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File #: SR 21-158    Version: 1
Type: Staff Report Status: Archived
In control: Library Board
Final action: 10/6/2021
Title: Staff Report on 2022 Library Budget Proposal "Part 2" Focus on Special Fund and CIB.
Sponsors: Jane L. Prince
Attachments: 1. 2022 Proposed Budget Library COUNCIL 10.6.21 FINAL.pdf

Title

Staff Report on 2022 Library Budget Proposal "Part 2" Focus on Special Fund and CIB.

 

Summary

Presentation on Proposed 2022 Library Budget "Part 2" Focus on Special Fund and CIB.

Date NameDistrictOpinionCommentAction
10/11/2021 10:26 PMRoy Neal Against Can SPPL explain why they see demolition of our neighborhood's most recognizable historic ***et as "community serving?" Reading what SPPL has published publicly, and internal conversations obtained via FOI request, it's clear SPPL leadership did not fairly consider renovation or relocation options. Instead, they steered the outcome without the full consideration of community input. I also question claims they make on the facilities website. We should be able to have both our beloved historic building and great library services. It's not a Sophie's choice moment. Also, the option costs seem exorbitant. A 2009 city study of a "major renovation project" for the Hamline Midway Library building explored community-friendly joint use ideas and found far more options than SPPL in 2019. Options were easier on library staffing and modernized library services at a cost of $300k—$600k (2009 $), a savings of nearly $8M over 2019 demo option. SPPL has not met with HPC on this issue, either. +2
10/11/2021 8:05 PMBonnie Youngquist Against SPPL is offering a choice between demolition of HML that SHPO considers a historic resource or renovation in its 2022 budget proposal. The use of property tax money for demolition is contrary to preservation goals expressed in Saint Paul’s Comprehensive Plan that prioritizes preservation for City owned buildings. According to emails obtained from a Freedom of Information Request, more than 90% of CIB public comments were to SAVE the building, not demolish it. SPPL contends that community input guided their HML options; but SPPL is referring to the 2019-20 Facilities Master Plan that did not ***ess HML about the potential loss of the current library building. SPPL is advocating a new library that will only add 20% square footage. Consider a NO vote until demolition off the table so a further exploration of alternatives and an evaluation can occur. +2
10/11/2021 6:13 PMAmy Schroeder Ireland   The proposal indicates community engagement going back to 2018. I'm curious to know which of these instances of engagement were seeking input on the overall SPPL city-wide facilities plan, and which were Hamline Midway specific? As an active and engaged Hamline Midway Library supporter, I only recall one community meeting in 2020 (not multiple engagements suggested by the term 'forums,'), and although at least one member of the community has requested records of that meeting, (attendance sheet, minutes, report, etc.) none have been provided. I'm also curious about the 'Youth Engagement' being conducted now in October 2021. I have two teens and a pre-teen who use the library frequently, but none of them have mentioned any city-led engagement around the Hamline Midway Library. Thank you. +2