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REGULAR MEETING November 26, 2018
<br /> you say it goes back two (2) years, thank you for that two (2) year long conversation and the
<br /> aspirational vision. We get to step in and give the yes to this. I do also want to thank you. It is
<br /> important, when we are dreaming about what is best for the community, to start where you did
<br /> start, and that was with the extensive survey and input. Our visions necessarily need to bring along
<br /> those people and that is why this is really, now two (2) years later, resonating with all of us. I
<br /> assume also, and I trust,it will resonate as you go forward on the fundraising aspect of this. I guess
<br /> my last piece is, it is really exciting to sit here and know that really, essentially, from this day
<br /> forward, and I said in Committee about the fundraising campaign and tomorrow is Giving
<br /> Tuesday, the building won't limit what we are capable of doing and delivering. So, thank you for
<br /> all your work on this and it really is worthy of our support and, going forward, the community's
<br /> support in the coming months.
<br /> Councilmember Jake Teshka stated,I'll be brief.You brought some heavy hitters tonight and thank
<br /> you for that. One(1)thing I would like to say is I am a little reluctant on the free word. We throw
<br /> that around. My high school economics teacher said that there is no such thing as a free lunch,but,
<br /> with how we are spreading this out, it is getting close to free. And I think when you can bring
<br /> together this cross section of the community, we have the business community represented with
<br /> Mr. Rea,thank you for being here, we have Mr. Neal and we've got social services represented, it
<br /> is just a great idea for the community. Ms. Futa, thank you for sharing your personal story. That
<br /> was fantastic to hear. As a South Sider,we are partial to the Center Branch but I think this is going
<br /> to be a great destination learning spot for families like mine. I've got two (2) young children and
<br /> it is going to be a great place to get excited about for our children to come to and learn and have
<br /> that space that feels like a destination. Thank you and I look forward to seeing it in real life.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, Tonight is a wonderful time to come together to talk about
<br /> the Library. One(1) of your key points you said a refuge for a busy society. That stood out to me.
<br /> Ms. Futa, you sent me a letter and I enjoyed reading it. You talked about in your letter how you
<br /> said we are accustomed to working with vulnerable populations in South Bend. We have a long
<br /> history of working in our community to help individuals with employment issues.We worked with
<br /> the Center for the Homeless for many years to teach technology. Arid you talked about how your
<br /> staff is trained. And the key thing there, you said our security staff knows many of the regulars by
<br /> name and engage in conversation with them along with the frontline staff. I really appreciated that
<br /> as we talk about, like yesterday's article about what we are doing in terms are we doing enough
<br /> for our homeless populations. The Library is the place that no matter what background, Ms.
<br /> Meissner talked about it, it covers everybody. The wealthy, the homeless, everybody can come
<br /> together at the Library. We are truly in need of extra space. I like the whole concept of having a
<br /> building, a whole facility away from the downstairs where you can have a whole type of program
<br /> and not have to worry about rushing out at 9:00 p.m. or starting after 10:00 a.m. when the library
<br /> starts and all of that. I really appreciate that. I like that whole area where you can come together
<br /> inside and be in that enclosed environment for families. Seeing that child section in there always
<br /> brings back good memories where I spent many hours with my daughter who is now off in college.
<br /> Those were some fun days that she and I did. Daddy going in the library and so many times there
<br /> we had naps there and I just enjoyed myself. And so, you know, I read through this and it is
<br /> something as we look at providing more services for people who are not only all over the
<br /> community but especially downtown and those who are in need this time of year. The Library is
<br /> really key in that planning. Dr. Mueller, thank you in your planning. We agree on this one(1) and
<br /> I really appreciate your time. A few weeks ago when we met, me and John met with you and we
<br /> talked about it and I appreciate your emphasis on the program planning and I'm glad we are
<br /> emphasizing that because that was a shared common thought that we brought up that day. I see the
<br /> Library moving forward with that, so, I'm looking forward to the time when this is opened. And I
<br /> appreciate, one (1) more last comment, when you all talked about the public bidding process that
<br /> you would have in terms of contractors who will be working on doing the work, so I think that is
<br /> also important to note as we look at making sure that those who are local get a chance to be a part
<br /> of that process. I'm at peace.
<br /> Councilmember John Voorde stated, I'll be very brief, I believe.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted, Yeah right.
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