Woodstock trustees agree to smaller library building

Woodstock Library trustees approved the schematic design and the first payment for the next phase of planning for a new building and approved staff pay while the library remains closed, at their March 19 meeting, the first one held via videoconference, which may become commonplace in the new normal foisted upon us by COVID-19.

The meeting was still open to the public. An invitation was sent out via email and published in Woodstock Times to join via the GoToMeeting software or to call a toll-free number.

Trustees approved a revised schematic design by architect Stephen Tilly that calls for a smaller building of roughly 12,000 square feet as opposed to the 13,000-square-foot building in an early draft. The smaller design leaves more space in the rear for a possible future addition, Building Committee Chair Howard Kagan said.

The size reduction, changes in the HVAC system and substitution of some materials will bring the budget down to the promised $4.4 million. That doesn’t include the cost of items such as furnishings, information technology and temporary library services.

Trustees approved $12,889 for the first invoice from work in the next phase of architectural work, design development.

Trustees also approved a new policy that permits library closure in the event of government or local action or school closures caused by a pandemic. In the absence of action by government officials, the policy gives the director discretion to close the library.

Trustees adopted a resolution to pay employees retroactively to March 16, when the library closed and staff was told not to report to work. The board will renew payment authorization April 23 if necessary.

Free WiFi available

Trustees reminded the public that the library’s WiFi internet access is still available outside the building and reaches the front lawn and benches. People are reminded to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from others to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus.