Minutes 05-13-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Jacobs asked if this was something contemplated by the developer before the County became involved, or if this is something the County is adding. Chris Garis said this is something that was heard from the public input process. He said there was an opportunity to have outdoor space, amphitheater and performance space. He said this would be a joint amenity for anyone to on the bikeway to take advantage of. Jeff Thompson said the concept of urban versus rural green space needs to be taken into account. He said this is high intensive use real estate and that definition must be used in planning for the green space. Chair Jacobs said it seems like one of the best possibilities for green space on the site, but that goes for the developer as well as the library. Chair Jacobs said the word "marketplace" is not a good word. He said this is not a capitalist enterprise, and that word implies that we are selling things, which is misleading. He would prefer that it not be used in presentations. Katherine Taylor said that is a current library term for the entry experience. Commissioner Price said there were earlier discussions about the size of the library. She asked what the current proposed size is based on. Katherine Taylor said this was determined by national averages for library sizes of the same demographic and population range (20,000-40,000). Commissioner Price asked if individuals from the Arts Center attended the public input sessions. She wonders if some of the proposed activities would be a conflict. Lucinda Munger said members of the Arts Center did attend the meetings, and they and viewed the space as complimentary. She said there is discussion of expanding the Arts Center to create a "mini DPAC", and the spaces in the library are seen as free public space for classes. She said the "maker space" is fairly common in libraries, and it is a creative space for artists as well as entrepreneurs. She said this space is used on a constant basis for a variety of programming, and this is not a conflict with the Arts Center. Commissioner Price asked for clarification on the County's right to design the space. Brian Ferrell said this is an opportunity to look at a deal structure that is unique and provides a close relationship with the developer of the site. He said the developer has committed to work with the County on the design of this space, and he would expect that the look of the build-out will be similar to what is there now, with opportunities for customization. Commissioner Price asked how many stories this will be. Brian Ferrell said this has not been finalized, but it will likely be 3 or 4 floors. Michael Talbert said this is still in the due diligence phase, and if the Board moves forward, these points can be negotiated at a later date. He said the site selection, as well as the size, are the key issues being considered tonight. He said the green space will be important no matter where the library is located. He said the schedule laid out by Jeff Thompson is very close to what is outlined in the CIP for this item. He said there are planning funds for an architect firm in 2015/16 and a construction plan for 2016/17, and the total project budget is $8.2 million. Commissioner Pelissier asked if the $250 per square foot estimated cost includes the flexible space to allow for future changes. Jeff Thompson said on this site the $250 per square foot cost accounts for just the raw construction cost, which would be the podium structure. He said some of the interior spaces would be the flexible, multipurpose spaces. Lucinda Munger said one of the things frequently discussed in group meetings was that the beauty of the flexible space is that it deletes obsolescence. She said these spaces allow for movement and change as the demographic and services change, since the space is not tied down by load bearing walls or desks that are fixed or bolted.