HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - LBC - 2015.10.27L'lo 131,ci lair Cove m i +
Minutes 10/27/2015
Called to order 1:00 pm
Present:
Lynn Lewinski
Bill Thomas
Dean Martens
Heather Haynes
Larry Swan
Jacki Rubin
Andy Laidlaw
Linda Burns
Meg Lojek
John Powell
Last meetings minutes approved
Preparing for call with Alyce Kelley (Emmett library) - call facilitated by Andy Laidlaw
Background: Library had real issues - sinking wall, cracking, 8 1/2 yrs ago. Through initial
process of evaluating with city engineer to repair that, it opened the door, raising red flags - high
power bill, started looking into what would cause that. The library was built with a center roof
drain, it brought some major concerns to our engineer. One thing was leading to another. So all
the repair needs then prompted going a step further to include expansion and increased
services.
The building sits on a rather small lot. As they started to go through the process of evaluating
the service area, building up was not an option based on engineer's comments. So they looked
at building out. They were already working with engineer on energy saving and they came up
with a way to add space and fix/take care of high-energy inefficiencies.
Andy: Did you involve the community? They had a rendering drawn of proposed expansion --
put it out in the community. In every kind of communication. Big announcement -- your effort
and support is welcome.
$108,000 was from a well-known business man from Emmet (happened about the same time as
discovering problems, rendering, etc). He just wanted to create a "living legacy."
City created rendering and engineering (in -kind support, $19,000). Engineer was able to give
sketch estimates of the work would cost. They went for the maximum size a library could be
given the lot size.
Engineer worked with library board and herself..they created a circle of communication. Staff
gave input on what they felt library needed - and she would communicate that to the engineer.
New library didn't have areas "quiet areas" or small venue area. Their goal was big open space -
did not address need need for meeting spaces.
They created a list of needs and then prioritized them. A lot of multi -purpose areas. They
worked with USDA Rural Development early on - they have a few extra requirements. They
have a community facilities grant that is available. If you have matching funds, they worked with
a consultant there. Very helpful with putting package together and giving them a checklist of
things to do. We followed their guidelines for advertising for bids. Worked closely with USDA.
Put out bid - only received 1 proposal back. It was a lot over what was budgeted. Went to
USDA and asked if we could sit down and meet with the company - they did and were able to
negotiate - they allowed city staff to do some parts of the job. They were able to bring down
total price by using "in -kind" city staff.
To do over again -- internal improvements/update that could enhance the entire library at the
same time.
The project went smoothly with city staff involved. Good relationship with engineer - (in-house or
out). Have a really good architectural firm. USDA really works with the architect. USDA
didn't have $ at the time they started working on the application, but they urged them to still
develop it and submit it and if $ comes available, they will be first in line.
You can create phases to the project if total $ is too much.
Wright Brothers were excellent to work with.
They did not have public comment/input meetings.
End of call.
• Agreement about receiving input from public for McCaII Public Library expansion.
Election of committee officers
• Chair
o Heather Haynes
• Vice -Chair
o Bill Thomas
• Secretary
o Karen Lannom
John Powell - City Campus Space Planning Update
Most of it is in flux - studying city buildings, $ designated for improvements building. Treasure
Valley Transit is trying to purchase the dental building, but some problems. Potentially some
community space that could tie into library planning. There is some potential to expand in the
Meg - This committee will work on identifying needs and start moving forward, hopefully some of
the city uncertainties with "campus" will be resolved.
Questions to answer.'
How do we evaluate our current building? John
How far can we extend the current library? John
Are we eligible for rural development loans? - Check with Carol
Meg - Nate Coyle - is very aware of the timeline of city campus development and library
expansion planning
Meg - Library statistics discussion
• Library circulation (total # checkouts) trend - increasing over time
• Attendance no trend (but 3+ directors, different ways of tracking attendance has
changed, makes it challenging to compare years and assess overall trend and
comparing with other libraries)
• Meg will look up library card holders and program participants
Announcements
Meeting Friday with Kevin Tomlinson - representative of ID Commission of Libraries - advocates
with state legislature for funds. He says he can help with pulling statistics - he has worked with
other libraries going through the same process.
Three books are available for checkout on library design/construction.
Handout Designing A Fine Library - everybody received a copy and should read.
In Meg's office, shelf with binders of library boards and members have gathered - help yourself.
Take it and return it. There are photos of other libraries.
Missoula public library is going through process - major new library - bid has gone out and
proposals submitted. Members can search on Google.
Next Agenda (next week)
Committee members should read handouts
John brings city info
Start discussion about which groups to start communicating with
Think about designing a process/timeline
Adjourned 12:22 pm
Prepared by Karen Lannom, Secretary
Submitted by Heather Haynes, Chair