Library Building Task Force

Draft Minutes

21 April 2003

Members present:

Jim Reynolds, Jack Townes, Jane Troeh, Gary Warkentin, Pam Webber and Beth McKinnon. Guests: Dave Piper, Gloria Polzin

Jim called the meeting to order at 3:15 in the City Council Chambers. Pam/Jack moved/seconded that the minutes of the February 26th meeting be approved as read. It was unanimously accepted.

First order of business was to discuss the property appraisals. Randy said that the appraisals for the properties east of the fire station will be finished shortly. There was one revision that had to be made. Beth will distribute them to all LBTF members when they arrive.

The second order of business was to review the City Council’s thoughts on the LBTF report. Randy said that the price of the project was a concern. The councilors were very excited about the prospect of a new library and optimistic about the boost that it would give the town and the economy. The councilors perceive the first challenge as the acquisition of the land for the library and that there was a concern about the cost of this step. There was an extended discussion about how to proceed with obtaining land and what the city and task force priorities are.

The third order of business was the progress in negotiations with an architect. Randy and Beth discussed the phone interview on “scope of work” and the ensuing meeting with the SRG on April 30^th. Jim believes that we should use a consultant who has a lot of experience with architectural contracts to help us define our needs, since Dave is the only person in the room with any experience with architectural contracts. He wants Gary and Dave to be in on the discussions. Pam/Gary moved/seconded that Dave lead the negotiations with SRG in conjunction with Randy, Jim and Beth. It was approved unanimously. Dave said that he would look into a consultant to help us formulate the scope of work. Jim said that he would try to locate a pro bono lawyer to review the contract.

Jim and Randy reported on a meeting that they had with Jon Mantay, and the County’s district boundary consultant, Ken Martin, about the logistics, feasibility and timing involved in creating a library district for capital construction. Other innovative options for funding a construction project were also exchanged at that meeting and the prospects initiated some lively discussions at this meeting.

Jim asked the communications committee to look over the presentation to the City Council to see if it needed revising for the Chamber luncheon. Jane reported that the city is saving the front page of this quarter’s City Holler for an update on the progress of the Library Building Task Force.

Jim adjourned the meeting at 5:15. Next meeting will be on Thursday, May 8^th at 9am in the City Council Chambers.