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2 funding. Mr. Sandeen asked Mr. Cronin to explain the VRF scope of the project. Mr. Cronin explained that the Variable Refrigerant Flow system is an extremely efficient use of outside air for air and heat exchange. Mr. Sandeen also asked Mr. Cronin about his experience using this type of HVAC system. Mr. Cronin responded that this system is the same as all of the Town’s new HVAC systems, so there is a lot of experience with them and they are easy to maintain. Mr. Creech asked if the CPA FY2025 Budget Summary dated 10-25-2023 shows that the CPC has $7,027,000 to allocate at the 2024 ATM and asked how much money this project would be asking for. Ms. Kosnoff replied that the $7 million figure is not the CPC’s balance for projects and added that the final request would be multiple millions of dollars but not the total cost. Mr. Creech also asked if the renovated space would be a sufficient size. Ms. Stembridge replied that in an ideal situation, the space would be bigger, but the renovation plan would maximize the space of the ground-level. Mr. Creech noted that, in his own personal experience, it seemed that the HVAC was being replaced relatively soon after installation and expressed concern over the project’s cost combined with the total cost of all applications. Mr. Cronin said the 20 years was near end of life for the library system and better to replace it than to deal with prob lems and repairs. Ms. O’Brien asked if the large meeting room in the Lower Level would be expanded or reconfigured. Ms. Stembridge confirmed that the room would be reconfigured to add flexibility but would remain the same size. Ms. O’Brien inquired about the primary users of the meeting room. Ms. Stembridge answered that the room is mainly used for Library programs and Library- partnered programs. She also mentioned that the room would accommodate an additional 65 late teenage students. Ms. O’Brien then asked if there were considerations to complete this project in two phases. Mr. Cronin explained that because the HVAC system is at its end-of-life, and because of the disruption the project will make to the Lower Level’s usage, it makes the most sense to complete the renovation and upgrade the HVAC at the same time. Ms. Walker asked about the funding source for previous HVAC improvements in Town buildings. Mr. Cronin replied that the sources have been building-dependent within the capital planning process. Ms. Walker asked if the Library has plans for moving the Children’s Room during the renovations. Ms. Stembridge shared that the Library plans to utilize other Library space, the Community Center, and virtual platforms for programming while the room is being renovated. Ms. Walker commented that while she does not object to Library improvements or upgrades to non-fossil fuel HVAC systems, she believes that the CPA was never intended to be a capital needs replacement for municipalities. Ms. Walker expressed support for the CPC to reevaluate its funding of capital improvements from the Town given the economic challenges and political will of addressing the housing crisis. Ms. Walker expressed concern that the Town is over reliant on CPA funds for capital improvements that could be funded with the tax levy or other sources.