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Council pauses library repairs, forms 120-day study committee to explore relocation and long-term options
Summary
After hearing a $2 million proposal to replace the main library's ceiling, lighting and some ductwork, the council voted to pause major maintenance and direct the mayor to form a committee to study long-term options for the library for up to 120 days.
Guernsey Architects presented a proposed $2 million ceiling renovation at the city's main library that would replace the ceiling, lighting, ductwork and fire-alarm components and include acoustical and thermal upgrades.
Tiffany Dennis, design director at Guernsey, told the council the 1973 library is heavily used and that the ceiling and mechanical systems are aging. She said the project as designed matched the $2 million budget that is already included in the CIP.
Councilmember Warren urged a broader study before committing funds, arguing the 1973 building may be obsolete and urging the council to consider relocating library services to the newer Central Plaza to create a combined literacy and STEM hub. Warren moved to direct the city manager to defer any major maintenance or replacements at the main library while a mayor-appointed committee studies options and reports back within 120 days. Council accepted a friendly amendment that appointed Warren to chair the committee; the motion passed 7-0.
Staff and the architects said the ceiling project could be phased and that alternates in the construction contract could include additional HVAC work if bids come in favorably. Council members and staff noted the library would need a temporary relocation during construction; museum and library presenters later discussed relocation costs and logistics.
