CITY/LIBRARY TASK FORCE
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2007 – 7:00 P.M
I. CALL TO ORDER - Library Director Sandra Whitmer called the meeting to
order at 7:03 p.m.
a. Roll call - Alderman Dave Schultz, Library Trustees Bob Brown and Ed Clark
Also present: City Administrator John Coakley, Alderman Clare Barry, Trustee Sharon Goodman, Library Director Sandra Whitmer, and Library Administrative Assistant Jackie Davis
b. Select Chairperson
MOTION: Alderman Schultz nominated Director Whitmer
to serve as Chairperson. Trustee Goodman
seconded. Voice vote: all ayes. Motion carried.
II. Request for changes to the agenda - none
III. PUBLIC FORUM
Alderman Barry stated that she was attending as the City Council’s representative for the Bob Walters Commons Committee.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
a. Bob Walters Commons Committee – development plan
Trustee Goodman stated that the library is grateful for the committee’s efforts to improve the Bob Walters Commons area and that the library used the area for concerts this summer. Mr. Coakley stated that the library will definitely be involved in the final approval of any developments for the area.
Director Whitmer stated that the committee’s goal is to have a functional space to be used by the public and also an area for installation of memorials and/or gifts.
Alderman Barry stated that Vivian Lund is the chairperson for the committee. Chairperson Lund has reviewed the plan and is in the process of obtaining cost estimates. She is also pursuing donations.
The 175th Anniversary Committee would like to have this park be a legacy for the celebration. While improvements may not be completed in 2008, fundraising for the improvements could take place in the anniversary year.
Any improvements would need to be reviewed and approved by the staff and governing boards of both the City and the Library.
b. Developer Donations/Impact Fees
Director Whitmer stated that the library would like to explore the possibility of developing an agreement with the City that allows the library to use these funds for capital improvements other than purchasing property and/or construction. She stated that the library would like to look at ways to expand their capacity by adding shelving, computers, and possibly materials.
Mr. Coakley asked that Director Whitmer submit a formal, specific request that can be presented to the City Council.
c. Development of Property adjacent to the library
Director Whitmer stated that the library would like to negotiate for a portion of the Musselman property for future expansion. The library’s architect suggested that the library should pursue “squaring off” the triangular parcel that is located by the library’s staff parking area on Stafford Place. This would enable the library to expand the building at a future date.
Mr. Coakley stated that the City has reviewed the original conceptual plan and shared an illustration that showed that a small addition to the library would not affect the development of the Musselman property. Mr. Coakley stated that a written request from the library should be addressed to the City Council.
Alderman Schultz stated that he would be in favor of the City “ceding” the property to the library since it would not interfere with development of the property.
d.
Director Whitmer stated that she just completed a study for the Board of Trustees and that the library’s collection of materials has already exceeded projections for this building. As collection development continues the library will be looking to remodel/expand in the future.
e. Scheduling of next meeting date
The next meeting will be held Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the library.
V. ADJOURMENT
MOTION: Alderman Schultz moved to adjourn the meeting
at 7:43 p.m. Trustee Goodman seconded.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Whitmer
Library Director