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Mr. Pilyaysky highlighted the Committee's objective to complete the original exterior <br />landscape vision developed during the Library building project but never realized due to <br />budget constraints. The Committee seeks to engage with the community and Library <br />stakeholders to conceptualize an educational outdoor learning environment that <br />improves upon learning activities and aesthetics. The Committee hopes to raise funding <br />for this effort and work with landscape architectural firms to guide future development <br />plans. <br />Mr. Pilyaysky noted that a dedicated stage and power source could be established to <br />promote outdoor events and avoid using extension cords. Currently, seating options are <br />limited to a single picnic table and three granite blocks. Residents often bring their chairs <br />and blankets to outdoor events on the Library lawn. However, a steep slope limits <br />accessibility and the property requires maintenance. Dedicated outdoor seating options <br />may be an option to improve the space. <br />Mr. Pilyaysky called the Ad -Hoc Library Landscape Committee to orderat 7.12 p.m. <br />In support of the Library's core mission, the Committee hopes to help develop a <br />dedicated outdoor space for learning and engagement. A larger group space for <br />educational programs and events about nature, gardening, outdoor storytimes, and other <br />subjects for all ages is essential. Smaller areas benefit study sessions, book clubs, and <br />discussions. Improving overall accessibility and usability is critical. <br />The Committee seeks to undertake this project without increasing the residents' tax <br />burden. The Committee will explore outside funding through nonprofits, grants, and <br />plaques. An "adopt an island" program may provide opportunities for local companies to <br />advertise through signage, noting that the area is "maintained by" them. Low <br />maintenance, native plants will also improve sustainability. Establishing an endowment <br />fund for ongoing long-term maintenance is also a possibility. <br />The Committee will focus on exploring funding opportunities and soliciting free <br />presentations from landscape architectural firms, including firms that have submitted <br />proposals for other Town projects. Funding will also be allocated for studies and surveys <br />to understand residents' needs better. Results will define possibilities and the overall <br />scope of the project. <br />Mr. Egan acknowledged the importance of funding and inquired about the estimated cost <br />of a community engagement survey. Mr. Pilyaysky spoke about the Birch Meadow <br />project, which is much larger. Mr. Pilyaysky noted that there are opportunities to <br />outsource a survey to a private company and the possibility of the Committee <br />formulating a survey for public distribution. Ms. Lannon estimated the initial feasibility <br />study for the Birch Meadow project to be approximately $25,000. This includes various <br />information such as pictures, surveys, focus groups, and recommendations. The <br />Committee is still exploring rough estimates and options. <br />Ms. Janowski spoke about her personal experience as Council on Aging Appointee to <br />the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee. Ms. Janowski recommended working with the <br />Town to develop a survey to gauge community input to reduce costs. Mr. Grimes noted <br />that the Town has engaged in multiple surveys in the past. <br />Ms. Lannon thanked Mr. Pilyaysky for the presentation and recognized the contributions <br />of Ms. Dubois, Ms. Stone, Ms. Zicko, Mr. Soucy, and Mr. Talbot, who were in <br />attendance. Ms. Andrea Hogan, who could not attend tonight's meeting, was also <br />recognized. <br />Page 1 2 <br />