HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 7, 2001
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES/CITY COUNCIL
WORKSESSION
MINUTES
February 7, 2001
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Barbara Miller at 7:04 p.m. Those present were Patricia Sowada, Barbara
Miller, Nancy Hoium, Catherine Vesley, Richard Hubbard, Julienne Wyckoff, Bruce Nawrocki, Walt Fehst, Marlaine
Szurek, Gary Peterson, Bobby Williams, Marsha Tubbs, and Becky Loader. Three citizens were in the audience: Lisa
Fisher, Sandy Manns, and Joyce Shellito.
Becky Loader welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Barbara Miller thanked everyone for coming and explained the objectives of the meeting. This will be a brainstorming
session, and she requested that everyone keep to the subject. The meeting will adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
City Manager, Walt Fehst, then made a few comments on how the meeting came about and asked those present to leave
behind financial limitations for the time being and use this time to dream about what the library might become.
Becky Loader presented a brief history of the Columbia Heights Library. The library started on December 14, 1928, and
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was in several locations prior to being moved to the present site on 40 and Jackson in 1960. The addition we are
currently sitting in was added in 1965. Where do we go from here? A powerpoint slide presentation “Once upon a
time…” was presented to break the ice. Several library buildings in the Twin City area were photographed from the
exterior to give everyone examples of types of buildings and the pros and cons of the different buildings in relation to
their location. Each library was photographed using the same criteria: signage, entrance, east side, west side, back,
dock/delivery area, general site area, and misc. The following sites were reviewed: Washburn Library in Minneapolis,
Linden Hills Library in Minneapolis, Roseville Library in Ramsey County, Shoreview Library in Ramsey County,
Brookdale Library of Hennepin County, Rum Area Library of Anoka County.
After the slide presentation the floor was opened for discussion:
It was questioned why library sites for similar sized cities were not photographed. Columbia Heights Library is a unique
City Library and does not have comparables in the Twin City area. Given more time, sites and samples from smaller
communities in the out-state area could be photographed and compared. The examples were chosen because they are
prototypes of a county office/library, campus with a community center, historic building, original construction on
converted land, etc.
Possible locations were discussed. Possibilities of an independent site versus a Community center site were debated. Mr.
Williams asked about the possibility of a joint effort with the Anoka County Library. Representatives of the City and the
Board have met with County representatives and a joint effort was not determined to be advantageous for Columbia
Heights.
Mr. Nawrocki spoke about the financial aspects of joining the County, programming issues, and Capital expenses. He
expressed his disappointment that during the slide program the interiors of the buildings were not photographed to show
the number of volumes, technology or programming available. For this discussion participants were asked to limit their
discussion to location, because this affects the type of building designed. The issues of types of interiors and possible
programming will be reserved for future discussion.
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Julienne Wyckoff brought up the need for a new City Hall, and the possibility of a combination City Hall/Library in one
complex.
Catherine Vesley asked the City Council what type of plan they had in place for phased redevelopment of the City.
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The information gathered from the Minnesota Design Team was discussed. The City has determined the areas from 37
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to 42 as part of redeveloping Central Avenue as per the Design Team efforts.
The Board stated to the City Council their wishes to be a part of whatever plans are being pursued for the re-development
of the City.
Parking issues were discussed. Visibility issues were discussed. Possible joint ventures with commercial businesses were
also discussed.
Everyone spoke of the need for a plan, moving forward, and the need to listen to the community and positive actions. A
concept must be developed and then sold to the community.
Bruce Nawrocki questioned the roll of libraries in a changing technological world and whether or not to expand on the
present location by using adjacent property.
A space needs study has been conducted by the City.
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The City Council would like to discuss these issues at a work session and will respond back to the Board after March 5.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanine M. Schmidt Secretary to the Library Board of Trustees.
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to
allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights services, programs, and activities.
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