Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.10 requesting the County Librarian bring forward, as part of our annual budget, consideration for the County to contribute to the new Library/Community Center in the City of Gonzales.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.10 and:
1) Direct that staff proceed with completion of referral based on description in this report; or,
2) Direct that staff:
i. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by the Board; or,
ii. Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or,
iii. Rescind referral.
b. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
The City of Gonzales is constructing a new Community Center which will house recreation facilities, a Teen Innovation Center, outdoor amenities, and provide a home for the Gonzales branch of the Monterey County Free Libraries.
Proposed Project Description:
This branch would move public library services in Gonzales closer to the schools and other City facilities, providing a safer walk for students to their public library. This would also provide the Gonzales branch with adjacent outdoor space to use for programming, an opportunity the current rented space in Gonzales lacks today. Sharing the space with the Teen Innovation Center allows for much closer collaboration and joint learning with the teens in Gonzales. The facilities will allow use as an emergency operations hub, from a Temporary Evacuation Point to an emergency shelter, a role the Monterey County Free Libraires staff is familiar with.
More details from the City of Gonzales can be found here:
<https://gonzalesca.gov/engaged-community/gonzales-community-center-complex>
Estimated Project Cost:
The City of Gonzales estimates the entire project to cost $34.8M, and the Library portion of construction to cost $9.5M.
The Monterey County Free Libraries has drafted a Capital Improvement Project estimating approximately $400,000 for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment to outfit the new library facility, along with moving costs. This is a very rough estimate, as details on the elements included in construction, and the amount of Library equipment and supplies that can successfully be moved to and used in the new space, are still to be determined. As the timeline and details develop, Monterey County Free Libraries will further detail costs and details to outfit and equip the new space. With this estimate, the Monterey County Free Libraires will recommend this amount to come from the Library Fund Balance, in FY 23-24.
Staffing Level Estimate:
The budget augmentation request was due March 1, 2022 and has been completed by Monterey County Free Libraires staff. Staffing for the new Gonzales Library facility, when constructed, is not planned to change from the current three full-time staff.
Departmental Challenges:
The budget augmentation request has been completed and submitted.
Proposed Response Date:
The budget augmentation request has been completed and submitted, for consideration as part of the annual budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Moving the Monterey County Free Libraries branch in Gonzales to a safer location with more amenities and the ability to work in close collaboration with the City of Gonzales will enhance public library services to the Gonzales community.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Hillary A. Theyer, Library Director, 883-7576
Approved by: Hillary A. Theyer, Library Director, 883-7576
Attachments:
Board Referral No. # 2022.10