Larkspur council approves $1.67 million budget amendment for library, commons and habitat garden

The Larkspur City Council on Nov. 5 approved a $1,670,713 amendment to the capital budget for the new Larkspur Library and Commons, directing $598,000 from the Commons Foundation and $220,000 from Refugia Marin toward landscaping and habitat work and allocating $852,295 from the city—und reserves to cover remaining costs.

Public Works Director Julian Skinner told the council the library building is "dried in" with interior work underway and that the amendment covers three funding components: Commons Foundation contributions for the commons area, Refugia Marin funds for a multi-phase Habitat Garden, and a general-fund reserve contribution to cover inspection fees, additional staff and consultant oversight, utility connection estimates and targeted project enhancements. "The total budget amount in the staff report and resolution is $1,670,713," Skinner said, noting the request groups about $500,000 of enhancements and an estimated $350,000 city contribution to complete phase 1 of the Habitat Garden.

Skinner broke the staff request into specific line items: an estimated $200,000 for third-party inspection services, about $100,000 for utility connections (estimates from local utilities), roughly $350,000 proposed as the city—ontribution to complete phase 1 of the habitat garden (grading, irrigation, pathways, tree planting, boulder placement and rope-and-post fencing), and approximately $220,000 of proposed enhancements (audio-visual upgrades, security licensing, a stamped-asphalt treatment for part of the parking area, and broadcast wiring to support Marin TV). He also noted anticipated rebates (EV charger rebates and potential solar-related credits) that reduce net project cost and cited roughly $69,000 in previously identified contract savings that help offset the request.

Representing Refugia Marin, executive director Dana Swisher outlined the Habitat Garden—oncept: a multi-phased plan that begins with grading, irrigation and infrastructure (phase 1), proceeds to planting (phase 2, which Refugia intends to fund and complete), and later adds amenities (phase 3). "Putting the trees and boulders in now reduces later cost and site disruption and gives the plantings more time to establish," Swisher said, urging council support for the phase-1 investment while Alton Construction remains on site.

Councilmembers asked for more detail on particular line items. The council was given breakout figures in the staff report: the commons foundation portion ($598,000), Refugia's $220,000 commitment for the habitat garden, and the general fund/reserve request of $852,295. Skinner said AV for conference rooms is estimated under $50,000; security licensing and multi-year licensing accounts for about $61,000; the enhanced parking treatment was estimated at $47,606; and Marin TV equipment and wiring were listed at about $30,000 and $15,000 respectively. Skinner emphasized that some figures remain estimates and that larger deviations would be brought back to council.

Councilmember Scott (surname not stated in the record) said he was concerned about increasing project costs but acknowledged significant private contributions and community support for a high-quality result. A public comment speaker, Jeff Swisher, identified himself as chairman of the Planning Commission and stated he and others have donated to the effort and support the improvements.

The council moved and adopted the resolution to amend the FY25-26 capital improvement budget by $1,670,713 and to authorize implementation of the funded project components. The motion passed with no opposition and no abstentions. The staff and project partners said they will return with more detailed design and durability information (for example, alternatives and life-span expectations for the stamped asphalt) as items are finalized.

The council also agreed that small post-occupancy needs (for example, accessibility hardware or minor adjustments discovered after opening) will be handled through routine facility budgets or a future, specific budget amendment if they exceed normal operating contingency levels. The building team estimated project completion and readiness for final closeout reporting in early 2026.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the funded phase-1 activities, coordinate the Refugia planting plan (phase 2) and bring back any large-ticket design alternatives (such as design choices for the enhanced parking surface) for council review prior to installation.