Title
Requesting a comprehensive relocation, renovation, and reopening plan for Rondo Community Library.
Body
WHEREAS, the Rondo Community Library is an essential cultural, educational, safety, and gathering space for the Rondo, Frogtown, and Summit-University neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the imminent closure of the Rondo Library has created an immediate and pressing need for a coordinated, transparent, and equitable plan to prevent prolonged disruption of core library services relied upon by youth, elders, families, workers, and highly mobile community members; and
WHEREAS, a clear and timely plan is necessary to shorten the duration of service disruption, minimize community harm, and ensure continuity of access to books, computers, programming, crisis support, and safe public space; and
WHEREAS, significant gaps in communication, staffing, safety planning, community engagement, and relocation logistics have been identified by front-line library workers, safety specialists, community partners, and Ward 1 residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure renovation funds are spent responsibly, equitably, and with a comprehensive strategy that reflects the needs of the Rondo neighborhood;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby establishes and requests a Comprehensive Relocation, Renovation, and Reopening Plan prepared by the Library Department for the Rondo Community Library renovation fund that allows the city council to review and approve.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby recognizes $155,000 of the funds are airmarked for design consultant MSR Designs and the remaining $580,000 is for the renovation project.
BE IT RESOLVED, the plan for the remaining expenditures will be included in the Library Department's comprehensive written relocation, renovation, and reopening plan and will be reported to the City Council no later than February 4th.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Library D...
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