June 14, 2005 Minutes
Members present: Linda Coates, John Cosgriff, Herb Snyder, Helen Levitt, Michael Sebille, Pat Zavoral, Charles Pace
Others Present: Richard Moorhead from Image Group, Mike Domitrovich from Cityscapes Development, City of Fargo staff, public, and media
I. Minutes
Helen Levitt moved to approve the minutes of May 11, 2005. Michael Sebille seconded the motion; the motion carried.
II. Possible north branch library site
Mike Domitrovich presented the possibility of partnering on the north side at Yunker Farm Children’s Museum. With land donated by the park board he proposes an independent structure with separate entrance and parking areas. Cityscapes Development would provide the cost of construction at the same price as the Northport lease with an agreement at the end of the lease the building would be donated to the city. The building could be built with potential for expansion in the future. The library project would be a good fit with the goals of Yunker Farm.
Yunker Farm was one of the original sites proposed and rejected by the building committee. The architects did a broad assessment of the property. Although it has a charming character to the complex, it would be difficult to replicate using a different entrance which would be required to gain additional parking.
Linda Coates cited the library consultant’s previous concerns of locating a small branch close to a children’s center. The branch tends to become a children’s library serving primarily children and families instead of the diverse population in the surrounding community. Another issue previously brought forward by the library consultant was good retail is good for libraries. A small branch is not a destination place. It works well in high traffic areas where people are already going and its hours reflect that of retail businesses more so than schools or offices.
In accepting this proposal, the building committee would be utilizing property not currently in the tax base. The lease payment would be for a finite period at which point the city would then own the building. The library operating budget would not need to be as large and there would be room for possible future expansion. At Northport the lease could be renewed, but payments would never end. There would be no assurance adjacent space would be available for expansion.
Charles Pace moved to affirm the original recommendation of Northport as the site for the north side branch to be presented to the City Commission. Michael Sebille seconded the motion; the motion carried.
III. Possible downtown library site
Mike Domitrovich agreed several options exist for downtown sites. Initially it was thought to include a library in the proposed high rise structure, but they are not ready to make such an offer. The current Cinema Grill site is 50,000 square feet. Mike Domitrovich proposed to swap the 50,000 square foot site for an equal size site east of the Civic Center. The fire station adjacent may or may not be relocated in the near future. The Cinema Grill site and the fire station site combined may be enough space for the library project. This site would have complexities as do the other downtown sites. While there are no plans to move the fire station at this time, it is likely it will be relocated to avoid increased insurance premiums in the future due to uncovered hydrants.
Charles Pace moved to have the architects conduct an additional broad assessment regarding the Cinema Grill and fire station combined site; the findings to be brought to the public forum June 14 with the other analyses already under way. Michael Sebille seconded the motion; the motion carried with John Cosgriff abstaining from the vote.
IV. Other business
Pat Zavoral announced the site selection phase contract for architectural services with an amendment to evaluate the US Bank parking ramp will be presented to the City Commission Monday evening.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 5:00 pm, held jointly with the Library Board of Trustees as a public forum. The meeting was adjourned.