Minutes - 20061212 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Gordon said that it is important to have a comprehensive library services plan. She said that the task force later on in the agenda could do this. She thinks that the group needs to get back to the Board on the comprehensive plan so that the Board could act on it before it acts further on the debt issuance schedule. Commissioner Nelson said that in the 2004 Library Task Force Report, there were two recommendations about library planning: Create along-term facilities plan for the County in terms of libraries and create ashort-term strategic plan for developing library facilities in the next 3-5 years. He asked Library Director Brenda Stephens about the status of these recommendations. Brenda Stephens said that they have not acted on the recommendations. Commissioner Nelson said that those were two good recommendations and he thinks everyone would feel more comfortable with the direction if a plan were in place for library facilities and that there was a plan to have a southwest Orange library in the next few years. Commissioner Nelson made reference to the 25,000-square foot recommendation in the 2004 report and said that libraries are evolving, and this is not where libraries are going these days. He said that both Chair Carey and Mayor Chilton were right and that this aspect of the report should be revisited, and a more creative way of doing a library in Carrboro should be considered. He said that a 25,000 square foot library is not necessary and the needs could be met in another way. He said that what he takes from Mayor Chilton's comments is that the dynamic of the discussion needs to be changed to have more of a conversation about how to meet this need and try to work together. He agreed with Mayor Chilton about the 54150 split and said that this is not a reasonable expectation for a town of Carrboro's size. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 11, item 9-e, and said that the numbers that were proposed were based on 20-year population projections and not on current need. He said that the point of bringing the task force back together is to try and look realistically at the library needs. He said that there were discussions during the Carrboro Library Services Task Force with elected officials and the Manager of Carrboro, and there was never any resolution about whether Carrboro would commit any funds. He appreciates Mayor Chilton individually speaking, but he thinks that the County needs to see a commitment and a good faith from the Town of Carrboro that it is willing to participate financially. CHCCS Board Chair Jamezetta Bedford said that the school board supports the financing for Carrboro High School and Elementary School # 10, and they would also like to thank the County Commissioners for supporting the older schools. Artie Franklin spoke on behalf of the CHCCS PTA Council. He asked that the County program in the debt over the next ten years for future school construction. Also, the PTA Council supports SAPFO along with smaller class sizes, and they would like the County Commissioners to take this into account as well. He thanked the County Commissioners for scheduling Elementary School # 14. Chair Carey said that many of the items on this list have been pent up demands for years and others are designed to maintain the progress that has been made with the schools and keeping up with student growth. He said that some of the debt in the plan has already been issued and others are under contract to move forward. He said that he wants to hear public comment on which parts of this plan citizens do not want to be financed over the next 3-5 years. He said that the Board will take all comments under consideration. Commissioner Gordon said that anyone would be welcome to send written comments. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. Items for Decision--Regular Agenda