Spirited grass-roots effort aids library

PITTSFIELD – Not only have more than 100 individuals, businesses and civic groups stepped up to the plate when it comes to helping raise $1.3 million for a public library renovation and expansion, but on Tuesday night, town officials also accepted another major gift.

Bill Bradshaw, representing a consortium of contractors, will be tearing down a former rental unit next to the library that will allow for the expansion to proceed. The town-owned building had been offered for sale, for salvage, for free and even put in Uncle Henry’s to find a taker, all to no avail.

It was estimated that it would have cost the town more than $22,000 to have it torn down.

Bradshaw of F. L. Woodworth Inc. has joined with Waldo County Oil, Northeast Environmental Services, and B.R. Newhouse to demolish the structure this fall. The only costs to the town would be less than $5,000 for a hazardous materials survey, use of an excavator, dumpsters and four temporary employees. “There are about 26 [truck] loads of material in the house,” Bradshaw told the council.

Bradshaw said he would be able to do the work in several weekends and will claim the partial granite foundation as his only reimbursement.

Before the council accepted Bradshaw’s offer, Ann McGowan, the library’s fundraising chairwoman, updated the council on the million-dollar-renovation and expansion project.

She said that over the past two years, donations and grants have raised $800,000. But, she added, “In just the last 10 days, we have obtained two grants, a gift from the Kiwanis, three pledges, four gifts and the proceeds from a clothing and book sale. We are now at $900,633.

“This is a true grass-roots effort,” she said. “We have no professional fundraiser. When you see all this spirit, it is no wonder people choose to live in Pittsfield.”

Library committee member Rosalie Williams appealed to the council to rescind its earlier decision to cut $15,000 from the capital budget for the library and instead earmark that money for a new swimming pool.

“You know what that library is worth to Pittsfield,” Williams said. “You will make it as high a priority as you can.”

Williams praised the work done by the committee. “How many towns can boast of such a citizen-led initiative? We are asking you to consider dedicating some funds for this project. When we reach our goal, the library will serve us for the next 100 years.”

Mayor Peter “Andi” Vigue said the council “was trying to delicately balance” where the limited funds were allocated.

The council did review and pass the library’s 2006 operating budget but did not discuss making a separate capital allocation.

The public hearing on the overall budget, including the capital budget is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20.

In other business, the council:

. Appointed Kristina Lord-Linde to fill a vacancy on the SAD 53 board of directors until the regular election in November 2006.

. Made end-of-the-year transfers to cover overdrafts.

. Held an executive session to act on the town manger’s yearly evaluation.