Grafton Public Library

November Construction Report

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Construction Update

Groundbreaking occurred November 6, 2019.

The Library Planning and Building Committee met Monday November 4.

The construction team met Tuesday November 5, 12, 19 and 26, with CTA Construction, OPM, Clerk of the Works, and DRA Architects. A preliminary site layout is attached.

A project sign was approved; please see attached.

Procore was set up and the RFI process began. CTA applied for a building permit. Beth provided a ST-5C tax exempt form for contractor use.

A few remaining items were removed from the building, including an historic map and some wooden chairs.

Ceremonial groundbreaking occurred November 6, 2019. Over 100 people attended, including representatives from town and state government, MBLC, and library staff, Friends ,trustees, and supporters. It was covered by local press and Grafton Community Television. The event was documented at

The Library parking lot and adjacent municipal lot were closed November 11. Tree and stump removal followed.

After consultation the state, we determined we did not have to reject the tile bid and approved a subcontractor.

A wetlands scientist, Art Allen from EcoTec, was brought in on November 26 to supervise wetlands remediation. Under his direct supervision, both wetland replication areas were excavated to the appropriate sub-grade.The contractors were going to take the organic topsoil from the isolated wetland to be filled and place it into the replication areas but, upon inspection of the isolated wetland soils, it was apparent that the soil was very thin (<6 inches) and full of debris and invasive plants. Art recommended that, in accordance with Planting Plan Wetland Replication Note #4, off-site soil be brought in for the replication areas. Once the soil supply has been identified, Art returned to the site to witness finish grading. It is too late in the season to plant the woody material in the replication areas but they should be mulched for the winter. Plan note #6 calls for “leaf litter” to be used, to be sourced from the town compost facility or similar and should be whole or chopped leaves (not finished compost) at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Alternately, weed-free straw can be used for mulching.

Final drawings were submitted by the architect at the end of November, and a LEED certification meeting for the contractors, subs and project team, was scheduled for December.

November MBLC Report

Building Committee Minutes
November 4, 2019

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