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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-10 Library Commission Packet KENAI LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING KENAI COMMUNITY LIBRARY ACTIVITY ROOM MAY 10, 2001 7:30 P.M. AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER/k ROLL CALL ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3: OLD BUSINESS ao Discussion -- Proposed Library Expansion ITEM 4: ADJOURNMENT CITY OF KENAI 210 FIDALGO AVE., SUITE 200 KENAI, ALASKA 99611-7794 TELEPHONE 907-283-7535 FAX 907-283-3014 ~ 1992 MEMORANDUM TO' Library Commission Ewa Jankowska FROM' Carol L. Freas, City of Kenai DATE' May 3,2001 RE' SPECIAL LIBRARY COMI~SSION MEETING At their regular meeting of May 2, 2001, the Kenai City Council approved your request to hold a special meeting on May 10,2001 at 7:30 p.m. for the express purpose of discussing a library expansion. The agenda for the meeting is attached. Advertisement of the special meeting will appear in the Tuesday, May 8, 2001 Peninsula Clarion. clf Attachment ITEM 6: OLD BUSINESS Discussion- - Library Expansion/Public Works Manager La Shot Public Works Manager La Shot was invited to speak to the Commission regarding the Library expansion. La Shot provided the Commission with a schematic plan from several years ago to use for reference purposes and answered questions the Commission had on the areas the renovation/expansion could occur. La Shot pointed out several important factors to be considered in planning for an expansion: · Current new building costs are in the $200.00 per square foot range. This general estimate was based on a $1 million figure. · Reminded the Commission of additional costs that should be subtracted from this figure to give a more accurate amount. After subtracting furnishing and architect/design fees, the amount available was reduced to an estimated $750,000 and an estimated 3,600 square feet for new building expansion. · Pointed out other additional costs to be considered; ADA compliance requirements, parking requirements, electrical codes, heating system changes and boiler/mechanical room work load. The Commission then discussed possible parking expansion options including expanding toward the Fire Station and "connecting" the City Hall parking lot with the Library lot. Commissioner Heus inquired about the general costs, advantages, disadvantages, and practicality of a daylight basement, full basement, or an unfinished basement to be used for storage. A discussion regarding the pros and cons of building a basement took place. La Shot informed the Commission basements are not typically money- saving options for a small area. In addition, the location of the water table could prove to be problematic. La Shot encouraged the Commission to focus on a main goal and determine whether it would be most beneficial and cost effective to build a 3,600 s.f. new addition or to make improvements in the form of remodeling. La Shot also encouraged the Commission to seek the advice of an architect once these goals have been determined. The Commission spoke at length about what the expansion/remodeling should encompass. Director Jankowska stated, in her opinion, the most pressing issue would be to remodel the existing library by providing more workspace for staff. Jankowska stated that while providing a larger patron area is important, the current cramped workspace should be the first improvement made and OSHA workspace requirements could possibly be a concern in the future. Jankowska also expressed her desire to see the children's area expanded and a larger storage area provided. Jankowska stated she felt an estimated $1 million can provide many improvements to the existing area. Heus reminded the Commission about a previous meeting in which ideas about storing any possible funding in the Capital Improvement Fund was discussed. Heus asked Moore if this was still a possibility and if the funds would be subjected to a 'sunset' clause. Moore was uncertain, but stated setting the money aside in the Capital Improvement Fund could be done only when a plan is established. Moore encouraged the Commission to solidify a plan that all agree would be the best use of any provided funding. The Commission spoke at length regarding the idea of moving the front desk forward to provide more staff space, moving the entrance toward the right of its current location (thus changing the children's area), and providing new ADA bathrooms and doors. Peters asked the Commission if everyone was more or less in agreement with these elements being the focus of the expansion. Heus stated she felt the focus should be on new building expansion as a "Phase I." The Commission discussed the idea of having a special meeting to further discuss these issues. MOTION: Commissioner Heus MOVED to continue to explore the library expansion options prior to meeting with an architect/designer. Commissioner Brenckle SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.