ESTACADA CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES

ESTACADA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS

475 SE MAIN STREET, ESTACADA, OREGON

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2002 - 7:00 PM

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

1.         CONVENE MEETING         

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.                               

 

Present:  Cr. Atkinson, Cr. Butcher, Cr. Hartwig, Cr. Stauffacher, Cr. Troeh, Mayor Austin, CA Cole, CM Ealy, DCR Hovda.

 

Absent:  Cr. Gavic.

 

2.         CITY HALL/LIBRARY EXPANSION                                                                                                          

*   Staff Presentation

*   Council Questions

*   Citizen Comment

*   Council Discussion

 

CM stated that staff has discussed the options at length several times including a staff meeting earlier today.  The Library is budgeting to receive $50,000 less in revenues even though their circulation is up 10%.  He stated it is because of our limited space/facilities.  He talked about the diplomacy everyone will have to use tonight during this workshop.  It is staff's goal to have the Council pass a resolution at their June 10th meeting to give staff official direction.  He stated that perhaps an advisory committee might be established to keep the project moving.  CM talks with business owners on a daily basis regarding these issues.  He wants to lay all of the options on the table before the council, in a quorum setting, and look to move forward. 

 

PSU Student Justice explained the process the Library has gone through of surveying the community, exploring options and gathering opinions.

 

Librarian Beth McKinnon stated the minimum size needed for a new library is 3,000 sf.  Currently the library has 2,800 sf and serves 16,000 people.  The Oregon Library Association and American Library Association recommend 9,000 - 10,000 sf for a population that size.  She stated that currently we do not comply with the American with Disabilities Act because of isle widths, doorways and restrooms. 

 

Ms. McKinnon stated that we need an entire room for the children's section, three times the amount of public computers, a quiet space for reading/studying and more room for their collection.  Currently when they get a new book they have to remove a book from circulation.  They have an entire storage unit full of circulation that they are waiting to bring back out. 

 

Ms. McKinnon stated that less funding is going to City Library's and we have the smallest population within the City, in the County.  They estimate the loss to be $50,000 this year, and she sees this continuing until we have more space.  If they do not expand this could spiral downhill until we have to cut hours and cannot expand the circulation any longer. 

 

Ms. McKinnon discussed some of the other things the Library could have in it if they expand which include an art gallery for local artists, a coffee shop, the book nook, and/or possibly a meeting room for the community. 

 

Ms. McKinnon wants unanimous support from the Council and stated that it will take about one year to secure funding once the City decides to move forward.  She stated the Library Board has discussed the options, and although they did not take a vote, they support the Library moving into the Safari Club.

 

PSU students gave a presentation on the many funding options that are available for the acquisition and remodeling of a new Library facility or the remodeling of City Hall if both parties decide to remain here.

 

PSU students also discussed possible sites that meet the size and location requirements in the downtown area.  The four main sites recommended were Food Forum, McCrae's Motel, Safari Club, and ODOT. 

 

The Council is concerned about the cost of acquisition and the cost to remodel each location to meet the library's needs.  They were also concerned with the amount of parking needed for a library this size. 

 

Cr. Atkinson stated that Thriftway was for sale a while back and perhaps the Library should look into this location as well. 

 

CM stated that we have been approached by a willing seller.  The property owner is getting a new appraisal of the property and the City has begun some inspections of the facilities including the roof, structural and asbestos.  He stated that the Economic Development Department has a $10,000 grant available that could be used for a structural  analysis.  CM would like to pursue an opportunity that has presented itself and have the Council adopt a resolution on June 10th supporting the acquisition of a named location.  He stated that several property owners have approached him, but only one seems serious.  He feels if the Council is going to name a location to pursue in their resolution that perhaps this will weed out the non-serious properties. 

 

Susan Charriere, Library Board Chair, states that she likes the space of the Food Forum and they have lots of parking available.  She stated there are tons of problems with the Safari Club and can't see the Library going there.  The feels they need to think about future growth.  The Library has spent lots of money on this building, brining it up to Library standards.  She would like to see the Library take over the bottom floor and City Hall move upstairs.  She suggested the City use the Community Center for a Council Chambers area. 

 

Cr. Atkinson foresees a very expensive remodel if we acquire Safari Club.  He feels Food Forum or Thirftway may be less expensive to remodel and wants to look at the large picture, not just the acquisition price.

 

Cr. Troeh stated that she originally felt the Library should remain in the City Hall building but now has changed her mind and feels the Library would be better served in another location and keep City hall here.  She would like staff to move forward with interested, qualified sites.

 

Cr. Butcher stated that the City has drug their feet long enough on this topic.  She remembers it being discussed for the past 6 years.  She will support a resolution on the June 10th agenda.

 

Susan Charriere asked if the resolution will only be to pursue another location or if there is a possibility of using City Hall.  She thanked the PSU students for their hard work.

 

Mayor Austin stated that we will look at all options, but feels the Council is primarily looking at having the Library relocate.

 

Karen Hardman, Library Board member stated that this has been an issue for the past 15-18 years.  She feels the Council needs to make a decision and move forward.  She would like to see a specific timeline adopted.  She wants to see the books come out of storage and get into peoples hands.

 

Jeff Church, tenant of Food Forum, stated that nobody has talked to him about this subject, but they have talked to his landlord.  He likes running a grocery store, but stated that it is a struggle and he has only been here for one year.  He is open to the options and would like to meet with his landlord and City staff to discus the options further.

 

Consensus was to have staff pursue qualified and interested options and bring a resolution back to the Council at their June 10th meeting.

 

3.         ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.