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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 10, 2010 3 2.A Arden Hills Library Discussion Councilmember McClung expressed concern about access to this location. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Council wanted to take action on this issue. She questioned if the Council was in favor of assisting with the expense to refurbish and expand the Arden Hills Library. Councilmember Holden agreed the City would need to take action in order to compete with the space being offered by New Brighton. Ms. Apilkowski was looking to partner with Bethel University or Presbyterian Homes to create a partnership for the Library. - Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the fact the Library Board was willing to sell off the property when it was donated by the City. Councilmember McClung was surprised the Library Board was looking to partner with the community center after speaking with the community about potential ideas. Ms. Apilkowski noted the unallotment has cut funding to the libraries and this was causing additional cuts. Mayor Harpstead requested the Council comment on their willingness to spend time, effort and money on the Library in order to keep it in Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden stated the City would need to rebuild, maintain and operate the building in order to compete with the New Brighton Community Center space. Councilmember Holmes noted this was not currently a function completed by the City and should be assumed by the County. Mayor Harpstead noted the majority of the users at the Arden Hills Library resided west of Snelling Avenue and a large proportion lived in New Brighton. Ms. Apilkowski indicated the Library Board has discussed removing the city names from the community libraries and naming them Ramsey County Libraries. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Council would be in favor of refurbishing and renovating the current library building. She estimated this expense to be $500,000. Ms. Apilkowski stated the operating costs would still exist and the Board may not be in favor of keeping the space, even if upgraded. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the Library Board's value placed on the Arden Hills site, being $550,000 total for both the land and building. She reviewed the tax information and the land was valued at $750,000 with the building worth over$1.8 million.