Please plan to attend the Special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 21 at 4:30 in City Hall, Rm 220 regarding Mason Square Library.
Memo
James J. Ferrera, III, Chairman
Re: Vets., Admin, & Hum. Serv. Com. meeting – Eminent Domain
NOTICE OF MEETING
The Veterans, Administration and Human Services Committee of the City Council will meet on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 4:30 in Room 200 of City Hall. Your attendance is necessary to help expedite this matter. All interested parties are invited to attend. Thank you.
AGENDA
1. Update on the land taking process for Mason Square Library by the Law department.
Friday, April 16, 2010
MSL Weekly Update & Nagging Questions Answered (sic)
Weekly update: Please contact me if you have any questions. thanks, Lee Fogarty, Director, Springfield Public Library
Mason Square Library Status Report from: Edward Pikula - Fri 4/16/2010 9:47 AM
Here is the status report on the Mason Square relocation effort for the week of April 12th.
Mr. Mollica (the City's relocation specialist) had reported the following report for the week of April 12th:
Mr. Thomas, on behalf of the Urban League, is still in discussions with STCC. The Urban League however has concerns with the space that might be available. The first space, that has the most potential is on the technology side of the campus and is not available in incremental segments (the old Springboard tech space), and may be too big for their needs.
The second space is an historic house in need of restoration. The Urban League is evaluating and in discussion with STCC, as to whether it could use its capital endowment for the renovation and whether or not STCC would accept the renovation in lieu of rent. Further the historic site is on a more remote part of the campus and may be customer friendly to their constituents.
Bob Greeley showed them properties at 39 and 57 Mulberry Street. The house at 39 Mulberry was small. The larger building at 57 Mulberry would require the Urban League to have tenants. Both addresses are under consideration.
664 State Street is a viable possibility.
A meeting is being scheduled with Mass Development for possible space in the former Federal Building.
Discussions are still under way with Frank Colaccino, of Colvest, for relocating to the building next to the Burger King, on State Street. Rent and configuration are being discussed.
In addition, you should note that the Law Department has received a summary appraisal relative to use and occupancy ranges for 765 State Street. It will be forwarded to Attorney John Egan, Attorney for the Springfield Library Foundation, who has agreed to indemnify the City for its expenses/losses with regard to this taking/relocation and in exchange, who the City has agreed would act as trial counsel in any civil action. The purpose of the review prior to the determination of a use and occupancy charge, in consultation with the City's relocation consultant, is to make a proposal for the payment of use and occupancy to be presented to the Urban League, to be be effective June 1, 2010, in the event that they have not moved.
Additionally, with regard to the questions you forwarded: Questions re Relocation of UL from 765 State Street
1) Is the Springfield Library Foundation paying the relocation consultant hired by the city, Mr. Mollica? Is the Foundation satisfied with the pace of relocation efforts?
Answer) The relocation contract is with the City of Springfield. The City funds the contract from a gift made by the Springfield Library Foundation Inc.
2) How much has the relocation consultant Steve Mollica been paid to date? Does his contract specify a dollar amount for relocating the UL or is he being paid an hourly rate?
Answer) The W.D. Schock Company has been paid, to date $7,700.07. The contract has an hourly rate, but is capped at a total of $10,000.
How was the relocation effort described to Mr. Mollica? Was he told that freeing up 765 State was a high priority and told to expedite the process in a lawful but timely manner while also taking care not to provoke a lawsuit? Was he told to cut the UL as much slack as possible? Was he told there was no particular urgency to relocating the UL? Or was he told something else?
Answer) W.D. Schock, Company, Inc.'s proposal and contract are to be performed, in accordance with State Statute and Regulations.
3) Besides initiating “discussion of a use and occupancy agreement and/or use and occupancy charge,” what other measures are available to the the city if on June 1 the UL is still in the building ?
Answer) Summary Process (which is heavily frowned upon in the regulations) is an option. It is the Law Department's opinion that this option by involving the court system may significantly delay the relocation process, through the introduction of the judicial process.
4) Mr. Pikula has alluded to the need to avoid disrupting on-going UL programs by an untimely relocation. Is the city aware of a date by which time current UL programs will have wound down and relocation would be least disruptive?
Answer) It is the understanding of the City and our relocation consultant, that the Urban League's programs are ongoing and that to minimize the disruption, weekend moves may be considered.
5) The city council voted to take 765 State Street on August 24, 2009. An email from Ed Pikula says the deed was to be filed at the registry on September 23. I think that is the date on which the four month period for relocating the UL began. That brings us up to January 23, 1010. On February 3, Attorney Bob Warren told the library commission that only one meeting (on December 3) was held with the Urban League between September 23, 2009 and February 3, 2010. In fact, this appears to have been the only fact-to-face meeting between the relocation specialist Mr. Mollica and the UL.
Answer) The relocation consultant, has been in communication with Mr. Thomas, and/or his consultant and staff at least on a weekly basis and is satisfied that the Urban League is aware of the deadline to vacate and is working to secure a suitable replacement location.
6) Why, when and how did the date for the UL to vacate change from May 1 (Lee Fogarty’s date in January) to the end of May (cited in Bob Warren’s update of April 9)?
Answer) Per a requisite regulatory notice May 8, 2010 is the Urban League's vacate date. In view of the complexities involved in any relocation and the fact that possible replacement relocations may become available at the end of the month, it seemed logical to make the end of May the vacate date. Pursuant to the regulations a vacate notice is being prepared.
Please distribute this report to all interested parties.
Attorney Edward M. Pikula, City of Springfield Law Department
Mason Square Library Status Report from: Edward Pikula - Fri 4/16/2010 9:47 AM
Here is the status report on the Mason Square relocation effort for the week of April 12th.
Mr. Mollica (the City's relocation specialist) had reported the following report for the week of April 12th:
Mr. Thomas, on behalf of the Urban League, is still in discussions with STCC. The Urban League however has concerns with the space that might be available. The first space, that has the most potential is on the technology side of the campus and is not available in incremental segments (the old Springboard tech space), and may be too big for their needs.
The second space is an historic house in need of restoration. The Urban League is evaluating and in discussion with STCC, as to whether it could use its capital endowment for the renovation and whether or not STCC would accept the renovation in lieu of rent. Further the historic site is on a more remote part of the campus and may be customer friendly to their constituents.
Bob Greeley showed them properties at 39 and 57 Mulberry Street. The house at 39 Mulberry was small. The larger building at 57 Mulberry would require the Urban League to have tenants. Both addresses are under consideration.
664 State Street is a viable possibility.
A meeting is being scheduled with Mass Development for possible space in the former Federal Building.
Discussions are still under way with Frank Colaccino, of Colvest, for relocating to the building next to the Burger King, on State Street. Rent and configuration are being discussed.
In addition, you should note that the Law Department has received a summary appraisal relative to use and occupancy ranges for 765 State Street. It will be forwarded to Attorney John Egan, Attorney for the Springfield Library Foundation, who has agreed to indemnify the City for its expenses/losses with regard to this taking/relocation and in exchange, who the City has agreed would act as trial counsel in any civil action. The purpose of the review prior to the determination of a use and occupancy charge, in consultation with the City's relocation consultant, is to make a proposal for the payment of use and occupancy to be presented to the Urban League, to be be effective June 1, 2010, in the event that they have not moved.
Additionally, with regard to the questions you forwarded: Questions re Relocation of UL from 765 State Street
1) Is the Springfield Library Foundation paying the relocation consultant hired by the city, Mr. Mollica? Is the Foundation satisfied with the pace of relocation efforts?
Answer) The relocation contract is with the City of Springfield. The City funds the contract from a gift made by the Springfield Library Foundation Inc.
2) How much has the relocation consultant Steve Mollica been paid to date? Does his contract specify a dollar amount for relocating the UL or is he being paid an hourly rate?
Answer) The W.D. Schock Company has been paid, to date $7,700.07. The contract has an hourly rate, but is capped at a total of $10,000.
How was the relocation effort described to Mr. Mollica? Was he told that freeing up 765 State was a high priority and told to expedite the process in a lawful but timely manner while also taking care not to provoke a lawsuit? Was he told to cut the UL as much slack as possible? Was he told there was no particular urgency to relocating the UL? Or was he told something else?
Answer) W.D. Schock, Company, Inc.'s proposal and contract are to be performed, in accordance with State Statute and Regulations.
3) Besides initiating “discussion of a use and occupancy agreement and/or use and occupancy charge,” what other measures are available to the the city if on June 1 the UL is still in the building ?
Answer) Summary Process (which is heavily frowned upon in the regulations) is an option. It is the Law Department's opinion that this option by involving the court system may significantly delay the relocation process, through the introduction of the judicial process.
4) Mr. Pikula has alluded to the need to avoid disrupting on-going UL programs by an untimely relocation. Is the city aware of a date by which time current UL programs will have wound down and relocation would be least disruptive?
Answer) It is the understanding of the City and our relocation consultant, that the Urban League's programs are ongoing and that to minimize the disruption, weekend moves may be considered.
5) The city council voted to take 765 State Street on August 24, 2009. An email from Ed Pikula says the deed was to be filed at the registry on September 23. I think that is the date on which the four month period for relocating the UL began. That brings us up to January 23, 1010. On February 3, Attorney Bob Warren told the library commission that only one meeting (on December 3) was held with the Urban League between September 23, 2009 and February 3, 2010. In fact, this appears to have been the only fact-to-face meeting between the relocation specialist Mr. Mollica and the UL.
Answer) The relocation consultant, has been in communication with Mr. Thomas, and/or his consultant and staff at least on a weekly basis and is satisfied that the Urban League is aware of the deadline to vacate and is working to secure a suitable replacement location.
6) Why, when and how did the date for the UL to vacate change from May 1 (Lee Fogarty’s date in January) to the end of May (cited in Bob Warren’s update of April 9)?
Answer) Per a requisite regulatory notice May 8, 2010 is the Urban League's vacate date. In view of the complexities involved in any relocation and the fact that possible replacement relocations may become available at the end of the month, it seemed logical to make the end of May the vacate date. Pursuant to the regulations a vacate notice is being prepared.
Please distribute this report to all interested parties.
Attorney Edward M. Pikula, City of Springfield Law Department
Sunday, April 11, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
From K. Wright, Administrative Staff, McKnight Neighborhood Council:The following is a note from Lee Fogarty, Director, Springfield Public Library. Following her note is the update from Bob Warren of the Springfield City Law Department on progress in relocating the Springfield Urban League out of the Mason Square Library Building. NOTE: There is still no firm date when the Urban League will vacate the building, as they must by law.
________________
Good Afternoon:
I'm forwarding the latest update from the Law Department. Stephen Jablonski will attend the Springfield Library Commission Meeting on May 3 at 5:30 in the Central Library Community room to present updated plans for the Mason Square Library for Commission and community input. We plan to notify all of the Neighborhood Councils in the Mason Square Branch Service area, as well as other interested community members.
Please plan to attend this very important meeting.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library
___________________________
From: Warren, Robert [mailto:rwarren@springfieldcityhall.com]
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 2:07 PM
Subject: 765 State Street
Mr. Thomas has reported to the City's relocation consultant, Steve Mollica, that he waiting for a couple of the principals of the replacment locations that he is interested in to get back, to the Urban League, with pricing points. He also reported that he was contacted by Bob Greeley, a commercial realator, who had two locations that might fulfill the Urban League's needs. Mr. Thomas said that one of the locations they were familiar with and had ruled out. He said that he was going to follow up with Mr. Greeley on the remaining location.
On a related issue the Law Department expects to receive a real estate appraiser's report next week which will provide a basis for the City to discuss with the Urban League a use and occupancy agreement and/or a use and occupancy charge. Any use and occupancy charge would not be assessed until the expiration of the month of May.
Bob Warren
________________
Good Afternoon:
I'm forwarding the latest update from the Law Department. Stephen Jablonski will attend the Springfield Library Commission Meeting on May 3 at 5:30 in the Central Library Community room to present updated plans for the Mason Square Library for Commission and community input. We plan to notify all of the Neighborhood Councils in the Mason Square Branch Service area, as well as other interested community members.
Please plan to attend this very important meeting.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library
___________________________
From: Warren, Robert [mailto:rwarren@springfieldcityhall.com]
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 2:07 PM
Subject: 765 State Street
Mr. Thomas has reported to the City's relocation consultant, Steve Mollica, that he waiting for a couple of the principals of the replacment locations that he is interested in to get back, to the Urban League, with pricing points. He also reported that he was contacted by Bob Greeley, a commercial realator, who had two locations that might fulfill the Urban League's needs. Mr. Thomas said that one of the locations they were familiar with and had ruled out. He said that he was going to follow up with Mr. Greeley on the remaining location.
On a related issue the Law Department expects to receive a real estate appraiser's report next week which will provide a basis for the City to discuss with the Urban League a use and occupancy agreement and/or a use and occupancy charge. Any use and occupancy charge would not be assessed until the expiration of the month of May.
Bob Warren
Saturday, March 27, 2010
MSL Update
Weekly Update from Attorney Robert Warren (City Law Dept.):
The City's relocation consultant, Steve Mollica received an after hours call, at the beginning of the week, from Henry Thomas (CEO, Springfield Urban League), indicating that he was traveling but would be in contact. Henry Thomas did call Steve Molica at the end of the week to provide him with a brief update.
That update was that the Urban League was in conversation with Springfield Technical Community College and the owners of property at 644 State Street and 503 State St. , as well as one other undisclosed location. Henry Thomas indicated that the Urban League plans to come up with a short list of three properties, for an internal committee to review and make recommendations.
The Planning and Economic Development Department has also provided the name of a local real estate agent, Robert Greeley, to Steve Mollica. Robert Greeley indicated that he believes he has a couple of suitable sites for the Urban League. Steve Mollica will be discussing those sites with Robert Greeley next week.
Meanwhile, I have been meeting with Steve Jablonski, and we are still targeting November, 2010 for the opening of the full-service Mason Square Branch, that still requires that the Urban League vacate the building by the end of May .
Please contact me , if you have any questions.
Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library
The City's relocation consultant, Steve Mollica received an after hours call, at the beginning of the week, from Henry Thomas (CEO, Springfield Urban League), indicating that he was traveling but would be in contact. Henry Thomas did call Steve Molica at the end of the week to provide him with a brief update.
That update was that the Urban League was in conversation with Springfield Technical Community College and the owners of property at 644 State Street and 503 State St. , as well as one other undisclosed location. Henry Thomas indicated that the Urban League plans to come up with a short list of three properties, for an internal committee to review and make recommendations.
The Planning and Economic Development Department has also provided the name of a local real estate agent, Robert Greeley, to Steve Mollica. Robert Greeley indicated that he believes he has a couple of suitable sites for the Urban League. Steve Mollica will be discussing those sites with Robert Greeley next week.
Meanwhile, I have been meeting with Steve Jablonski, and we are still targeting November, 2010 for the opening of the full-service Mason Square Branch, that still requires that the Urban League vacate the building by the end of May .
Please contact me , if you have any questions.
Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Robert Warren (City Law Dept.)sent the following update:
The following is the weekly update of the Law Department on the status of 765 State St.
The City's relocation consultant, Mr. Mollica, is waiting for a return call from Mr. Thomas today to review the status of any potential and/or new replacement sites. As you will recall, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Mollica had agreed to talk today. Mr. Mollica did pass along 443 State Street, the former Kavanaugh Furniture Store to Mr. Thomas, at the beginning of the week. Mr. Thomas replied that he is aware of the site and had previously been inside the building. Mr. Thomas felt that the building was much too large for the Urban League's needs. Mr. Molica will be contacting the City's Planning and Economic Development office to see if they have any more suggestions.
I have been in contact with Steve Jablonski., he has submitted his proposal for architectural services to Pat Sullivan and the contract is in process. We have asked to have a Notice to Proceed, from City Purchasing, to begin work as soon as possible.
Please let me know, if you have any questions.
Molly Fogarty - Director, Springfield City Library
The following is the weekly update of the Law Department on the status of 765 State St.
The City's relocation consultant, Mr. Mollica, is waiting for a return call from Mr. Thomas today to review the status of any potential and/or new replacement sites. As you will recall, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Mollica had agreed to talk today. Mr. Mollica did pass along 443 State Street, the former Kavanaugh Furniture Store to Mr. Thomas, at the beginning of the week. Mr. Thomas replied that he is aware of the site and had previously been inside the building. Mr. Thomas felt that the building was much too large for the Urban League's needs. Mr. Molica will be contacting the City's Planning and Economic Development office to see if they have any more suggestions.
I have been in contact with Steve Jablonski., he has submitted his proposal for architectural services to Pat Sullivan and the contract is in process. We have asked to have a Notice to Proceed, from City Purchasing, to begin work as soon as possible.
Please let me know, if you have any questions.
Molly Fogarty - Director, Springfield City Library
Friday, March 12, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Robert Warren (City Law Dept.) sent the following update:
Mr. Thomas also reported that he was actively pursuing three other potential sites, two of which were confidential. The other site was the former KFC Administrative Building at 644 State Street. He noted that the site was currently being used as temporary space by the MLK Jr. Charter School which would be in the building through the end of the current school year.
Mr. Mollica stated that the Urban League was conscious of the time constraints and were doing their due diligence with regard to replacement sites. Mr. Mollica and Mr. Thomas have agreed to talk again next week with regard to the status of any potential or new sites.
Molly Fogarty, Director
Springfield City Library
I am again providing this update on behalf of Ed Pikula. Steven Mollica spoke this week with Henry Thomas regarding potential relocation sites. With regard to the sites provided to the Urban League through the City's Office of Planning and Economic Development, as well as additional sites identified by the Urban League, the Urban League has made the following assessments and comments:
- Holy Family Church 235 Eastern Ave-poor location and conversion issues.
- Mosque 727 State St.--too big and potential costly building improvement issues.
- Dickinson Funeral Home--305 State St.--did not check out , but not preferable area.
- Verizon Building- 365 State St.--too big and limited parking.
- 503 State Street ( next to Burger King)-potential, but too large by itself-space potential is good.
- Former Open Pantry-287 State St.--access to clientele issues.
- Masonic Temple-very concerned with cost to maintain and carry.
- Mason Sq. Firestation-issues with location-accessibility and parking.
- MCDI property-140 Wilbraham-concerned that timing would not work-MCDI not ready to leave.
- Property owned by AIC on Mulberry Street as possible build, but AIC wants lot for parking.
- Former Hampden Dodge by Mass Mutual, too big as is and possible retrofit and contamination issues.
Mr. Thomas also reported that he was actively pursuing three other potential sites, two of which were confidential. The other site was the former KFC Administrative Building at 644 State Street. He noted that the site was currently being used as temporary space by the MLK Jr. Charter School which would be in the building through the end of the current school year.
Mr. Mollica stated that the Urban League was conscious of the time constraints and were doing their due diligence with regard to replacement sites. Mr. Mollica and Mr. Thomas have agreed to talk again next week with regard to the status of any potential or new sites.
Molly Fogarty, Director
Springfield City Library
Saturday, March 6, 2010
MSL Weekly Updates
February 26, 2010: I met with Ed Pikula and Steve Mollica , the Relocation Consultant. A meeting has been set up with Henry Thomas next week to discuss the timeline for vacating the building. We are still planning for a November opening, and a May occupancy.
There is a major roof leak in the building. City facilities have been working on a temporary fix, until the roof can be replaced.
Attorney Robert Warren will be attending the Library Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 3 at 5:30 in the Central Library Community Room to answer questions. - Molly Fogarty, Interim Director, Springfield City Library
March 5, 2010: I am forwarding the update from the Law Department. I have received the personal property inventory and am planning to go to Mason Square on Monday to verify the report for accuracy and any potential issues. There is progress!!
"On behalf of Ed Pikula I am providing the weekly report. It is short but positive. The Urban League has furnished its personal property inventory. Our relocation consultant will be reviewing the report, with the assistance of Lee Fogarty, attorney Warren and the City's appraiser, Jim Fisher, for accuracy and any potential issues. The relocation consultant, Steven Mollica received a call from Mr.. Thomas at the beginning of the week. Mr.. Thomas acknowledged that the City's timeline for the Urban League to vacate was the end of May. He also informed Mr.. Mollica that he was completing an assessment of replacement sites, as well as working with an internal committee with on potential replacement sites. Mr.. Thomas told Mr.. Mollica that he would be prepared to discuss replacement sites with him at the beginning of next week via a telephone conference. - Bob Warren"
- Molly Fogarty, Interim Director, Springfield City Library
There is a major roof leak in the building. City facilities have been working on a temporary fix, until the roof can be replaced.
Attorney Robert Warren will be attending the Library Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 3 at 5:30 in the Central Library Community Room to answer questions. - Molly Fogarty, Interim Director, Springfield City Library
March 5, 2010: I am forwarding the update from the Law Department. I have received the personal property inventory and am planning to go to Mason Square on Monday to verify the report for accuracy and any potential issues. There is progress!!
"On behalf of Ed Pikula I am providing the weekly report. It is short but positive. The Urban League has furnished its personal property inventory. Our relocation consultant will be reviewing the report, with the assistance of Lee Fogarty, attorney Warren and the City's appraiser, Jim Fisher, for accuracy and any potential issues. The relocation consultant, Steven Mollica received a call from Mr.. Thomas at the beginning of the week. Mr.. Thomas acknowledged that the City's timeline for the Urban League to vacate was the end of May. He also informed Mr.. Mollica that he was completing an assessment of replacement sites, as well as working with an internal committee with on potential replacement sites. Mr.. Thomas told Mr.. Mollica that he would be prepared to discuss replacement sites with him at the beginning of next week via a telephone conference. - Bob Warren"
- Molly Fogarty, Interim Director, Springfield City Library
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