April 21, 2006 Minutes
Members present: Linda Coates, John Cosgriff, Helen Levitt, Herb Snyder, Pat Zavoral, Charles Pace
Others Present: Jeff Scherer and Jack Polling of MS&R, Bob Rohlf of Robert H Rohlf Associates, Richard Moorhead and Marcia Pulczinski of Image Group, City of Fargo staff, public, and media
Members absent: Michael Sebille
I. Minutes
Pat Zavoral moved to approve the minutes of April 7, 2006, as presented. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
II. Southpointe Branch Update
The schematic design for the south branch was presented. Charles Pace reported staff members are happy with the layout.
Charles Pace moved the schematic design of the south branch library be approved as it is substantially in compliance with the direction of the committee. Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried.
III. Main Library Update
Construction cost for the main library is within the budget allocation. Three options were presented for the site plan. Further study with City of Fargo staff needs to be done to determine what options are feasible. The two key issues to the site plan are identity of parking and safety of patrons in relation to the entry sequence to the building. Options included closure of Third Street for safety purposes, a proposed curb cut for drop off along First Avenue, and green space where the small lot is currently located immediately south of city hall. Configuration of the entry sequence has potential for a skyway connection in the future.
Flood mitigation plans may take away some of the parking spaces close to Second Street with a proposed fifteen foot high flood wall. The wall would not impede on views from the second floor reading room. The main floor closest to the river view is designated children’s area and by nature is more introverted, where views are not the main focus.
A traffic survey will be conducted along Second Street. The entrance along Second Street may not be compatible with traffic flows that back up for the entire block to make left turns into Moorhead. The Parking Authority, Engineering, and Planning departments need to be contacted for a technical meeting. No further public comment regarding the site plan will be sought until further discussion regarding parking.
The many windows proposed on the second floor will not harm the general collection. The rare books the library owns will be closed off to UV degradation.
Charles Pace moved to accept the concept for the main library building with the understanding the west end of the building site will go ahead as a separate track from the east side parking. Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be Friday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Commission room. A public forum will be held Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. Technical meetings will be happening concurrently. Survey documents and the preliminary technical meeting should be complete by the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned.