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.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Friday, August 20, 2010
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: The City's relocation expert reports that in his communications with the Urban League they have indicated they are target for a 9/29 or 9/30 move. I need to meet with representatives of the SLF ( Springfield Library Foundation) and SMA ( Springfield Museums Association) to assure that funding is in place for our renovation related contracts, and hope to report more on that next week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: Steve Jablonski is overseeing the roof replacement and will be meeting with Rivet Roofing . The Request for Proposals for Self Check and Media Management equipment has been submitted.
Friday, August 13, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: The Law Dept. does not have any new information. The furniture and shelving have been ordered. I attended the Nike event last Sunday, and encouraged anyone that I spoke to, to view the “Coming soon“ display in our exterior display window. (It was a wonderful event!!)
In response to [the] request [to check the old Library sign], I have followed up with Henry Thomas, he has responded and let me know that he is checking into it. He thinks that the Springfield City Library sign was painted over, rather than covered. However, he is not sure and will update us as soon as he is. If the sign was painted, we can replace it with a new sign that reflects our current system signage.
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: The City's relocation expert reports that in his communications with the Urban League they have indicated they are target for a 9/29 or 9/30 move. I need to meet with representatives of the SLF ( Springfield Library Foundation) and SMA ( Springfield Museums Association) to assure that funding is in place for our renovation related contracts, and hope to report more on that next week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: Steve Jablonski is overseeing the roof replacement and will be meeting with Rivet Roofing . The Request for Proposals for Self Check and Media Management equipment has been submitted.
Friday, August 13, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: The Law Dept. does not have any new information. The furniture and shelving have been ordered. I attended the Nike event last Sunday, and encouraged anyone that I spoke to, to view the “Coming soon“ display in our exterior display window. (It was a wonderful event!!)
In response to [the] request [to check the old Library sign], I have followed up with Henry Thomas, he has responded and let me know that he is checking into it. He thinks that the Springfield City Library sign was painted over, rather than covered. However, he is not sure and will update us as soon as he is. If the sign was painted, we can replace it with a new sign that reflects our current system signage.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
MSL Weekly Update
Friday, August 06, 2010
Message from Ed Pikula: The Law Department has nothing new to report with respect to the Urban League. Our last understanding was that they were on target to relocate to temporary quarters as previously indicated.
In response to the question about the old Springfield Library sign on 765 State Street , Jean Canosa did some research and responded: I recently took a close look again at the signs on the Mason Square Branch Library. The photo on our website (http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/branches/ms.html) is old...those shrubs are long gone! As for signs, I believe the photo shows the former white and black sign that said Springfield City Library, located over … the portico. My inspection (from the ground!) leads me to believe that the library sign was either removed for replacement or essentially made unusable when the [Urban League] sign was affixed to it--I can't tell which method was used. I know the architect has this on the list of items to be addressed when the building is being prepared to return to a full-service library. (We are looking into this.) Still affixed to the brick wall, to the right of the entryway, is a scroll shaped sign noting Annie Curran's bequest. And not seen in the photo, but currently in place, is a library card-shaped sign, black letters on white background that reads Mason Square Branch Springfield City Library or similar wording. The sign is located on the same brick wall, above and to the right of the Curran scroll. I believe that sign was installed 3-5 years ago. That sign will be replaced with a new sign that we have ordered.We now have a display featuring the new Mason Square Library in the exterior Library display case, thanks to Janet Stupak.
Message from Ed Pikula: The Law Department has nothing new to report with respect to the Urban League. Our last understanding was that they were on target to relocate to temporary quarters as previously indicated.
In response to the question about the old Springfield Library sign on 765 State Street , Jean Canosa did some research and responded: I recently took a close look again at the signs on the Mason Square Branch Library. The photo on our website (http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/branches/ms.html) is old...those shrubs are long gone! As for signs, I believe the photo shows the former white and black sign that said Springfield City Library, located over … the portico. My inspection (from the ground!) leads me to believe that the library sign was either removed for replacement or essentially made unusable when the [Urban League] sign was affixed to it--I can't tell which method was used. I know the architect has this on the list of items to be addressed when the building is being prepared to return to a full-service library. (We are looking into this.) Still affixed to the brick wall, to the right of the entryway, is a scroll shaped sign noting Annie Curran's bequest. And not seen in the photo, but currently in place, is a library card-shaped sign, black letters on white background that reads Mason Square Branch Springfield City Library or similar wording. The sign is located on the same brick wall, above and to the right of the Curran scroll. I believe that sign was installed 3-5 years ago. That sign will be replaced with a new sign that we have ordered.We now have a display featuring the new Mason Square Library in the exterior Library display case, thanks to Janet Stupak.
Friday, July 30, 2010
MSL closed on Aug. 8 - update
July 30, 2010
Library Director’s Report: From Molly Fogarty: The Law Department does not have an update for this week. In response to Liz Stevens request to remove or cover the Urban League sign by next Sunday, we unfortunately cannot legally do that.
[As to the issue of signage, this is also a relocation issue. As with any other occupant, the City would not have a right to remove their business sign without consent or risk a claim of unlawful interference with their business. –per Ed Pikula, City Solicitor]
We have ordered a new sign for the Mason Square Branch, based on the other Branch sign specifications, which will be placed on the building once the Urban League has vacated. We have located a model of the obelisk sign that you may have seen at several of our branches and will have that sign modified and available for the 8th, to make the Library more visible. However, since it is a model, it is not constructed for outside use.
Unfortunately we will not be able to open the building on August 8th, as we had hoped to do. Nike is essentially shutting down the neighborhood and bringing in a great event, but no business or organization can open in the area or have an informational table etc. Jean Canosa learned this late last Friday.
I plan to be there, as well as some other staff, to participate in this wonderful event.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Library Director’s Report: From Molly Fogarty: The Law Department does not have an update for this week. In response to Liz Stevens request to remove or cover the Urban League sign by next Sunday, we unfortunately cannot legally do that.
[As to the issue of signage, this is also a relocation issue. As with any other occupant, the City would not have a right to remove their business sign without consent or risk a claim of unlawful interference with their business. –per Ed Pikula, City Solicitor]
We have ordered a new sign for the Mason Square Branch, based on the other Branch sign specifications, which will be placed on the building once the Urban League has vacated. We have located a model of the obelisk sign that you may have seen at several of our branches and will have that sign modified and available for the 8th, to make the Library more visible. However, since it is a model, it is not constructed for outside use.
Unfortunately we will not be able to open the building on August 8th, as we had hoped to do. Nike is essentially shutting down the neighborhood and bringing in a great event, but no business or organization can open in the area or have an informational table etc. Jean Canosa learned this late last Friday.
I plan to be there, as well as some other staff, to participate in this wonderful event.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
MSL Weekly Update & Answers
July 23, 2010
Library Director’s Report, from Molly Fogarty: I am forwarding the weekly update from the Law Dept, which includes answers to Liz Stevens questions. (see below)
We will be ordering the shelving and furniture early next week, with an expected delivery date of early November. Steve Jablonski (architect) will prepare a current rendering of the new layout and a color board, which will be available in the current Mason Square Library in time for the August 8th event. We have made special arrangements to have the library open that day as well.
[Sunday, Aug. 8: Unveiling and dedication of the Basketball “First Game” Monument in front of the Mason Square Library building, and related activities opening 2010 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week.]
Some Answers From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Solicitor To These Questions from Liz Stevens: Regarding the obligation to compensate for relocation - please clarify how many moves can be included, since they are talking about two moves.
When is the UL expected to begin paying use and occupancy fees?
What if the negotiations lasts until they have moved?
How does the payment of the use and occupancy get handled?
Does part of the cost of the moving van become their responsibility?
Do they write a check to the city? Do they write a check to the library foundation which will pay for the move?
I also want to address the issue of SIGNAGE. We should take the SUL sign off the building and put up the library sign. And it should be done before August 8th! On August 8th a big event will be taking place in front of the library building with the dedication of a memorial to the beginning of basketball. Huge day long event with basketball games on State St. on a temporary basketball court set up by NIKE, lots of food, unveiling of statuary, etc. The building will be in the background of a lot of pictures!!!!!!!! Please get the signage changed.
Dear Ed Pikula, I thank you for your patience and service to the city and the community. I also thank you, in advance, for answering my questions. Liz Stevens
Response from Attorney Pikula:
The UL is expected to begin paying use and occupancy fees retro to June 1.
If the negotiations lasts until they have moved, we will continue to pursue the matter thereafter.
Payment of the use and occupancy will be deposited in the City's general fund pursuant to Mass. General Laws.
The City will be responsible for reasonable relocation costs under the statutes and the regulations, including moving vans.
As to the issue of signage, this is also a relocation issue. As with any other occupant, the City would not have a right to remove their business sign without consent or risk a claim of unlawful interference with their business.
Library Director’s Report, from Molly Fogarty: I am forwarding the weekly update from the Law Dept, which includes answers to Liz Stevens questions. (see below)
We will be ordering the shelving and furniture early next week, with an expected delivery date of early November. Steve Jablonski (architect) will prepare a current rendering of the new layout and a color board, which will be available in the current Mason Square Library in time for the August 8th event. We have made special arrangements to have the library open that day as well.
[Sunday, Aug. 8: Unveiling and dedication of the Basketball “First Game” Monument in front of the Mason Square Library building, and related activities opening 2010 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week.]
Some Answers From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Solicitor To These Questions from Liz Stevens: Regarding the obligation to compensate for relocation - please clarify how many moves can be included, since they are talking about two moves.
When is the UL expected to begin paying use and occupancy fees?
What if the negotiations lasts until they have moved?
How does the payment of the use and occupancy get handled?
Does part of the cost of the moving van become their responsibility?
Do they write a check to the city? Do they write a check to the library foundation which will pay for the move?
I also want to address the issue of SIGNAGE. We should take the SUL sign off the building and put up the library sign. And it should be done before August 8th! On August 8th a big event will be taking place in front of the library building with the dedication of a memorial to the beginning of basketball. Huge day long event with basketball games on State St. on a temporary basketball court set up by NIKE, lots of food, unveiling of statuary, etc. The building will be in the background of a lot of pictures!!!!!!!! Please get the signage changed.
Dear Ed Pikula, I thank you for your patience and service to the city and the community. I also thank you, in advance, for answering my questions. Liz Stevens
Response from Attorney Pikula:
The UL is expected to begin paying use and occupancy fees retro to June 1.
If the negotiations lasts until they have moved, we will continue to pursue the matter thereafter.
Payment of the use and occupancy will be deposited in the City's general fund pursuant to Mass. General Laws.
The City will be responsible for reasonable relocation costs under the statutes and the regulations, including moving vans.
As to the issue of signage, this is also a relocation issue. As with any other occupant, the City would not have a right to remove their business sign without consent or risk a claim of unlawful interference with their business.
MSL 2-week update (July 9 & 15)
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.
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.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
MSL 2-Weeks' Update
June 25, 2010
Library Director's Report : Roof repair cost estimates and planning with facilities are on target and [the Library Dept. does not] anticipate any extensive interior renovations.
From: Robert Warren, Springfield Law Dept.: As requested by Lee Fogarty (Library Director), I am providing this short update to you, relative to 765 State Street. Inasmuch as the City's relocation consultant is on vacation, for the week beginning June 21st, the Law Department does not have anything new to report.
Question from former Library Commissioner: In terms of the law department update, it appears that the [Urban League] has been able (or has not chosen) to follow through on announcing a decision on a new site by (approximately) today [June 25, 2010]. I'm wondering whether the city or the relocation consultant has asked the [Urban League] for a new and potentially more definite date by which they will have decided. Not to mention a date by which they will have vacated the site.
Answer from the City Law Dept: The Law Department believes that both dates are important. The Law Department will be in contact with the relocation consultant at the beginning of next week to request that he inquire about both dates.
July 2, 2010
The Law Department does not have any new information this week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The Mason Square garden looks great, we have new mulch, it has been weeded, new plantings and new benches. We will be meeting with [architect] Steve Jablonski next week to finalize furniture and shelving orders. Please contact me if you have any questions and have a great holiday weekend!!
Additional questions from former Library Commissioner:
1) The "couple weeks" suggested by the [Urban League] as the time when they would announce where they were moving was over about two weeks ago. Is there a new date?
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?
3) What additional steps will the city be taking to relocate the [Urban League] in time for refitting 765 State Street as a library in time for a November 1, 2010 reopening date?
Library Director's Report : Roof repair cost estimates and planning with facilities are on target and [the Library Dept. does not] anticipate any extensive interior renovations.
From: Robert Warren, Springfield Law Dept.: As requested by Lee Fogarty (Library Director), I am providing this short update to you, relative to 765 State Street. Inasmuch as the City's relocation consultant is on vacation, for the week beginning June 21st, the Law Department does not have anything new to report.
Question from former Library Commissioner: In terms of the law department update, it appears that the [Urban League] has been able (or has not chosen) to follow through on announcing a decision on a new site by (approximately) today [June 25, 2010]. I'm wondering whether the city or the relocation consultant has asked the [Urban League] for a new and potentially more definite date by which they will have decided. Not to mention a date by which they will have vacated the site.
Answer from the City Law Dept: The Law Department believes that both dates are important. The Law Department will be in contact with the relocation consultant at the beginning of next week to request that he inquire about both dates.
July 2, 2010
The Law Department does not have any new information this week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield City Library: The Mason Square garden looks great, we have new mulch, it has been weeded, new plantings and new benches. We will be meeting with [architect] Steve Jablonski next week to finalize furniture and shelving orders. Please contact me if you have any questions and have a great holiday weekend!!
Additional questions from former Library Commissioner:
1) The "couple weeks" suggested by the [Urban League] as the time when they would announce where they were moving was over about two weeks ago. Is there a new date?
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?
3) What additional steps will the city be taking to relocate the [Urban League] in time for refitting 765 State Street as a library in time for a November 1, 2010 reopening date?
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