06-24-19 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING June 24, 2019 (1St) floor for two (2) years beginning November 1st, 2019, with an option to end the lease agreement after eighteen(18)months if the new library project was completed early; and,Whereas, On November 26th, 2018, South Bend's Common Council took two (2) actions enabling the St. Joseph County Public Library to move forward with the Main Library renovation and expansion projected to cost $36 to $38 million. The Council voted unanimously to approve a three (3)-way agreement with the Library and Community Foundation of St.Joseph County, committing the City to contribute $4 million, the Library to pay $20 million and the foundation to spend $10 million. In a separate but related step,the Council also approved a$4.8 million bond issue.The City expects to issue the bonds in late 2021. In addition to its own$10 million contribution,the Foundation will start fronting money next year so that construction can begin, then be reimbursed later with the City's $4 million once the City has issued its bonds; and, Whereas, throughout the year many people,including our residents who are dealing with housing instability often utilize the St. Joseph County Library as a resource for shelter throughout the times of its daily operations, particularly during inclement weather; and,Whereas,a discussion to plan adequate public transportation routes with TRANSPO officials to discuss the needed route changes and the cost to make those changes. Now, therefore, be it Proclaimed by South Bend Common Council as Follows: Section One (I). On behalf of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, we affirm our South Bend Common Council mission statement"To make certain that our City Government is always responsive to the needs of our residents&that the betterment of South Bend is always our highest priority." Section Two(II). The City of South Bend continues to be made stronger when organizations work together to foster positive change and growth. Section Three (III). This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage by the South Bend Common Council and approval by the Mayor. Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis continued, I would like to share a letter I sent to you all, and I told her I would share it. This came today from Ms. Deb Futa from the Library and I was glad she sent a response to this resolution. She said, "Thank you for sending a copy of the resolution. My Board meets this afternoon and I'll share it with them. I'd like to provide an update for you to share with the Council. I've been in touch with Amy Hill from TRANSPO about our move. Initially, we believed that Brown School was on a bus route and it was onlylater we realized our Y error.We've asked TRANSPO to consider expanding either the three-A(3A)or three-B(3B)route to add a stop at Brown for the duration of our stay there. I understand from TRANSPO that adding the stop would create difficulties in other parts of the route, but we've agreed to keep the conversation going. Part of our awareness effort as we get nearer to moving will be to manage the expectations in the community. Brown School really will serve as the equivalent of one (1) of our neighborhood branches. The space we're utilizing will not be large enough to function as a Main Library. This will be a place for our back of house operations and some collection and equipment storage, along with a branch presence in Keller Park. The two (2) unique areas we'll be able to provide at Brown will be our Local and Family History services and our Studio 304 digital creation space. We're really fortunate to have robust branch services in South Bend. We do have three(3) locations directly on a bus route- LaSalle, Western and River Park. In addition, German and Tutt are within a few minutes' walk to a stop. We plan to shift both collection and staff to several of these locations and we'll offer longer hours to offset the temporary closing downtown. I agree wholeheartedly with the Council's efforts to work together to deal with any challenges our move presents to the community." Do you have any questions or comments? Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to questions and comments from Council Members. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, With the temporary site in the first (1St) District, I appreciate your efforts, you and Councilmember Teshka, on the TRANSPO Board to continue pushing for their services. I wish that was agreed upon and reached before the move was made, but, we are dealing with a county entity as well as a school in this. I appreciate your efforts on this and keeping the conversation going. I appreciate the other branches and sites, as well. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, I would like to recognize the South Bend Community School Corporation stepping up during this transitional time. That will allow us to really develop a tremendous community asset. They stepped into the gap and I think with your resolution today, and the efforts prior to this meeting with the Library and their moves, I think it is going to be a good temporary location and full service and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your efforts. 6