviction can be pursued under state law, with the [City Council] having the power to vote to issue a warrant to the sheriff to evict the tenant "forthwith."
• This item will be on the November 8th City Council meeting, for discussion and vote, if necessary.
• The [City] Council voted to accept $196,923 from the Springfield Library Foundation and $74,839 from the Springfield Museums Association, to pay for phase one renovations, furniture, shelving and equipment.
In addition:
• Roof repair will begin early next week. The delay is due to several days of rain this week.
• The vendors will store the furniture and equipment to accommodate a mid [to] late January opening.
• We plan to work with the Mason Square Advisory Committee to plan a major celebration, once the Branch is open. We welcome your suggestions!!
The Law Department does not have any further updates for this week.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Ed Pikula (City Law Dept) is not available today to send an update. I am sending you a summary of this week's activities related to Mason Square. If there are any further updates, I will forward those on Monday.
• The City Law Department has received correspondence from Craig Brown, Attorney for the Urban League. The letter states that the Urban League's delay in vacating the premises until November 15, 2010 is directly attributable to the unanticipated construction work that must be performed with respect to the leased space at STCC Technology Park in order to satisfy fire code requirements.
• This will delay the planned re-opening from November to January, which reflects the timeline provided by our Architect, Steve Jablonski. We have contacted the Vendor to let them know that we cannot accept delivery of the furniture and shelving, the week of November 8th as planned. There will certainly be financial considerations to consider, i.e. storage fees, which we will be investigating.
• A Use and Occupancy Agreement has been sent to the Urban League. (I will ask Ed Pikula to follow up on that issue on Monday.) It is my understanding that the Urban League has not paid any use and occupancy fees as of this date, but need confirmation from the Law Department.
• The City Council Veterans, Administration, and Human Services Committee discussed this updated information on September 29. Councilor Rooke attended the meeting. At the meeting Ed Pikula reported that an Eviction notice will not be issued to the Urban League at this time, but that the City Law Department reserves the right to revisit this, if there is any further delay.
• A financial order has been submitted to the City Council for the October 4th meeting, authorizing the Mayor to accept a Gift in the amount of $196.923.50 from the Springfield Library Foundation for the Mason Square Branch Library.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: Ed Pikula (City Law Dept) is not available today to send an update. I am sending you a summary of this week's activities related to Mason Square. If there are any further updates, I will forward those on Monday.
• The City Law Department has received correspondence from Craig Brown, Attorney for the Urban League. The letter states that the Urban League's delay in vacating the premises until November 15, 2010 is directly attributable to the unanticipated construction work that must be performed with respect to the leased space at STCC Technology Park in order to satisfy fire code requirements.
• This will delay the planned re-opening from November to January, which reflects the timeline provided by our Architect, Steve Jablonski. We have contacted the Vendor to let them know that we cannot accept delivery of the furniture and shelving, the week of November 8th as planned. There will certainly be financial considerations to consider, i.e. storage fees, which we will be investigating.
• A Use and Occupancy Agreement has been sent to the Urban League. (I will ask Ed Pikula to follow up on that issue on Monday.) It is my understanding that the Urban League has not paid any use and occupancy fees as of this date, but need confirmation from the Law Department.
• The City Council Veterans, Administration, and Human Services Committee discussed this updated information on September 29. Councilor Rooke attended the meeting. At the meeting Ed Pikula reported that an Eviction notice will not be issued to the Urban League at this time, but that the City Law Department reserves the right to revisit this, if there is any further delay.
• A financial order has been submitted to the City Council for the October 4th meeting, authorizing the Mayor to accept a Gift in the amount of $196.923.50 from the Springfield Library Foundation for the Mason Square Branch Library.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Urban League still occupying our Library building
From Attorney Ed Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: We have been working with Springfield Library Foundation (SLF) and Springfield Library and Museums Association (SLMA) to secure the monies to cover the costs of the renovations. We expect to go before the City Council on October 4, 2010 for an order to accept and appropriate funds for these initial phases of the renovations required to re-establish a full service library.
The City's relocation expert spoke with Mr. Thomas [CEO of the Springfield Urban League] on 9/23 and was told that documents have been signed to lease space at STCC. He also told [the relocation expert,] Mr. Mollica that he has been working on getting bids and scopes of work to complete their move. He told Mr. Mollica that the Urban League needs funds from the Urban League endowment committee to satisfy the requirement of the landlord that they have funds in place for the build-out work. He also told Mr. Mollica that [Springfield Urban League Attorney] Craig Brown is sending a letter with a summary of where they are at in the process.
[Mr. Thomas] also told Mr. Mollica that he now expects to vacate by the second or third week of October. He told Mr. Mollica that he would cooperate with the Library with respect to access to the property if they needed to do work in advance. I would request that we meet to discuss this new timeline. You should know that I am in the process of drafting a document for the City Council's consideration at their October 4, 2010 meeting for the eviction of the Urban League in the event that they do not vacate on time.
By majority vote of this body [Springfield City Council] and pursuant to authorization at MGL Chapter 79, Section 3, this City Council vote would be issued directing the Sheriff of Hampden County or his Deputy to make entry on the premises located at 765 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts and to take possession thereof, on behalf of the City of Springfield’s Library Department, in the event that they are not moved out in time.
I will send an outlook invite for a meeting to discuss in more detail.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: We have just been notified that the Furniture and Shelving are scheduled to be delivered and installed the week of November 8th. After I meet with Ed Pikula and Pat Sullivan on Monday morning, we will determine a date for rescheduling the delivery and installation.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Received Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, from John Ramsay, Asst. Dir., Springfield Library Dept: We have not received an update from the City Law Department about Mason Square progress. We will pass along any news once there is anything to report.
From Attorney Ed Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: We have been working with Springfield Library Foundation (SLF) and Springfield Library and Museums Association (SLMA) to secure the monies to cover the costs of the renovations. We expect to go before the City Council on October 4, 2010 for an order to accept and appropriate funds for these initial phases of the renovations required to re-establish a full service library.
The City's relocation expert spoke with Mr. Thomas [CEO of the Springfield Urban League] on 9/23 and was told that documents have been signed to lease space at STCC. He also told [the relocation expert,] Mr. Mollica that he has been working on getting bids and scopes of work to complete their move. He told Mr. Mollica that the Urban League needs funds from the Urban League endowment committee to satisfy the requirement of the landlord that they have funds in place for the build-out work. He also told Mr. Mollica that [Springfield Urban League Attorney] Craig Brown is sending a letter with a summary of where they are at in the process.
[Mr. Thomas] also told Mr. Mollica that he now expects to vacate by the second or third week of October. He told Mr. Mollica that he would cooperate with the Library with respect to access to the property if they needed to do work in advance. I would request that we meet to discuss this new timeline. You should know that I am in the process of drafting a document for the City Council's consideration at their October 4, 2010 meeting for the eviction of the Urban League in the event that they do not vacate on time.
By majority vote of this body [Springfield City Council] and pursuant to authorization at MGL Chapter 79, Section 3, this City Council vote would be issued directing the Sheriff of Hampden County or his Deputy to make entry on the premises located at 765 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts and to take possession thereof, on behalf of the City of Springfield’s Library Department, in the event that they are not moved out in time.
I will send an outlook invite for a meeting to discuss in more detail.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: We have just been notified that the Furniture and Shelving are scheduled to be delivered and installed the week of November 8th. After I meet with Ed Pikula and Pat Sullivan on Monday morning, we will determine a date for rescheduling the delivery and installation.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Received Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, from John Ramsay, Asst. Dir., Springfield Library Dept: We have not received an update from the City Law Department about Mason Square progress. We will pass along any news once there is anything to report.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
MSL Weekly Updates: Aug. 27 - Sept. 10
Friday, September 10, 2010
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: The city has not had a response to the last letter to the Urban League. [See Sept. 3 entry, copy of the letter below.] There is a question from [a former Library Commissioner] as to use and occupancy [fees]. The Urban League has not made any payments to date. The lack of communication has heightened my concerns. We need to go over the progress of the renovations and timeline. If we cannot get a confirmation of their move and if they cannot accommodate our plans, we may have to seek court intervention.
From John Ramsay, Assistant Library Director: We have attached a preliminary timeline from the architects, along with this note from Carol Leaders: Here is the timeline that has been prepared; note -- we still do not have a firm time for the roof replacement, but City Facilities is prepared to move forward. All other renovations hinge on the roof repairs and the Urban League vacating the building. [I've asked that this time-line be posted on the Springfield Library website.]
Friday, September 3, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: I'm forwarding Attorney Ed Pikula's update to you. As Attorney Pikula states in the email below and in the attached letter, this latest issue may be based on a misunderstanding and not be a problem. As soon as we have a response from Mr. Thomas, we will forward it to you.
I'm also sending you a link to several new photos provided by Janet Stupak:
www.springfieldlibrary.org/branches/ms.html
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: In speaking with Steve Mollica, I asked him for an update as to the Urban League's progress in moving. He spoke with the Urban League relocation expert and was unable to obtain an assurance that the Urban League would be out by the deadline promised. This may simply be miscommunication between the part of the Urban League relocation expert and Mr. Thomas, but in order to assure this stays on track, I have sent a letter to Mr. Thomas. I am attaching a copy for your information. [The letter from Atty. Pikula to Henry Thomas at the Urban League follows:]
THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
September 3, 2010
Henry Thomas III, President/CEO
Urban League of Springfield, Inc.
765 State Street
Springfield, MA 01109
Re: 765 State Street, Springfield, MA
Dear Mr. Thomas:
In your letter dated June 25, 2010 received June 29, 2010 you provided assurances that fact that the Urban League will vacate “no later than September 30, 2010” and you stated that you anticipated that “the actual date will be earlier than September 30, 2010.”
I received a report from the City’s relocation expert which is causing me to write to you to express my concern that the Urban League stay on track to meet the deadline of September 30, 2010. Based upon my conversation with Mr. Mollica, it appears that he has had some difficulty with respect to confirmation of the Urban League plans and efforts to move. Please confirm that the Urban League will vacate by September 30th. Considering the Library Plans for renovation and move-in schedule, it is very important that the Urban League meet the deadline.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience to confirm.
Very Truly Yours, Edward M. Pikula
Friday, August 27, 2010
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: Our relocation consultant indicates that UL has signed agreement for their new space and are on target to move out by the 9/30 date. I have not been able to meet with the SLF and SMA on the renovation bills as I have been tied up with the WMECO case and hope to have more info next week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: Carol and I met with Steve Jablonski and he is working on a schedule which will include target dates for renovation projects, furniture , shelving , and equipment delivery and installation. As soon as that's available, I will send it out to you.
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: The city has not had a response to the last letter to the Urban League. [See Sept. 3 entry, copy of the letter below.] There is a question from [a former Library Commissioner] as to use and occupancy [fees]. The Urban League has not made any payments to date. The lack of communication has heightened my concerns. We need to go over the progress of the renovations and timeline. If we cannot get a confirmation of their move and if they cannot accommodate our plans, we may have to seek court intervention.
From John Ramsay, Assistant Library Director: We have attached a preliminary timeline from the architects, along with this note from Carol Leaders: Here is the timeline that has been prepared; note -- we still do not have a firm time for the roof replacement, but City Facilities is prepared to move forward. All other renovations hinge on the roof repairs and the Urban League vacating the building. [I've asked that this time-line be posted on the Springfield Library website.]
Friday, September 3, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: I'm forwarding Attorney Ed Pikula's update to you. As Attorney Pikula states in the email below and in the attached letter, this latest issue may be based on a misunderstanding and not be a problem. As soon as we have a response from Mr. Thomas, we will forward it to you.
I'm also sending you a link to several new photos provided by Janet Stupak:
www.springfieldlibrary.org/branches/ms.html
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: In speaking with Steve Mollica, I asked him for an update as to the Urban League's progress in moving. He spoke with the Urban League relocation expert and was unable to obtain an assurance that the Urban League would be out by the deadline promised. This may simply be miscommunication between the part of the Urban League relocation expert and Mr. Thomas, but in order to assure this stays on track, I have sent a letter to Mr. Thomas. I am attaching a copy for your information. [The letter from Atty. Pikula to Henry Thomas at the Urban League follows:]
THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
September 3, 2010
Henry Thomas III, President/CEO
Urban League of Springfield, Inc.
765 State Street
Springfield, MA 01109
Re: 765 State Street, Springfield, MA
Dear Mr. Thomas:
In your letter dated June 25, 2010 received June 29, 2010 you provided assurances that fact that the Urban League will vacate “no later than September 30, 2010” and you stated that you anticipated that “the actual date will be earlier than September 30, 2010.”
I received a report from the City’s relocation expert which is causing me to write to you to express my concern that the Urban League stay on track to meet the deadline of September 30, 2010. Based upon my conversation with Mr. Mollica, it appears that he has had some difficulty with respect to confirmation of the Urban League plans and efforts to move. Please confirm that the Urban League will vacate by September 30th. Considering the Library Plans for renovation and move-in schedule, it is very important that the Urban League meet the deadline.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience to confirm.
Very Truly Yours, Edward M. Pikula
Friday, August 27, 2010
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: Our relocation consultant indicates that UL has signed agreement for their new space and are on target to move out by the 9/30 date. I have not been able to meet with the SLF and SMA on the renovation bills as I have been tied up with the WMECO case and hope to have more info next week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: Carol and I met with Steve Jablonski and he is working on a schedule which will include target dates for renovation projects, furniture , shelving , and equipment delivery and installation. As soon as that's available, I will send it out to you.
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