City library leadership and public‑works facilities staff gave the council an update on investments and work to modernize and maintain the downtown library.

Jessica (library leadership) opened the presentation and turned it to Lindsay Herb, public works facilities program senior manager, who described the transition from a prior demolition plan to a reinvestment strategy that concentrates on deferred maintenance, life‑cycle replacements and accessibility upgrades. Herb said the downtown facility is "structurally and functionally sound" and that the work completed and under way positions the building for another 20 years of use.

Herb summarized completed and ongoing projects: roof and LED exterior lighting upgrades, replacement of a fire pump, restroom and plumbing/HVAC upgrades, ADA improvements, a multi‑floor reorganization to clear the first floor for remodeling, and a first‑floor remodel funded in part by $1,175,000 in private donations focused on youth services, the entrance lobby and collections. She estimated first‑floor construction costs at roughly $250–$350 per square foot (construction costs only) and said overall investment to date in the building is about $10,000,000.

Council members asked whether the investments bought time relative to the facilities plan and whether the building’s structure and foundation had been assessed; Herb said two rounds of structural reviews have been completed and that deferred maintenance and system replacements will continue as with other city assets. Council president Nash asked about relocating about 15,000 square feet of administrative operations to free downtown space; staff said they are evaluating options and expect relocations would not reduce operational efficiency.

The presentation closed with staff noting future work such as elevator modernization and parking/storm drainage improvements programmed for FY27. There were no formal council votes tied directly to the downtown library presentation at this meeting; council members requested follow‑up details, cost tables and additional joint work sessions with the library board in 2026.

What to watch for
Staff will return with more detailed capital‑plan cost tables, space‑relocation options, and criteria for site selection and service goals as part of ongoing 2026 work sessions.