The New Library Joint Committee met on January 21, 2008, at 221 N. Main. Committee members present at role call were Erin Varley, Lisa Kasper, Tammy Shadlow, and Catherine Steward.

The following paragraph from the September 27 minutes was corrected.

Fritz stated that he feels people think the building is good enough to serve some city function. Marvin Wright (as a member of the public) stated that he has heard this is one of the newest buildings on Main Street; it’s structurally sound. Why would you knock it down? Steward stated that building new would save 5% to 6% over remodeling and that is why the Design Committee recommended to build new. Fritz stated that the Council understands that, but feels that since the building could serve another purpose, there could be another site for the library. He also feels the Council would be ok with a library larger than 3,500 square feet. He feels there is no need to tear the building down when it could serve a city purpose.

The sentence in bold should read:

Steward stated that remodeling would only save 5% to 6% over building new and that is why the Design Committee recommended building new.

Varley moved to accept the consent agenda with the above correction, seconded by Steward. All were in favor.

Varley stated he thought we should start with the facts. He was investigating budgets and found that the Story City Library’s operating budget was $120,000. He stated that after they moved into their new building their budget basically doubled. The Roland Library’s budget was $78,390. We could be looking at the same $120,000 range to operate the same sized building (8,000-9,000 square feet).

Varley also mentioned that Story City felt that they didn’t have a large enough meeting space. Shadlow stated that Story City’s program room is 570 square feet. Meeting space seems to be important for a new Roland library.

The idea of remodeling 221 N. Main with an addition to the south to create a rectangle of 5,796 square feet was again discussed. The current library would need to be used for programming until additional space could be added to the west.

Shadlow stated that the NLJC group should gain consensus internally on a plan to 

move forward, then at City Council level, then at the public level. Kasper stated that the group is here to make a decision to take to the community.

Shadlow presented the SVPA update. SVPA feels that the existing slab should be sufficient to support the weight of books. It would take drilling tests to confirm a consistent slab depth to know for sure. The metal roof looks like it should have about 15 years left. They did not see any asbestos, but did not perform a full check.

There was consensus with the group to continue to act on the approved motion to get the following information from Story Construction: 1) see if there is a fee to get cost estimates for a plan, 2) can we get an estimate with only a rough plan, 3) if possible, get cost estimates for remodel/Boyd addition plan.

The Committee decided to wait on a community survey and town meeting until they have an idea or ideas to present.

The Coop will be approached about the possibility of purchasing land from them.

The next meeting is set for February 18, 2008.

There was a motion to adjourn by Shadlow that was seconded by Varley. All were in favor.

Return to NLJC Page