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Council advances Oakley library design with $1.25M not‑to‑exceed design amendment; vote 3–1 with one recusal
Summary
The council authorized a first amendment to the design‑build agreement for the Oakley Library & Community Center to fund phase 2 design and permitting (not‑to‑exceed $1,250,000). Vice Mayor Meadows recused; council approved the amendment after debate about labor agreements, site changes and funding.
The Oakley City Council voted to advance the city’s long‑planned library and community center into detailed design by approving a first amendment to the design‑build agreement with Woodland Construction Builders and Segal & Strain Architects.
City Manager McMorrow opened the item by framing the project as a multi‑phase effort; staff asked the council to authorize phase 2 funding (detailed design through permitting) with a not‑to‑exceed design amount of $1,250,000. McMorrow said the council previously authorized the concept phase and that the current request funds the next design work and community engagement.
Susie Marzolo of Segal & Strain described the spatial program and concept layout, saying the proposed building would provide roughly 11,400–11,500 square feet with about 5,400 square feet of primary library public space and 1,500 square feet of community room. “These goals envision a place that will serve as a centerpiece of your downtown civic center designed to embody Oakley’s friendly character,” Marzolo said, outlining a concept that reorients the park and proposes relocating the existing bandstand to improve sight lines and create a grand porch facing the park.
Staff explained the site changes would include demolishing the existing restroom structure, relocating the amphitheater pavilion and reconfiguring parking and circulation; the schematic design is expected to culminate in March before review by the Planning Commission.
Council debate touched on engaging labor and trade groups, project cost pressures and the need for robust community outreach. Councilmember Fuller urged more public transparency and said he opposed approving the amendment without broader community input and identified grants; Fuller voted no. Vice Mayor Meadows announced a recusal on the item before the debate; the motion passed by roll call with three yes votes, one no and one recusal.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with community engagement meetings scheduled for Feb. 17, Feb. 22 and Feb. 28, continue design work under the approved not‑to‑exceed fee and bring schematic designs to the Planning Commission and back to council for subsequent approvals.
