Library Project Sees Progress and Snags in January
The Jones Library Building Committee approved renovation-expansion invoices totaling $1,209,093.42 at its February 9 meeting. The largest payouts were $1,052, 325 to general contractor Fontaine Bros., $63,250 to designer Finegold Alexander Architects, $33,547 to Colliers Project Leaders, and $21,078 for monthly rent of library space at 101 University Drive.
Additional work for the project consisted of hazardous material monitoring by Atlas, construction materials testing by Allied Testing Services, quality control work by NV5 and electrical service upgrading by Eversource.
Owner’s Project Manager Trey Logie of Colliers highlighted recent structural steel erection for the new addition which is now approximately 60% to 65% complete. Meanwhile, the restoration of the original building’s slate roof is moving across the east and west elevations. Logie pointed out that this has continued through bitter cold and snow.
Library Director Sharon Sharry has been preparing for a topping-off ceremony to be held in early March. This event signifies that construction has reached its maximum height and is marked by members of the community signing the top beam. Because students will be in school during the day, the library is considering distributing stickers to local schools for them to sign, which would be affixed to the beam on their behalf.
Despite the progress, the project is currently two to three weeks behind schedule due to steel installation delays. Logie noted that while it is difficult to regain time during the structural phase, they hope to recover those weeks once work moves into the interior framing and finishing stages, which typically progress faster.
The project also processed a fourth change order, which added $162,194 to the construction cost. This package of changes addressed several structural surprises, including:
• The removal of an unsupported fireplace beam found on the garden level.
• Addressing deteriorated lightweight concrete discovered on the existing roof.
• Adjustments to foundation details and sinkhole infilling.
• Unforeseen window rehabilitation work
The four change orders accepted since construction began in July total $865,011. OPM Logie told the committee to expect Change Order #5 next month.
At the January JLBC meeting, Chair Austin Sarat had asked the OPM to provide a periodic accounting of the state of the project’s contingency budget that is the source of money for change orders. No report of how much has been committed from contingency or what is left was presented at the February meeting.
Financial Update planned for March
Finance Director Sean Mangano announced that a detailed accounting of project costs to date and how they align with Colliers reports would be presented at the March JLBC meeting, time permitting.
Citizens concerned about possible cost overruns affecting future budget priorities, and the ability of the Jones Library to meet its commitment to project costs have requested the update.
