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 Librar...
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