Present: Council Members – Hitchcock, Howard, and Nakanishi

Absent: Council Members – Land and Mayor Pennino

Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and Deputy City Clerk Taylor

Deputy City Clerk Taylor reviewed the weekly calendar (filed).

C-1 "Presentation of the Library Facilities Master Plan by Fletcher Farr Ayotte regarding future library services and facilities"

Library Services Director Martinez introduced Bob Boileau, Troy Ainsworth, and Bjorn Clouten, representing Fletcher Farr Ayotte, and Larry Wenell, representing Wenell Mattheis Bowe. Ms. Martinez reported that the two architectural firms were retained to evaluate the existing conditions of the current library and its future potential, and to provide optional space and design strategies including floor plans, alternate sites, and cost summaries.

Mr. Ainsworth described the Library Facilities Master Plan in detail with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (filed). Mr. Ainsworth stated that project and design teams were established to create a schedule, develop goals, and review existing structural conditions. Additionally, focus groups were created and town hall meetings were conducted providing an opportunity for community participation. He noted that the design team has prepared a variety of options toward meeting the projected goals established for today’s standards through the year 2021. The project team recommendation is that the existing building be renovated and that additional property be purchased adjacent to the current facility for expansion and parking.

In response to Council Member Howard, Library Services Director Martinez stated that the library would require the addition of two or three full-time positions to staff the larger facility.

Council Member Howard suggested that the design team consider more handicapped spaces in the parking lot. She asked whether they had looked at funding mechanisms. Ms. Howard preferred that the main library remain at its current location, which she felt would encourage a neighborhood atmosphere, as well as to retain its accessibility to the surrounding area and downtown community.

In reply to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Ainsworth stated that meeting the needs of east side residents was addressed in the project team’s recommendation to establish a satellite library on leased property to serve the area.

Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock mentioned that a Bookmobile program might better serve the needs of the east side, and questioned whether the project team reviewed this option.

Library Services Director Martinez replied that while a minivan Bookmobile could be used to meet the needs of east side residents, the Bookmobile program traditionally serves areas outside a three-mile radius of the library and the vehicles are normally full-size semi trucks with trailers.

At the request of Council Member Nakanishi, Ms. Martinez shared that for the first time since 1988, approximately $350 million in local library funding is available through Proposition 14 at a 35%-65% match. She stated that the City would be required to secure 35% funding prior to submitting an application for funds, and that the cost of additional property for the project would count in establishing the City’s funding commitment.

Discussion ensued regarding the need for additional parking at the current facility, whether the new facility would create a greater burden on the limited downtown parking, and the City’s need for more medium- or high-density housing, and specifically, that of quality apartments.

COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

None.

No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 a.m.

ATTEST:

Jacqueline L. Taylor
Deputy City Clerk