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Library board reviews use of library recreation center, keys and parking in Parks & Rec memorandum of understanding
Summary
Board members discussed a memorandum of understanding with Parks, Recreation, and Forestry governing use of the library recreation center. Parks has first priority; the library has secondary priority. The board flagged concerns about access, keys, cost-sharing, and whether library funds paid toward the facility yield sufficient public benefit.
Board members reviewed how the library recreation center (LRC) is managed under a memorandum of understanding with the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry department. The MOU gives Parks and Rec first priority for use of the space and the library second priority; if neither uses it, the space can be rented by other city departments or the public.
The board discussed a change in key management: Parks and Rec will manage keys for their instructors instead of the library issuing keys that sometimes were not returned. Library members said the library retains access but noted heavy Parks programming limits daytime availability for library use. The board also noted that the library contributed funds to build or outfit the space and questioned whether the library receives commensurate benefit.
Members discussed potential next steps including reviewing door counts to see whether recreation programs draw people into the library, and possibly reopening the MOU after the budget cycle. The board said it will revisit the LRC arrangements after budget planning and may consider renegotiation or discussing the issue with the city administrator and common council; one board member floated the idea of buying out Parks’ use in future years if the library decided it wanted exclusive control of the space.
The transcript records staff noting that janitorial services and snow removal around the building perimeter are addressed in the MOU and that Parks handles perimeter snow removal during Parks’ business hours; the library is responsible outside those hours.
