Library trustees send draft agreement with foundation to city council for review

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Library Board of Trustees voted to forward a revised draft agreement between the city and the Carmel Public Library Foundation to the City Council for its review, the trustees decided at a board meeting.

City Attorney Bridal Burrett told trustees that revisions made after a Feb. 4 staff presentation had resolved prior concerns about contract administration and funding responsibilities. "So as a spoiler alert, I want to tell you that I have very good news for you today, with respect to this agreement," Burrett said while describing the changes and the agreement included in the trustees' packet.

The agreement covers the foundation’s proposed funding toward the Harrison Memorial Library renovation — described in the meeting as a project to provide seismic, accessibility, technology and systems upgrades. Burrett said the combined architect and construction costs are projected to be in the range of $15 million to $20 million, and that three city contracts will be needed: one with the foundation (the agreement under review), one with an architect and one with a construction contractor.

Trustees discussed items that are not included in the draft…