City approves draft agreement with library foundation for Harrison Memorial restoration

The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council on April 1 approved a draft agreement with the Carmel Public Library Foundation intended to fund and manage a Centennial Restoration Project for the Harrison Memorial Library.

The foundation has committed to raise the bulk of the money for the project and city staff recommended the council adopt a draft agreement setting out roles, responsibilities and safeguards. The council voted unanimously to approve the draft and authorize the mayor to execute the document.

The project aims to deliver seismic, accessibility, technology and systems upgrades in time for the library’s 100th anniversary in 2028. City staff estimated total project costs, inclusive of architectural services and construction, in the $15–$20 million range. The city attorney confirmed an update to the agreement’s insurance language so the city will maintain general liability coverage at $2 million per occurrence for the duration of the project.

Marcy Moe, president of the Carmel Public Library Foundation, told the council the foundation has committed to raising the funds and that the agreement lets the foundation “ensure the proper care and restoration of its historic building without bearing the financial burden” for the city. Foundation representatives and trustees unanimously forwarded the revised agreement to the council, according to staff.

Council members and the foundation negotiated provisions on project governance, the payment process for contractor invoices and indemnity language. Council members described the agreed approach — an iterative, phase-by-phase construction plan with multiple “go/no-go” decision points — as a framework that would give the council and trustees opportunities to review major steps as the work proceeds.

Several trustees and foundation donors spoke in favor at public comment, noting prior foundation projects at the library and the foundation’s fundraising role. Council members asked staff to work with the foundation and the selected architect on final language and exhibits; the architect’s professional services agreement will next be reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees and returned to the council for final action.

The draft agreement also clarifies that relocation costs for temporary library operations during construction are part of project costs if a temporary location is necessary. Staff said they would bring the final contract and any last edits — including the revised insurance language — back to the council for signature and to the library trustees for their formal review and concurrence.