Building committee tells library to rethink $2.5 million renovation plan

WAYLAND — February 27, 2024 — Wayland building committee warns library's $2.485 million won't cover bundled repairs. The Permanent Municipal Building Committee on Tuesday told library trustees Aida Guinness and Judy Dion that the 2022 appropriation is short for the combined HVAC, sewer tie-in, ADA restroom, children's area and repointing scope, with about $116,000 already spent on design through consultant Lero. Member Brian Berger said a $1.4 million HVAC trade cost grows to roughly $2.7 million with general-contractor fees, contingencies and escalation: "You take a direct cost and you're going to double it." Facilities Director Ben Keefe said the working group will reconvene Wednesday to consider phasing or a design-build approach. Keefe also announced his retirement effective Oct. 1, reported $480,000 remaining in Council on Aging project contingency, and said Loker Field is running $112,000 to the good after a $60,000 final amendment with Weston & Sampson.