Title
a. Approve and authorize the Acting Library Director, or her Designee, to accept a contribution of $220,000.00 from the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, designated to purchase a new Early Literacy Bookmobile; and
b. Approve and authorize the Contracts Purchasing Officer to purchase a new Early Literacy Bookmobile, for an amount not to exceed $220,000, using the contribution from the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, during fiscal year 2019-2020.
.Report
RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Acting Library Director, or her Designee, to accept a contribution of $220,000.00 from the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, designated to purchase a new Early Literacy Bookmobile; and
b. Approve and authorize the Contracts Purchasing Officer to purchase a new Early Literacy Bookmobile, for an amount not to exceed $220,000, using the contribution from the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, during fiscal year 2019-2020.
DISCUSSION:
Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) currently operates its Reading Safari Early Literacy Outreach Program using a bookmobile purchased in 2001, with funds from a California State Library First Five grant. This vehicle has been driven regularly for 18 years and it is approaching the end of its useful life. The early literacy bookmobile is frequently out of service due to age and wear and tear.
The Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries (FMCFL) has successfully raised $220,000 to replace the early literacy bookmobile and is ready to distribute a contribution of $220,000.00 to MCFL as of July 1, 2019, coinciding with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. The contribution (revenue) and the purchase (expenditure) is reflected in the proposed MCFL budget for fiscal year 2019-2020, which will come before the Board for approval in June 2019.
The purchase of the bookmobile will be completed through the County of Monterey’s Contracts/Purchasing Department. The new bookmobile will be used to reliably continue the popular Reading Safari Early Literacy Outreach program to preschools in the MCFL service area. The replaced vehicle will be retained by MCFL to serve as a backup vehicle for the North County bookmobile, which is also approaching the end of its useful life. Replacement of the North County bookmobile is planned through future FMCFL fundraising efforts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Contracts/Purchasing Department will review and assist with the process of selecting and approving the vendor from which the vehicle will be purchased.
FINANCING:
Monterey County Free Libraries will use the $220,000 contribution from the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries (FMCFL) to purchase the bookmobile and for other fees related to the purchase. Appropriations have been included in the FY 19-20 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The purpose of the purchase of the bookmobile is to support early literacy skills in children 0-5 years of age, by continuing MCFL’s successful Reading Safari Early Literacy Outreach program. This program brings books, early literacy programming, and support to preschools throughout MCFL’s service area.
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Jacqueline C. Bleisch, Administrative Services Assistant, (831)883-7576
Approved by: Chris Ricker, Acting Library Director, (831)883-7567
Attachments:
May 14, 2019 Funding Letter from FMCFL