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Council approves schematic design to turn former library into Artesia Public Service Center with EOC space
Summary
The city council approved a 90%-complete schematic design to convert the old library building into a public service center with staff offices, a multipurpose room that doubles as an emergency operations center and space for sheriff deputies. Design approval advances planning review without obligating construction dollars now.
The Artesia City Council on Sept. 8 voted 5–0 to approve the schematic design for a Public Service Center that will repurpose the former library at the community campus into offices, a public counter and a multipurpose meeting room designed to operate as an emergency operations center (EOC).
What the design includes: BOA Architecture presented a 90%-complete schematic. The plan keeps the building’s high ceilings and adds natural light, an accessible public counter, a smaller conference room that can serve staff and public meetings, private offices for community development and related staff, a staff break room and a secure office and workspace for sheriff/SAO deputies. The multipurpose room is designed with movable tables and integrated AV and storage for radios, batteries and emergency equipment.
Why the council approved design now: Staff said approving the schematic removes design uncertainty and allows the project to advance through final design and permitting, but does not obligate general-fund construction spending at this stage. City staff and the ad hoc committee said final material and finish decisions will be made during the construction-phase design.
Operational notes and timeline: The city manager and architect described the EOC as a flexible, modern meeting room with large screens and equipment storage so the city can activate a small local EOC without relying on County facilities. A city staff member later estimated about four months to finalize design, another four months to bid the work and roughly six months for construction under a typical schedule, subject to grant funding or other financing.
Council discussion: Councilmember Ramoso praised the design aesthetic and asked that council workspace needs be considered for future office planning. Mayor Pro Tem Trevino and Councilmember Manalo asked for confirmation of where deputies would work and how resident meetings with deputies would be handled; staff said deputies would use the secure office with options to meet residents in the small conference room or the multipurpose space.
What’s next: With schematic approval the city will finish construction documents, seek plan-check approvals and advance financing discussions. Staff noted grant possibilities for the EOC component; no construction contract was awarded at the meeting.
Sources: BOA Architecture presentation to the Artesia City Council, Sept. 8, 2025; city manager and architect remarks.
