July 09, 2010
Law Dept. Report, from Robert Warren: The Urban League has informed the City that it will vacate no later than September 30, 2010, and perhaps earlier, to space in the Springfield Technical Community College Park. The Urban League has not identified a permanent location though it is exploring the possibility of space in the Indian Motocycle Building A. The Urban League and the City are still negotiating the use and occupancy payment. The City has also requested further information from the Urban League to determine that any proposed temporary move complies with the regulations. Answers to last week’s questions:
1) The "couple weeks" suggested by the UL as the time when they would announce where they were moving was over about two weeks ago. Is there a new date? (Answer) See above.
2) Has an amount been agreed to for monthly payments for use and occupancy? If so how much is it? If not, what steps will the city be taking to establish and collect it? (Answer) See above.
3) What additional steps will the city be taking to relocate the UL in time for refitting 765 State Street as a library in time for a November 1 reopening date? (Answer) The Law Department has been informed by the Library Director and Patrick Sullivan that the vacate date, of September 30, 2010, does not interfere with the proposed Library renovations.
July 15, 2010
Law Dept. Report, From Robert Warren: The Law Department is awaiting receipt of further information from the Urban League with regard to its "temporary and/or permanent" move plans as well as the use and occupancy payment. Please see below the responses to further questions:
1) The UL move-out date of September 30 leaves only one month until the projected November 1 re-opening of the branch library. Lee, can you describe how the library department will manage to work around UL operations and still complete repairs outlined by Scott Pierce in his December 2, 1009 report to the library commission ("...needed repairs and or improvements to the windows and doors, lighting, boilers, roof, garage and fencing, with total estimated Capital Expenses of approximately $163, 740.00.") and whatever other work will be needed to refit 765 State Street as a branch library? (Answer) As reported last week, Pat Sullivan and Lee Forgarty did not see a problem with completing the renovations and/or repairs. The Law Dept however, believes that a description of how this would be accomplished and any issues that the Urban League's occupancy raises should be answered by Pat Sullivan.
2) When does the city expect that negotiations over the use and occupancy payment will conclude? Will the amount of the use and occupancy payment and whether or not UL is making its payments be made public? (Answer) The City is hopeful that its negotiations can be completed within the next couple of weeks. The amount of the use and occupancy payment and the payment history will be made public.
3) Specifically what information is being sought from the UL relative to its temporary move complying with the regulations? (Answer) How long the UL expects to be in its temporary facility and generally reasons why such a move would not be suitable as a permanent location. It would also be helpful for the UL to be definitive about a permanent location and describe the timing that would be involved.