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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 2/9/2015 CITY OF GLENDALE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING FOOTHILLS RECREATION&AQUATICS CENTER 5600 W.UNION HILLS DR. - COYOTE ROOM FEBRUARY 9, 2015. 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Krystek, Chair Barbara R. Cole, Vice Chair David Moreno Robert Irons Manuel S. Padia, Jr. Manuel Padia Jeri Ann Soper MEMBERS ABSENT: John Faris OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk, Director Lori Bye, Operations Manager Paul King,Parks &Recreation Manager Michelle Yates, Senior Recreation Coordinator Mike Beck, Chief Librarian I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Krystek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Chair Krystek announced that any members of the public who wish to speak on an agenda topic should fill out a blue comment card. Chair Krystek stated that the Commission acts in an advisory capacity to Council and no formal vote would be taken this evening on the agenda item regarding the possible relocation of the library. II. ROLL CALL Chair Krystek noted that all Commissioners were present except for Commissioner Faris. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Moreno motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Cole, to approve the November 17, 2014 meeting minutes as written. Motion carried 7—0. IV. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. V. POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF THE FOOTHILLS BRANCH LIBRARY AND EXPANSION OF LIBRARY SERVICES 1 Mr. Strunk thanked the Commission for hosting a public meeting and thanked residents for attending the meeting. Mr. Strunk announced that after the presentation regarding the library, the Commissioners would be allowed to ask questions of Staff and then the public would be allowed a commentary period. Mr. Strunk introduced Mr. Mike Beck, the new City Chief Librarian with over 20 years of experience in library services. Mr. Beck recently worked for the City of Scottsdale. Mr. Strunk explained that every City department has been challenged to review all opportunities within their budgets. Mr. Strunk noted that all review has included the goal of improving methods of service, lowering costs, and maintaining good customer service. Mr. Strunk announced that a potential partnership opportunity that has been presented to the City regarding a proposed purchase of the existing Foothills Library building by Midwestern University and the relocation of the library to the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center (FRAC). The proposed library at FRAC would be transformed into a high-tech"Library and Technology Center". Mr. Strunk discussed the following: • Background o City Staff approached by Midwestern University o Due Diligence and Appraisals Conducted • Appraisal #1 = $3,400,000 • Appraisal #2 = $4,700,000 o $5 Million Cash Offer • From Midwestern University for the current Foothills Library building o Provide Funding for New Foothills Library and Technology Center Mr. Beck noted that many libraries in the country are trending to partner with schools and universities. Mr. Beck presented the following: • Overview of the Glendale Library System o Current Library Services • Velma Teague Library • Main Brach • Foothills Branch Library • 24-Hour Library Website Access • Member of Maricopa County Library District Reciprocal Borrowing Program since July 2012 o Reciprocal Borrowing Program • Glendale • Velma Teague Branch • Main Library • Foothills Branch • Peoria • Peoria Sunrise Mountain • Peoria Main Library • Phoenix • Agave Branch • Juniper Branch • Cholla Branch • Desert Sage Branch 2 • Palo Verde Branch • Maricopa County • Sun City Branch • Fairway Branch • Litchfield Park • White Tank Branch • Trends Impacting Glendale Public Library o Integration with Recreation/Community Centers o Partnerships for Programming o Job Training and Career Building Programs o Creative "Maker Spaces": such as, youth and grade school spaces, 3D printing, audio/visual technology, access to create digital media o Science, Technology, Engineering, Math—STEM: 21st century skills o Technology and Technological Access: including revolutionized library services suach as streaming videos, audio and more o Purchase, Use and Success of Digital Materials o Electronic Circulation figures were provided for FY10-11 through FY13-14 • Since FY10-11, digital downloads circulation has increased by 368% • Library website traffic has increased by 22% o Physical Circulation figures were provided for FY10-11 through FY13-14 • Physical circulation of items has decreased by 23% • Physical library visits decreased by 24% o Glendale population has increased by 3.6% from FY10-11 Mr. Strunk presented the following: • Foothills Library and Technology Center Concept o Co-locate at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center • Increase 13 hours per week for 676 additional hours per year—39% • New technology available to all patrons • Dedicate areas for technology and technological access • 3D printers, new computers,think pads, green screen, enhanced wi-fi • Dedicate areas for youth and family literacy and exploration • Additional library programming opportunities • Rooms for group study sessions, reading and library classes • 35,000 book collection based on consumer demand • This is a significant reduction as the current location holds 174,000 books • Materials ordered and delivered within 24-48 hours • Existing on-site daycare, concession sales and recreation center • Potential new library and FRAC customers • No reduction in library programming o Immediate Community Benefits • Brand new computer equipment and technology • Remaining materials and books will be sent to enhance Main Library and Velma Teague • "Community Reading Rooms" implemented at five Community Centers: Rose Lane, Glendale Community Center, O'Neil and Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center's Day Care and the Glendale Adult Center o Immediate Financial Benefits 3 • One-time sale proceeds to cover the cost of relocation/transformation and "net"the City$4.1 million • $5.0 million purchase prices less the original cost of artwork and $384,000 budgeted for remodeling new location • Council to determine use of the $4.1 million net • $2.7 million in budgeted Capital Improvement Fund savings • $380,000 in annual savings • No Full-Time staff reductions o Immediate City/Midwestern University(MWU) Benefits • MWU Main Campus Library open for public use: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Glendale residents can use the new MWU Foothills site: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • MWU to offer science enrichment programs for high school students • Community meeting rooms to be made available for use by public purposes • Heath awareness programs will continue to be offered • Continued access to dog park from parking lot • Will reinvest significant capital in the property and building • Enhanced partnerships with veterans services Mr. Beck presented drafts and diagrams of the interior and exterior layout of the new location. Mr. Strunk presented the following: • Public Input o 12 public sessions throughout the districts: February—March o Public input to be gathered o Outside facilitator recommended o Activate special website for feedback o Report findings to Council in spring 2015 Mr. Strunk stressed that no decisions have been made yet regarding this proposal. Mr. Strunk noted that staff is currently in the fact finding portion of the process and public comments are appreciated and very important. Mr. Strunk asked the Commissioners for their comments and questions. Commissioner Padia Jr. asked where the net $4.1 million from the sale would go and if it would go back to the library. Mr. Strunk stated that this would be a decision made by Mayor and Council. Commissioner Irons asked what Midwest University would do with the library building and what would it used for. Mr. Strunk replied that the University is in growth mode and it would likely be a study hall type area for students and faculty. Commissioner Moreno wanted to ensure that staff receives feedback from citizens living near the Foothills Library and FRAC. Commissioner Cole asked if library cards are free from all of the libraries on the list. Mr. Beck replied in the positive. Commissioner Cole asked for the website for library trends/design. Mr. Beck suggested www.ala.org. Commissioner Cole confirmed that citizens could park in parking lot for access to the dog 4 park. Commissioner Cole inquired if Midwest University is renting the parking lot from the City. Mr. Strunk explained that the University would own the parking lot but would allow citizens to park in the lot for access to the dog park. Commissioner Cole asked if Midwest University has to maintain the parking lot. Mr. Strunk replied in the positive. Commissioner Soper wondered if funding would be obtained for the STEM programming, which is already underfunded in schools. Mr. Beck explained that there are several grant writers on staff who would be working on obtaining grants. Commissioner Padia stated that the department recently went through a plan to increase FRAC membership. Commissioner Padia inquired about the new members' expectation of services at the FRAC, which would most likely be decreasing. Mr. Strunk stated that there would be no changes to actual services. Mr. Strunk noted that the Coyote room, the community room and those upstairs used for fitness would be converted for the proposed sections of the library. Commissioner Padia asked where the equipment, such as the pool tables, in the community room would be relocated. Mr. Strunk stated that staff would look at moving it possibly to the GAC or other community centers. Commissioner Padia noted that FRAC was intended to meet a certain cost recovery. Commissioner Padia stated that with the new plan, room rentals and Foothills 360 would no longer be at FRAC and wondered how the cost recovery percentage could still be achieved. Mr. Strunk explained that FRAC has historically had an intended 72-73% cost recovery requirement and recently a 100% recovery goal. However, with the new concept,the cost recovery goal would have to be relaxed. Commissioner Padia inquired as to the timeline for the proposed sale. Mr. Strunk replied that initially Midwest University proposed September 2015, however, the timeframe was moved out to the end of 2015. Commissioner Padia asked how many of the 174,000 books at the Foothills Library were currently checked out. Mr. Beck explained that of the 174,000, 65% were checked out during 2014.. There are currently 72,000 books at Velma Teague and there is only 16,000 sq.ft. there with 3,000 sq.ft. for staff use. Mr. Beck hopes to increase the amount of books that would be brought to FRAC from the initial estimate of 35,000. Mr. Beck added that with the Collection HQ software, the department would be able to have customer book requests delivered within 24-48 hours to the FRAC location. Commissioner Padia asked if staff would need additional training for the new technology such as 3D printers. Mr. Beck replied that much of staff is already tech savvy and cross training occurs. Mr. Beck stressed that staff would obtain any necessary training. Commissioner Padia suggested that an online survey be posted on the library website due to the increase in the use of the library website. Commissioner Padia stated that some citizens might not be able to make the public meetings. Chair Krystek asked what year the library purchased and at what cost. Mr. Strunk replied that the land was purchased in April 1997 and the building was constructed in 1997/98 timeframe. Mr. Strunk noted that the land cost was approximately $434,508 and building cost was approximately $5.182 million. Chair Krystek inquired as to the costs on the art left behind. Mr. Strunk noted that one Chihuly piece was $200,000 when originally purchased and is now appraised at $400,000. "24 Hours in the Sonoran 5 Desert", another art piece, was $85,000 when originally purchased and is now appraised at $135,000. NOTE: This was later corrected by Mr. Strunk to $125,000. Chair Krystek commented that the $5.0 million purchase price does not even cover the cost of the land, building and artwork. Mr. Strunk noted that there were two separate appraisals done. Chair Krystek asked who would pay to move the furniture, equipment and books. Mr. Strunk stated that the City would pay these expenses. Chair Krystek asked for confirmation that if the purchase price is $5.0 million and the City is netting $4.1 million, then it would cost an estimated $900,000 to move all of the books, furniture and equipment and perform the remodeling at the new FRAC location. Mr. Stunk agreed this was the estimate at this time. Chair Krystek inquired as to which programs FRAC would lose. Ms. Bye commented that the game activity room, with billiards, ping pong and board games, would be converted to library use. Ms. Bye added that some Special Interest Classes (SIC) would have to be relocated or possibly cancelled and some open gym time might have to be reduced. Chair Krystek wondered if the Commissioners could look at the appraisals. Mr. Strunk noted that he would have to check with the City Attorney office, but if they approved, will certainly provide the appraisals. Chair Krystek stated that it is hard to believe that the value of the library building had not increased over the years. Chair Krystek wanted to see what another similar building is worth at this time or, what it would cost to build a new similar building. Mr. Strunk noted that this could be pursued. Mr. Strunk explained that the appraisals conducted used two different land use assumptions. The first was as a public use function and the second was more of a commercial purpose function. Mr. Strunk noted that staff could look at what it would cost to build new as well. Chair Krystek felt that the $5 million price was undercutting the value of the property. Chair Krystek asked for more detailed circulation statistics over the past few years for Foothills itself Mr. Beck provided the following information in regards to books checked out at Foothills: 2014 was 666,000, 2013 was 718,000, 2012 was $743,000, 2011 was $839,000. Chair Krystek stated that in the proposed design, the childrens' area has decreased a lot and asked for details on the square footage. Mr. Beck explained that the childrens' area is currently 37%of 5,500 sq. ft. • and the proposed area would be 2,700 sq.ft. with a 500 sq. ft. programming room. Chair Krystek asked for details on the current staff at Foothills library. Mr. Beck explained that there are currently 16 employees or 11 full time equivalents at the Foothills library. This proposal would include 7.5 full time equivalents. Chair Krystek asked if an analysis had been done to determine if the newly proposed sq. ft. for the library at FRAC can handle the demands. Mr. Beck replied in the positive added that the footprint would be smaller,however,there would be less books. Chair Krystek noted that most people he has talked to had not heard about this proposed change with the library. Chair Krystek stressed that the word be spread to the public more before a decision is made and suggested information to be included in the water bill. Chair Krystek also suggested the issue be put to a citizen vote. 6 Chair Krystek wondered if the new library trends could be implemented in the current library. Mr. Strunk replied in the positive. Mr. Strunk noted that Council asked this same question, however, the department would have to come up with the funds. Mr. Strunk stressed that balancing physical books and technology is the future of the library. Commissioner Irons commented that if Foothills books are moved to Velma Teague, the public would have a FRAC library without books. Mr. Beck explained that collections that circulate heavily and new books would come over to the new site. Mr. Beck noted that some books would be sent to Velma Teague, some to community centers/reading rooms and some would be stored. Mr. Beck stated that staff would do the best job to make sure print books are available either at the library or will be delivered upon request. Commissioner Irons stated that a few years ago, there were talks of hiring a fitness director at FRAC. Commissioner Irons inquired if there would still be Zumba, a fitness center and a weight room. Mr. Stunk commented that the proposal would have an impact on those classes. Chair Krystek asked for clarification regarding rental of rooms at and use the old library if sold. Mr. Strunk explained that the public would be able to rent the Roadrunner Room and the Quail Room from 9a.m.to 5:00 p.m. and could use the open areas for study. Commissioner Cole asked if the DVD's would come over to the new location. Mr. Beck replied in the positive as that is one of the most popular sections. Commissioner Moreno commented that The Council-members should attend these public meetings to hear the presentations and public comments in order to have a better understanding prior to the.vote. Commissioner Padia Jr. commented that the City spent a lot of money to pay for a consultant to conduct a study to bring more people to the FRAC and now the City is pushing people out. Mr. Strunk thanked Commissioners for their questions and comments. The floor was opened to public comment. CITIZEN COMMENTS: Citizen: • I am a table tennis player. We used to play 5 days a week at GAC, then 3 days and now 1. So now we are at FRAC and it's our 8th day here only. If this goes through, we will be back to 1 day at GAC. There is nowhere else to play table tennis. Citizen: • What would the new hours be? • Will there be more books online? How many? • Can we add old books to the online format? I can only get newer books online. And some are only audio. • Will the browse/electronic search online be improved? It takes too long to search for books online. • There are longer checkout times for electronic books. I cannot find the renewal button for electronic books. 7 • Can I checkout books from the community reading rooms? • Seems like there are already plenty of computers at the library and we are adding 22 more. This seems pointless. • How many adult books versus childrens books will be kept? • I will miss hardcopy books. What about people who don't have ebook readers currently and can't afford them? Citizen: • I want to keep the library as is. I go frequently and it is a nice place for books and DVD's. Citizen: • I am appalled at what I am hearing. Seems we are going to lose $4-5 million on the deal. The library is essential where it is now. We are already juggling space at FRAC. Pickleball is growing and Zumba is busting at the seams. The City isn't showing commitment to either the library or recreation services. • Midwestern University has dangled gold before the City and the City is jumping at it. • There are no positives in the proposal at all. Citizen: • I am a mom who brings my children to the library several times a month. I do use digital format for books, but my kids do not. Kids use real books. I also take my kids to meet up with friends at the library. I am a member of FRAC too. I see the need for technology at the library as less because many people have access to technology at home or school. I don't need or want to bring my kids to the library for computers. I bring them to get real books. Citizen: • I use both facilities. FRAC charges $29.00 for a singles membership, which is the same as 24- Hour Fitness and LA Fitness. If offerings are cut back,FRAC can't compete. • FRAC is busting at the seams now. Our group recently had to move to the gym for a class and we were working out with balls rolling at us. This is not safe. • We should hang sheets at the FRAC for members to sign who oppose or support and for comments. • I don't see how the adult section of the proposed library can even fit in this room when I look at the design. o Mr. Beck stated that the drawings are conceptual and not drawn to scale. Citizen: • I am a member of Councilmember Sherwood's district. I have two boys, 3.5 years and 6 years old. I utilize the libraries, especially in the summer. The Foothills library has plays, speakers, traintables and other things for the children. • As a former elementary school teacher, I know that physical books are important for children. Children are less likely to read if they can't hold a book. Kids today are already reading less and less. • I see this concept as a library of computer games for children being dropped off by their parents who are going to workout. • Mayor and Council should view the current Foothills Library in the same regards as they do the Super Bowl: invaluable. • Once all of the money has been counted for the Super Bowl, the City will have lost money, but the City still puts a value on the Super Bowl. The City should put a value on the library which the tax payers pay for and use on a daily basis. Citizen: 8 • I embrace the idea of multipurpose rooms/facilities, but this should be planned before a building is built. • I know that FRAC has not met its revenue goals, but isn't that because there hasn't been a budget to increase offerings? • Is the parking lot big enough for the increased amount of cars? • If the library cost $7-$8 million to build, how can we only net $4.1 million since it was built? Do we still owe money on the library? • Where will the money come from for the new technology? • I love the tactile sense of a physical book. My husband bought me a Nook and I hate it. • Kids need the tactile sense of a book. • Midwestern University is a wonderful partner but they have other land they can utilize. • Right now, the City, state and nation are still in a fragile economy. It is a bad time to sell an asset which may increase in value in a few years. • Isn't the decrease in the circulation of books a direct correlation to the decrease in library hours. • The decrease in services needs to be put to a citizen vote who pay the taxes, not Mayor and Council. Citizen: • If you were to clone the existing library, land, building and all inside, what would that cost? $5 million does not pass the smell test. • The reason I purchased my home was because of the location of the library. It is one of our favorite family activities. • This facility cannot meet the need of losing the Foothills library. Citizen: • I have lived in Glendale for 40 years. I love the FRAC. It is a first class facility. I you change it, it will become a second class facility. • We have 3 libraries and you are changing the second most popular one. I don't understand the math. • We are landlocked in Glendale and land is an asset. • Traffic at FRAC is already a concern. Has there been a parking and traffic study for the changes? • FRAC can get very noisy and now the City wants to put a library here? Citizen: • I am a member of both facilities. I got to the library, dog park a lot. I like the baseball diamond here and the skateboard park for the kids. It would only be better if we had an equestrian park here which we were promised many years ago. • This library is a class A facility for which we are getting in turn half of the staff and lots of computers. • As a citizen of Glendale, I hate to be considered underclass. What is being proposed is second rate and we deserve better. We pay good taxes and I am proud of what we have here. • I don't see why Midwestern can't go further north to build their building. Citizen: • I grew up in Glendale and have lived in north Glendale for 20 years. • We are getting half truths. • The square footage, staff and books are being reduced. It will take 24-48 hours to get a book. • They are discouraging browsing for books. • Parking has not been addressed. • Ping pong tables are going away. • We are saving$4.1 million but they don't say it is going back to the north Glendale. 9 • It's insulting to say it's an enhancement. • Where will the continued money needed for new equipment and supplies for the 3D computers come from? • The refreshment area is currently not a quiet area. So will the fitness members still be able to use it since they are not quiet? • We are busting at the seams here. The population of Glendale is up 3.6% yet public space and services are being decreased. What will be sold next? • The City should remember the past debacles of Coyote Arena, casino and the Super Bowl. How many Glendale citizens got to attend the Super Bowl compared to how many use the library? • This is not excellent public service. Citizen: • I am an active user of the library. I order books online and pick up at the drive through window and I also browse books inside the library. I read the magazines there too. I like to see the parents bring in kids to read and look at books. It is good to expose kids to reading. The computer and interne are not the same. • The benefits listed are not real. It is not a library. It's only a room with a few computers and a few best sellers. The Foothills library is a literary center. • The purpose is to sell a City asset to generate $5 million which is a drop in the bucket for what the City needs. • Midwestern University wants to buy it because it would cost more to build. We are losing. Citizen: • How many members would we lose a week or month if we get rid of the space right now? Citizen: • In 2010-11 FY, the library was open 69 hours a week. Now it is open 37 hours a week. That's a decrease of 46% of open time at the library yet we only lost 24% in circulation. Citizen: • I've only lived in Glendale for 2 years. Lived in Scottsdale before. I volunteered in two Scottsdale libraries pricing/stocking donated books. We make over $300/week in sales. The City has made over$1,000 in the two book sales we had. • Is Midwestern University a non-profit? Will they pay real estate tax on the property? • As a member of FRAC, it gives me satisfaction to see both kids and older people use the facility. • I don't have a Nook. I like books. • I don't know if you will be able to teach all the technology you are proposing. • This room has no natural light access and no vaulted ceilings. It is terrible for a library. • What are you thinking coming from Scottsdale and trying to do this? o Mr. Strunk clarified that Mr. Beck has only been with the City for two months and was not part of the origination of the concept. Citizen: • Thanks to the Commission for bringing up great questions. • I hope they get the idea that this is not what the citizens want. • Only Midwestern University will benefit. Citizen: • I worked with the City of Phoenix for 25 years. Eight years constructing and remodeling libraries. I don't believe the estimate for remodeling the space. • The room needs more daylight. It would need at least$100,000 just for lighting. • There are not enough electrical outlets in the room. It would take probably another $100,000 in electrical work for the computers in the room. 10 • The wall in this room looks like a firewall which I don't think can be blown out. • The youth room/pool hall is the only place in the FRAC that a youth can go for free if their parents can't afford a membership. Citizen: • I work in the computer field. I like technology but not the idea of losing a valuable asset in Glendale. We need more assets. • 65% of the library was utilized last year so let's keep it at 65%. The west valley has been promised a library for a while at a cost of$17.8 million, so why get rid of this one for$5 million? • At a $4.7 million appraisal and half a million for artwork but we are only taking $5 million. We've already lost$200,000. Citizen: • I am a retired library employee. The library is an asset to the community. Everyone loves it. • I can't see selling an asset if you don't have to. • The library was built as a library and the recreation center was built as a recreation center. Let's leave it at that. Citizen (youth): • I have been going to the library since I was two. Moving it is like moving my childhood. I go to school at Desert Palm. I rely on this library. Midwestern can build on their other land. Citizen: • I was here when FRAC was built and I put in the pool tables. I use the Foothills library. • The FRAC activity room is not being managed properly so the kids are beating it up. The kids need to be taught how to use the pool tables. I can help with that. • The proposed design of the youth area shows kids on the floor. Pool tables are social and kids can play with each other or adults. Citizen: • I bought my house based on where the library is. • North Glendale has only two amenities: the Foothills library and FRAC and now you want to combine them. • The big winners are Velma Teague library and Midwestern University students. • We already have the proposed amenities in the current library. • The Midwestern University students comprise maybe 3% of Glendale citizenry. We are taking from Glendale to give to Midwestern students. • Let's offer Midwestern the ability to rent a wing in the current library and see if they take us up on it. • I don't feel confident we will see the benefit of the $4.1 million. Citizen: • I prefer print books but will also use a tablet reader. • The library used to have its own technology department but now it's the City technology department. So,things are not fixed as fast at the library. • I am an avid user of both FRAC and the library. Both have its place. • I challenge the City staff to come here on a super busy day. It is full of kids running around, screaming, very loud, wet and noisy which is fine for the center. However, how does that fit with a library? When the kids are done swimming,will they come over to the library all wet? The floor was closed to public comment. 11 Mr. Strunk thanked the public for attending the meeting and for their comments. Mr. Strunk stated that additional public meetings would be held and dates and times would be publicly posted. VI. STAFF UPDATES Ms. Bye announced that staff updates will be provided to the Commissioners via email due to the length of this evening's meeting. VII. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Padia Jr. stated that he was confused because the City recently paid for the independent study to get more people into FRAC and now the City is doing away with portions of the FRAC. Commissioner Irons commented that allowing the library to be picked up and moved over would take up space at FRAC. Commissioner Irons stated that if the University buys the library, the City should request Midwestern to build onto FRAC to make more space for the library. Commissioner Irons noted that technology is the future but it should not take up the space of FRAC. Commissioner Moreno suggested that this meeting be held over again and the Council-members should be invited to hear what the public is saying. Commissioner Moreno explained that when the Council vote comes up,the Council-members can then vote with more information. Commissioner Cole stated that she did not know that some Glendale schools do not have their own library. Commissioner Soper commented that from a youth perspective, it makes more sense to keep the library as it is a big part of teen identity. Commissioner Soper stated that teens go to the library to study and be with other teens. Commissioner Soper commented that the library is a place for youth and teen development. Commissioner Padia commented that there were about 100 people in attendance this evening, but thousands in the community. Commissioner Padia stated that staff needs to make sure all are given a voice as not everyone was represented tonight. Chair Krystek stated that the Commissioners make its decision on what is heard. Chair Krystek hoped to have answers to outstanding questions at the next meeting in order to make a decision. Chair Krystek asked if the Commission could have an additional public meeting if necessary. Mr. Strunk replied in the positive. Commissioner Moreno asked for a copy of the comments and questions from tonight's meeting. VIILADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. by consensus. Respectfully submitted, 12 Denise Kazmierczak 13