The City of Maitland council voted to approve the 95% construction drawings for the new Maitland Public Library and Lindstrom Park and directed staff to move the project into the bidding phase.

Architects from HBM and landscape designers from RVI presented the 95% package, describing site circulation, two primary building entrances, a drop‑off loop, a children’s garden, an upper‑level reading terrace and a maker / STEM space on the second floor. "We are entering the last phase of pre construction," architect Peter Bollock said during the presentation. The team noted relatively few changes between prior design development and the current 95% documents.

Council questions focused on utilities and fire safety, parking capacity and off‑site intersection improvements. Council member Bill Randolph asked whether relocating an existing hydrant and backflow preventer would preserve fire flow for adjacent buildings; staff said the water/wastewater manager was reviewing the relocation to ensure required fire protection. The designers confirmed the parking area will be asphalt and that on‑site stormwater will be routed to a dry retention pond designed to capture runoff.

The council discussed micromobility storage and site‑level bicycle parking; designers said the plan includes about 24 bicycle spaces and designated storage locations for e‑bikes and scooters, but that operational rules for rentable dockless devices would require city policy.

After questions and public comment, a council member moved to approve the 95% drawings and direct staff to proceed to bidding. The motion passed on roll call. Staff said bonding work and permitting remain on schedule and that construction could proceed following bidding and contract award.

What happens next: Staff will open the bidding process and continue coordination on permitting, utility clearances and bond counsel review before award and mobilization; the project team will provide updates to council as the procurement and permitting stages progress.