The vision for a new Yarmouth library took a significant turn this week as the Library Building Committee pivoted its entire focus toward the MacArthur School site following a legal determination that neighboring land is effectively off-limits for construction. Legal counsel informed the committee that Parcel 50, currently used as a playground, is likely protected under Article 97 of the state constitution. Chair Judy Connister explained that because of its historic use as recreation land, building on the parcel would require a rigorous two-thirds vote of the state legislature. The attorney rendered a two-sentence opinion saying looks like since it was used as a playground that that would come under the Article 97 protections and so we needed to move over onto the second parcel, Connister said, noting the focus has now settled on Parcel 60, home to the MacArthur building.

This shift comes with a unique architectural opportunity. Architect Matt Oudens of Oudens Ello presented a bold design concept for the corner of the MacArthur site characterized by a steep ravine. Oudens proposed a treehouse design that would see portions of the library wings cantilever over the topography, creating a sense of discovery and maintaining the existing tree canopy. We think that could be really cool and special... a treehouse feel, Oudens told the committee, suggesting the design would offer high visibility from Route 28 without disrupting the natural slope. However, the proposal raised immediate questions regarding the bottom line. John Greco questioned the financial impact of the ambitious footprint, asking, What impact does this design have on construction costs? A deep foundation is going to be more money. Vice Chair Tom Pendleton added that while the design is striking, my concern about cantilevering things is energy costs, though he noted solar panels could mitigate those expenses.

The committee also moved to definitively address local questions about why the existing MacArthur building cannot simply be renovated. Oudens was blunt in his assessment, stating the building would make a terrible library because it is not universally accessible and is partially underground. Furthermore, any change in use would trigger massive costs for seismic, energy, and plumbing code upgrades. Crucially for Yarmouth taxpayers, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has confirmed they will not provide grant funding for renovations—only for new construction. Connister acknowledged the public sensitivity of the site, noting that the optics are terrible... displacing a school for special needs children. We have to be realistic about the forces against us. Susan Brida emphasized the need for transparency in these comparisons, warning that if they don't see numbers that clearly say we're equal or we're losing money, they're going to [reject the library].

Financial planning for the project is also intensifying, with a baseline fundraising target of $2.5 million currently under discussion. Resident Linda Callahan presented research into forming a 501(c)(3) foundation to spearhead the capital campaign, noting that MBLC regulations require at least 25% of eligible costs to come from the public. I'm doing more research on how we can create the entity that would accept donations, Callahan said, citing models from the Cape Cod Foundation and Eastham library. The committee plans to present a progress report to the Select Board on October 7, followed by a major public outreach push at the Seaside Festival on October 11-12. To prepare, the board reviewed data graphics showing a 150% increase in circulation. Brida suggested the committee rely on clear bullet points for the public, stating, Instead of relying on people to figure out how to interpret the graph, it might be good to have a list of bullets.

Procedurally, the committee formally adopted a roll call voting policy for all future hybrid sessions to comply with Open Meeting Law updates. Before delving into the new site plans, the committee addressed recent records. Motion Made by S. Brida to approve the minutes of August 13th for the evening session (7 to 9:00 PM). Motion Passed (4-0-0). Additionally, the committee corrected a clerical error regarding David Arensson's name in a separate set of records. Motion Made by T. Pendleton to approve the minutes [of August 28] as corrected. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Member Vicki joined the committee for the final deliberations of the evening, which concluded with a unanimous roll call to end the session. Motion Made by J. Greco to adjourn the meeting. Motion Passed (5-0-0).