Russell Library / City Hall Feasibility Study Committee

Russell Library/City Hall Feasibility Study Committee Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 5:00pm Present: Sheila Jones Anthony Mangiafico Steve Nelson Jon Pulino Sandra Russo-Driska Eamonn Wisneski Ramona Burkey (Russell Library Director) Benjamin Florsheim Call to order: Chairman Anthony Mangiafico called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm. Public comment on agenda items: None. Approval of Minutes: Steve Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2024 meeting, and Eamonn wisneski seconded. Unanimous in favor. Unfinished Business Timeline and deadlines: The Silver Petrucelli & Associates contract is being finalized. Sites: Mayor Florsheim updated the committee on various sites considering the overall city context. There are a number of public and private projects underway. Mayor Florsheim mentioned the existing Russell Library campus and the current City Hall site as two potential options for study, the latter of which would be contingent on City Hall relocating as is currently being studies. The current City Hall site is a premier location for possible development, and the mayor would favor continued public use of that location. Evaluating this site for potential library use would help determine the highest and best use for the parcel. The previously studied DeKoven Drive site remains a possibility for city library purposes, with proximity to the potential Arcade development as a positive attribute and overall site size a negative attribute. Steve Nelson noted the potential challenges for future growth at the current Russell Library campus. Eamonn Wisneski said that the feasibility study of the current library campus can include an evaluation of other potential uses for the campus. Anthony Mangiafico questioned whether a referendum would encompass both the Russell Library and CIty Hall, and Mayor Florsheim said that the exact question is to be determined. The committee discussed parking challenges at the current campus, and Ramona Burkey said that there is parking around the current Russell Library campus (but in adjacent lots). The committee discussed how the consultant might consider various sites for temporary use, and other logistical issues, if the current campus is selected. Discussion of next phases of feasibility/capital planning: Nothing further Consultant selection process status: Nothing further City Hall status: No updates at this time. Budget status: No updates at this time. New Business: Mayor Florsheim noted that the parking study is close to being finalized. The City hopes to improve parking availability and affordability, with increased public awareness as to existing options and pricing changes possible. Steve Nelson noted a potential for parking at the current City Hall site due to a 12 foot elevation drop between Main Street and DeKoven Drive. A new library at that location could have parking under the new building (accessible at grade off of DeKoven Drive) and not use other municipal parking. Additional public comment: None. Adjournment: Eamonn Wisneski moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Steve Nelson. Unanimous in favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:28 pm.