Spencer library could open by Thanksgiving

By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com

The Spencer Board of Aldermen voted Saturday to open the Spencer Public Library by Thanksgiving. The decision was made during the board's annual planning retreat Saturday.

The library was the hottest topic during the retreat, with architect Bill Burgin helping the aldermen review the repair estimates and timeline.

Burgin told the board the most critical part of the project was stabilizing the roof and repairing the flashing, followed by the wall and window repair, weatherproofing and abatement of lead paint and asbestos.

Burgin's estimate also recommended repairing the windows, including reglazing, repainting and replacing the windows that are broken. He also recommended a storm window to be installed.

Burgin said the attention to detail and restoring the windows to their original state would be beneficial not only historically, but also for grant assistance.

"My experience has been, if I have a remnant of a window, it will not be accepted," Burgin said.

Several aldermen brought up the idea of completing the exterior stabilization and focusing the interior efforts mainly on the first floor of the library in hopes of opening the doors sooner.

The goals the aldermen came up with for the library included the following:

- Exterior stabilization

- First-floor interior

- Put second floor on an indefinite, long-term hold

- See prices on lead abatement for the first and second floors

- Open the library first floor only

- Have construction begin by the first of May

Burgin was confident that construction on the library could begin by May 1.

"I think we can get what you're talking about by Thanksgiving," Burgin said. "In three months you should have a bid in hand, and work could start at the first of May."

"Putting a date on this project would make us accountable," Alderman Reid Walters said. "The library is important to a lot of people in the community. I think it's realistic that we could get this done by mid-November."

Walters said he wanted to see the library open in time for the Hometown Holidays celebrations.

The cost of the project is estimated to be at least $300,000.

"The good news for you, if you do it all (at once), it's a pretty good project that will get some attention," Burgin said. "It becomes a good bid climate."

Spencer Town Manager Larry Smith reported that the fund balance of $1.7 million was available, and could be appropriated at any time.

Aldermen agreed that although the project could be paid for immediately, they want to pursue grants and a five-year low interest loan.

"I think this project definitely falls into the category for federal grant money," said Alderman Tracy Aitken.

Walters volunteered to put a list of grants together, and Alderman Delaine Fowler suggested using free resources from local colleges and universities to help with the grant research.

The board voted to advertise for an intern and a professional grant writer by May 1.

Burgin said he would get a contract together for the aldermen to review during their Tuesday meeting.

The general work estimate by Burgin included estimated low and high ranges for each repair, with the roofing possibly costing up to $30,000, the exterior masonry wall repair costing up to $95,000 and the lead paint and asbestos abatement costing up to $130,000.

The board will also repair the eave boxing around the windows, and will look into the replacement of electrical fixtures.

Other goals set during the retreat included the following:

- The town of Spencer acting as a liaison between the schools.

- Walkability plans from all North Rowan schools, and possibly connecting to downtown Spencer.

- New turnout gear for the fire department, and police cars to be equipped with digital cameras and radar.

- Wi-Fi wireless Internet at Library Park.

- Town Hall repairs.

- Further develop the Town of Spencer Web site, including a calendar of town events.

- Long-term light rail plan for Spencer, connecting Spencer to Charlotte and Raleigh.

- Changing playground equipment.

- Code enforcement, and improvement of the quality of life in neighborhoods.

- Term limits on town manager contract, and manager would be required to reside in Spencer town limits.

- Privatizing recycling, either by curbside or drop-off locations.

- Pursuit of the Fit Community Grant, develop master plan for parks.

The Board of Aldermen plans to review and share its full list of goals for fiscal year 2010-2011 during its meeting Tuesday at the Spencer Town Hall.

Also on the agenda for Tuesday will be a public hearing on the Interstate Business District.

The Spencer Town Hall is located at 600 S. Salisbury Ave., with the aldermen meeting beginning at 7 p.m.