HomeMy WebLinkAbout2D, Arden Hills Library UpdateIto.-
,.,-ARQEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 19, 2010 Item 2.1)
TO: Mayor and City Council
Patrick Klaers, City Administrator
FROM: Meagan Beekman, City Planner
SUBJECT: Arden Hills Library Update
Arden Hills Library Task Force Update
On June 28 the Arden Hills Library Task Force met to discuss the future of the Arden Hills
Library. Susan Nemitz, Director, Ramsey County Library Board, stated that the Library Board
had ordered a feasibility report to study the costs and benefits of moving the library to the New
Brighton Community Center; it had not yet been received. She also updated the group on the
conclusions of an architect that was hired to evaluate the New Brighton Community Centerspace
as a potential location for the library. The architect indicated that the HVAC systems could
handle the library's needs; however, the building would likely need an addition to accommodate
the library. The architect also felt that the existing parking on site was inadequate and would
need to be increased.
Ms. Nemitz also introduced the Presbyterian Homes option which would involve the library
moving into space in a newly constructed building on the existing Presbyterian Homes campus.
She stated that she anticipated receiving plans from Presbyterian Homes in the next few months.
She indicated that the Library Board would look at both options and need to make a firm
decision by the end of the year.
One of the major constraints that will influence the decision by the Board is the on -going
operating costs of the new library. She felt that the one time upfront costs of construction could
be handled with existing funds and assets, but that the on -going operating costs were a major
impediment to the concept of moving the library rather than closing it altogether.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting for July 19, 2010
IIMetro-inet.usIardenhillsIAdminICouncil)Agendas & Packet Information 1201 0 1 7-19-10 WorksessionIPacket Information W-19-1 0 -Arden Hills
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Ramsey County Library Board Update
The Library Board expects to have the feasibility report by Friday, July 16. The next Library
Board meeting will be held on July 21, and the topic of the meeting will be to discuss the
feasibility report and the New Brighton Community Center. Staff will be present at that meeting,
and Ms. Nemitz will forward a copy of the feasibility report to Staff as soon as she has it. At
their August meeting the Library Board will be discussing in more detail the Presbyterian Homes
option. It is Ms. Nemitz's hope that the Library Board can give a firm direction as to which
option they prefer at either their September or October meetings.
City of Arden Hills
City Council Meeting for July 19, 2010
IlMetro-inet.uslardenhillsUdminlCouncill.Agendas & Packet Information 1201017-19-10 WorksessionlPacket Information107-19-10 -Arden Hills
Library Update.doc Page 2 of 2