City staff updated commissioners Sept. 8 on the library and community center site plan process and three revised site strategies that reflect community input and direction from city leadership.
Melissa Snyder said Phase 1 of the project — assessing community needs — concluded with more than 600 survey responses and over 2,000 interactions at engagement kiosks. The ad hoc committee and consultants narrowed the options to three high-level strategies: renovation of the existing buildings; renovation of a historic 1930s building plus a new 24,500-square-foot building; or renovation of the 1930s building plus a new 40,780-square-foot building. Snyder emphasized the options are scalable and not limited to the three discrete choices.
Staff outlined next steps: the consultants will present the assessment to the Library Board of Trustees on Oct. 9, the Community Services Commission on Oct. 13 and then to city council on Nov. 5. Commissioners and staff discussed budget sizing: during committee remarks commissioners summarized consultant planning-level estimates that ranged from an approximate $20–25 million refurbishment to roughly $30–35 million for an intermediate option and a larger option up to about $60 million. Commissioners stressed the importance of matching any chosen option to realistic funding strategies; staff noted potential upcoming bond discussions related to street work and capital improvement priorities could influence available funding in 2026 and beyond.
Why it matters: The site plan will guide future capital investments and grant applications. The ad hoc committee framed the assessment to support grant eligibility and to create a fundable plan rather than a fully engineered design. The commission will review the consultants’ assessment at its Oct. 13 meeting and forward a recommendation to council.
Next steps: Consultants will present detailed findings in October and staff will schedule follow-up items for commission and council consideration, including budget scenarios and funding strategy discussions.