05.06.20 BLC PacketCity of Boulder
2020 Library Commission Agenda
Meeting date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting start time: 6 p.m.
1.Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours in Count Me In Boulder
2.Approval of agenda
3.Public Comment
4.Welcome and administer oath of office to new commissioner Scott Steinbrecher
5.Elect new Library Commission officers and Boulder Library Foundation members
6.Information updates:
a.Library Budget Update: Revised 2020 ATB1 request, April ATB1 memo and answers to
commissioner’s questions
b.City Reopening Update: Draft phased reopening of library facilities plan
7.Library Commission Update Memo
8.May 2020 Library Director’s Report
2020 Library Commissioners
Juana Gomez Joel Koenig Jane Sykes Wilson Steven Frost Scott Steinbrecher
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Library Commission Minutes February 5, 2020
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/ Commission: Library Commission
Date of Meeting: February 5, 2020 at the Main Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.
Contact information preparing summary: Celia Seaton, 303-441-3106
Commission members present: Tim O’Shea, Joel Koenig, Jane Sykes Wilson, Steven Frost, Juana Gomez
Commission members not present: None.
Library staff present:
David Farnan, Director of Library & Arts
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
Celia Seaton, Administrative Specialist
City staff present:
None
Members of the public present: Stephan Hagemann and Rachel Walker
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Reminder: Commissioners please log monthly volunteer hours Count Me In Boulder [0:00:10 Audio min.]
The Commission logged their service.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of agenda [0:00:50 Audio min.]
The meeting was called to order; O’Shea asked if there were any changes to the agenda. O’Shea suggested including
Gomez’s memo to council in the Library Commission Update. As another addition to the same section, Frost will provide
feedback from his discussions with Denver Library social work and peer navigators. There was a nod of approval from the
commission for this amended agenda.
Agenda Item 3: Public comment [0:03:20 Audio min.]
None.
Agenda Item 4: Consent agenda [0:03:29 Audio min.]
a. Approval of January 2020 Meeting Minutes: O’Shea moved to approve these minutes, Koenig seconded, and the
motion was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 5: Library Policy Update: Review second round of revisions to the Canyon Theater and Gallery Rental
Policy and the Sponsorship of Programs and Events Policy [0:04:37 Audio min.]
Versions of these memos with tracked changes available in the packet. Gomez asked whether there is there an update from
Risk Management. Phares noted no update; however, representation from City Attorney’s Office (CAO) and/or Risk
Management (RM) has offered to visit April’s commission meeting to discuss issues inherent in this policy. Gomez
wondered about precedent of this insurance requirement for other City facilities. Staff responded that some Parks and
Recreation facilities have begun requiring insurance for those booking the space; this obligation has depressed public use.
Frost suggested offering a liability waiver as a compromise. O’Shea wondered how this issue would translate in event of a
district; Farnan replied that it would be decided by whomever owns the buildings. Gomez wondered about the practice of
non-City facilities who allow others to use their space (e.g. Alfalfa’s community room). O’Shea broached possibilities of
support from Boulder Library Foundation for insurance cost.
O’Shea asked commission if it would be helpful to invite Janet Michels (CAO) and James Brown (RM) to the April meeting
and the members were favorable. Staff will proceed with the arrangements.
Phares noted that approval for Canyon Theater and Gallery Rental Policy can wait until April to allow for further discussion
and clarification. Commission then focused on the Sponsorship of Programs and Events Policy. Gomez moved to accept
the Sponsorship of Programs and Events Policy as presented with adjustments in the packet. Frost seconded and the motion
passed unanimously.
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Library Commission Minutes February 5, 2020
Page 2 of 3
Agenda Item 6: Request Library Commission’s favorable recommendation to allocate funds to Carnegie Library for
Local History digital asset management system from the Blystadt-Laesar House fund [0:24:01 Audio min.]
Farnan explained this yearly process and welcomed questions. Phares clarified that this pertains to the digital system used
for all of Carnegie’s collection. Storage fee will increase as the collection grows. Discussion of annual storage, hosting,
and maintenance fees for 2020. Phares will gather data for response to O’Shea’s query about money spent to date on this
project. O’Shea overall favorable toward the expenditure but also sensitive to the limited resources of the Blystadt-Laesar
House Fund. Farnan noted that this fund was never intended to completely fulfill the needs of this project. Phares reported
positive relationship between the library and the company assisting with the digital transfer who has provided custom
solutions around the needs of the collection.
Gomez moved to favorable recommend the proposed budget adjustment for funding from the Blystadt Laesar House funds
($52,770). Koenig seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.
Agenda Item 7: Review Library Commission Handbook [0:51:40 Audio min.]
Phares asked for input regarding any changes to the current Library Commission Handbook (linked on the commission
website as a PDF). Routine updates already incorporated. Gomez suggested including an organizational chart of the
library.
Agenda Item 8: Library Commission Update [0:59:31 Audio min.]
a.Commission conferred on topics and potential guests to invite to the 2020 retreat. Gomez discussed transmission
of commission knowledge and ideas to the potential board of trustees in the event of a library district transition.
Koenig suggested waiting until after City Council’s March 17th meeting for direction. Other planned discussion
topics: generation of list of potential trustees, presentation from Library Champions, and library social services.
b.Items from Commission (verbal)
i.Ongoing outreach efforts
Outreach to council members – report on meetings, conversations, or email dialogs to
discuss the library as a priority item for 2020. Gomez noted upcoming conversation
with Council Member Wallach. Gomez spoke with Council Members Yates and
Friend. Sykes Wilson and O’Shea met with Council Member Swetlik who appeared
open-minded and favorable toward the formation of a district.
ii.Review of memo Gomez has drafted for City Council (see handouts) – Commission discussed
sending memo as a group or individuals. Farnan: as a group, it’s worth sending a message.”
Frost: memo appears “straightforward.” Sykes Wilson and Koenig agreed, approving the letter.
Gomez will send it to City Council with commission signature.
iii.Revisit current applicants to the Commission and who we might urge to apply – deadline
February 14th at 5 PM
c.Updates from commissioners representing the Commission in other venues (verbal)
i.Boulder Library Foundation (BLF) update (Sykes Wilson/Koenig) – fundraising efforts continue
for North Boulder Branch capital campaign (recently garnered $17,000 for north Boulder
library). New BLF members expected in April/May.
ii.Frost met with the capital grant writer for the Denver Public Library and was introduced to the
primary social worker for DPL; Frost plans to meet with the latter in a couple weeks. Noted
outside funding available (philanthropist in Colorado who could likely be persuaded to assist
with the start-up.)
d.Update on emails and phone calls to Library Commission – see packet.
Agenda Item 9: Library and Arts Director’s Report [2:24:11 Audio min.]
a.North Boulder branch library project – Planning & Development Services staff has informed the design team that
the anticipated Planning Board hearing tentatively planned for February 20th will be paused in order to allow the
design team to further pursue easements from property neighbors, including Boulder Meadows and the Villages at
Uptown Broadway. April 2nd set as tentative new date for site review.
b.Main Library Restroom Renovation Project Conclusion – Farnan reported a well-attended and celebratory ribbon-
cutting ceremony officially opening these facilities on January 24th.
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Library Commission Minutes February 5, 2020
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED BY: ATTESTED:
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Board Chair Board Secretary
_________________________________________ ________________________________________
Date Date
c.2020 BLF grant requests – see packet.
d.City Council 2020 retreat
e.Follow up on peer navigator discussion
Agenda Item 10: Adjournment [2:31:10 Audio min.]
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned.
Date, time, and location of next meeting:
The next Library Commission meeting will be replaced by the annual retreat to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020, in the
Open Space Mountain Parks Hub at 2520 55th St., Boulder CO 80301.
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I, Scott Steinbrecher, do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the
United States of America and of the State of Colorado and the Charter and ordinances of the
City of Boulder, and faithfully perform the duties of the office of a member of the Library
Commission which I am about to enter.
Scott Steinbrecher
STATE OF COLORADO )
)
COUNTY OF BOULDER ) SS.:
)
CITY OF BOULDER )
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of _______________, 2020.
Board Secretary
OATH OF OFFICE
5
DATE: May 1, 2020
TO: Library Commission
FROM: David Farnan, Director of Library and Arts Department
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
SUBJECT: Revised 1st Adjustment to the 2020 Base Budget
The first Adjustments to Base (ATB) are scheduled to be presented to City Council for first reading
on May 5, 2020. A second reading and possible adoption is scheduled to occur on May 19, 2020.
These dates may change due to the current pandemic response. The first ATB presents the Library
with an opportunity to adjust its base budget to accommodate continuing operational needs
and/or address new needs for the 2020 budget year. Due to the economic downturn the library’s
first ATB request was revised. The April Library Commission meeting was cancelled due to the
pandemic. A memo describing the ATB process with the original proposal and a follow up memo
answering the commissioner’s questions about the first ATB were emailed to the Library
Commission in April and are included in this packet for reference. Table 1 below shows the
revised status of some of the library’s first ATB requests.
Table 1
Revised 1st Round of Adjustments to 2020 Base Budget
GENERAL FUND
Title Amount Type Source Description
Carnegie
Library Digital
Asset
Management
System
Enhancement
$52,770 Budget
supplemental
Fund
balance
Funding from the Blystadt-Laesar House (BLH)
restricted reserve to implement features for the
digital asset management system to facilitate
patron access to archived materials that have
been digitally preserved. The BLH fund is
dedicated to support Carnegie Library
collections and storage.
Carnegie
Library Digital
Asset
Management
System support
and hosting
$25,770 Operating
carryover
Fund
balance
Funding from the BLH restricted reserve to fund
support and hosting of the digital asset
management system. This ongoing expense is
not included in the library operating budget.
Support includes configuration, troubleshooting,
and staff training of the current system. The BLH
fund is dedicated to support Carnegie Library
collections and storage. 6
Library
Volunteer
Program
$10,000 Additional
revenue
General
Fund
Proceeds from the library's used book sales are
used to cover the costs of volunteer program
which include but not limited to background
check fees, Homebound Delivery and Book Sales
supplies, volunteer orientation and appreciation.
Public furniture
repair and
replacement
(WITHDRAWN)
$10,000 Operating
carryover
General
Fund
Transfer unspent 2019 funds to Library Facilities
Renovation and Replacement (FRR) for facility
maintenance, renovation and other capital
projects.
Library
Maintenance
(WITHDRAWN)
$59,000 Operating
carryover
General
Fund
Transfer unspent 2019 funds to Library FRR for
facility maintenance, renovation and other
capital projects.
LIBRARY FUND
Title Amount Type Source Description
Library
Technology
Strategic Plan
$14,400 Operating
carryover
Library
Fund
Original appropriation was from the Library
Fund Balance. A consultant was engaged in 2019
to develop the strategic plan. This plan is a
Master Plan objective.
Main Library
North Building
Renovation
Feasibility Study
(POSTPONED)
$105,000 Operating
carryover
Library
Fund
Original appropriation was from the Library
Fund Balance. A consultant has been selected to
compile relevant building code and flood
regulations to determine how much, if any,
interior renovations are permitted to the
building. This study is a Master Plan objective.
Inclusivity
campaign
(POSTPONED)
$13,000 Operating
carryover
Library
Fund
Original appropriation was from the Library
Fund Balance. Funds for programs and services
that emphasize and support inclusivity.
2019 Boulder
Library
Foundation
Grant
$129,215 Grant
carryover
Grant Appropriation of 2019 Boulder Library
Foundation grant funding (unspent) balances.
State Library
Grant
$29,257 Budget
supplemental
Grant Funding for library materials and digital
resources for children and Spanish speaking
patrons.
North Boulder
Branch Library
Construction
$500,000 Capital
carryover
Library
Fund
Contribution from the Library Fund Reserve for
construction of the North Boulder Branch Library
The carryover requests for public furniture repair and replacement and for library maintenance
have been withdrawn and the funds will return to the City General Fund. The carryover requests
for the postponed Main Library North Building Renovation Feasibility Study and the Inclusivity
7
Campaign will be returned to the Library Fund and may be requested during a future budget
cycle. Library staff members are working on a 2020 budget reduction and the 2021 budget
preparation. Staff will provide another budget update to the Commission in June.
8
DATE: April 1, 2020
TO: Library Commission
FROM: David Farnan, Director of Library and Arts Department
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
SUBJECT: Proposed 1st Adjustment to the 2020 Base Budget
The city’s semi-annual 1st Adjustments to Base (ATB) is scheduled to be presented to City Council
for first reading on May 5, 2020. A second reading and possible adoption is scheduled to occur
on May 19, 2020. These dates may change due to the current pandemic response. This first ATB
presents the Library with an opportunity to adjust its base budget to accommodate continuing
operational needs and/or address new needs for the 2020 budget year.
Library staff has identified a list of budget needs related to the continuation of programs and
projects that are multi-year in nature and require the carryover of 2019 budget to complete.
These are called budget carryovers. Carryovers come in three forms: operating carryovers, project
carryovers, and grant carryovers. Operating carryovers represent unspent operating dollars from
2019 that had been dedicated to specific projects or work plan efforts that were not completed
by year-end. Project carryovers represent unspent budget from capital projects. Grant carryovers
represent unspent funds from projects, programs or services that were funded with third-party
grant support and must be accounted for separately.
Library staff has also identified new budget needs that require additional funding from fund
balance or additional revenue, which are referred to as budget supplementals. While carryover
re-appropriates unspent funds from the previous year’s budget, the supplementals add brand
new funding to the 2020 budget. Budget supplementals can be sourced from additional revenue
that has been received or is anticipated to be received within the budget year. Due to a
constrained budget climate at the city, departments have been instructed to limit budget
supplemental requests that rely on General Fund revenue in this first ATB. However, the
supplemental requests the library plans to put forward are funded by fund balance from two
dedicated library reserves in the General Fund, and additional revenue generated through library
programs. Additionally, the Library does anticipate receiving $129,215 in unspent 2019 grant
funding balances from the Boulder Library Foundation. The adjustments are all one-time in nature
and any remaining money will fall to fund balance at the end of the year if left unspent. Table 1
on the next page provides a detailed list of the proposed budget adjustments divided into General
Fund and Library Fund adjustments. 9
Table 1
1st Round of Adjustments to 2020 Base Budget
GENERAL FUND
Title Amount Type Source Description
Carnegie
Library Digital
Asset
Management
System
Enhancement
$52,770 Budget
supplemental
Fund
balance
Funding from the Blystadt-Laesar House (BLH)
restricted reserve to implement features for the
digital asset management system to facilitate
patron access to archived materials that have
been digitally preserved. The BLH fund is
dedicated to support Carnegie Library
collections and storage.
Carnegie
Library Digital
Asset
Management
System support
and hosting
$25,770 Operating
carryover
Fund
balance
Funding from the BLH restricted reserve to fund
support and hosting of the digital asset
management system. This ongoing expense is
not included in the library operating budget.
Support includes configuration, troubleshooting,
and staff training of the current system. The BLH
fund is dedicated to support Carnegie Library
collections and storage.
Library
Volunteer
Program
$10,000 Additional
revenue
General
Fund
Proceeds from the library's used book sales are
used to cover the costs of volunteer program
which include but not limited to background
check fees, Homebound Delivery and Book Sales
supplies, volunteer orientation and appreciation.
Public furniture
repair and
replacement
$10,000 Operating
carryover
General
Fund
Transfer unspent 2019 funds to Library Facilities
Renovation and Replacement (FRR) for facility
maintenance, renovation and other capital
projects.
Library
Maintenance
$59,000 Operating
carryover
General
Fund
Transfer unspent 2019 funds to Library FRR for
facility maintenance, renovation and other
capital projects.
LIBRARY FUND
Title Amount Type Source Description
Library
Technology
Strategic Plan
$14,400 Operating
carryover
Library
Fund
Original appropriation was from the Library
Fund Balance. A consultant was engaged in 2019
to develop the strategic plan. This plan is a
Master Plan objective.
Main Library
North Building
$105,000 Operating
carryover
Library
Fund
Original appropriation was from the Library
Fund Balance. A consultant has been selected to
compile relevant building code and flood
10
Renovation
Feasibility Study
regulations to determine how much, if any,
interior renovations are permitted to the
building. This study is a Master Plan objective.
Inclusivity
campaign
$13,000 Operating
carryover
Library
Fund
Original appropriation was from the Library
Fund Balance. Funds for programs and services
that emphasize and support inclusivity.
2019 Boulder
Library
Foundation
Grant
$129,215 Grant
carryover
Grant Appropriation of 2019 Boulder Library
Foundation grant funding (unspent) balances.
State Library
Grant
$29,257 Budget
supplemental
Grant Funding for library materials and digital
resources for children and Spanish speaking
patrons.
North Boulder
Branch Library
Construction
$500,000 Capital
carryover
Library
Fund
Contribution from the Library Fund Reserve for
construction of the North Boulder Branch Library
The new budget adjustments sourced from the Library Fund require the favorable
recommendation of the Library Commission. Library Commission provided a favorable
recommendation during the February 5, 2020 meeting for the $52,770 Carnegie Storage budget
adjustment from the Blystadt-Laesar reserve account in the General Fund. This reserve account
was established with proceeds from the sale of the Blystadt-Laesar house and currently holds a
balance of $ 292,091.
Library staff will continue to work on developing 2021 budget requests and plan to present those
requests to the Library Commission in May.
Requests for the Library Commission
Staff requests that the Library Commissioners submit any questions about the proposed 1st
Adjustments to the 2020 Base Budget by email directly to David Farnan and Jennifer Phares. David
and Jennifer will compile the questions and answers and send them to the Library Commission.
11
April 6, 2020
To Library Commission
From: David Farnan, Library and Arts Director
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
Subject: Follow up Questions and Answers to Library Budget Update Memo – 1st 2020 ATB
1. Are these adjustments bi-annual (once every two years) or semi-annual (twice a year)?
Semi-annual – twice a year. The 2nd ATB requests are submitted in early October.
2. Are carryovers typically carried over or do they revert to the General Fund if unspent?
Unspent funds revert to the fund of origin unless they are approved for carryover during the 1st
ATB or they were encumbered the previous year via contract or purchase order. Unspent,
allocated Library Fund dollars revert to the Library Fund if they are not approved for carryover
or encumbered. The same is true for allocated General Fund dollars.
3. What is the status of NoBo [north Boulder branch library] design and construction? Is the
capital carryover for actual building or for design costs?
The north Boulder branch library design is pending site review by the Planning Board. The public
hearing for site review will be rescheduled. No date has been identified. The capital carryover is
for both the remaining design costs and for construction. There may be other carryover entries
that occur in the Facilities and Asset Management request for the project from other funding
sources. All other available funds for the project were allocated via the budget process.
4. I'm surprised to see that the proceeds from our sales of used books go to the City general
fund.
All revenues generated by the Library go to the General Fund. They may be allocated for use by
the department via the annual budget process like the overdue fines were when they were
collected. Otherwise, they may be requested for use by the department via the 1st ATB.
5. Who is the consultant selected for Main [Library] North Building [Renovation Feasibility Study]
and is there a schedule for that study?
The contract is under review by the City Attorney and City Manager. The study is scheduled to
begin after the contract is final. The start may be delayed until staff is able to access the facility.
We will share the name of the selected consultant and the project schedule once the contract is
signed/final.
6. Could we get an inclusivity campaign update when we start meeting again as a Commission?
12
Public Events and Outreach staff members will report on how the Inclusivity Campaign funds
were used in 2019. If the carryover is approved, they plan to use these funds to supplement
programs and promotion around the One Book One Boulder event.
7. With the impending budget adjustments is it possible the City will want to delay the $500k
NOBO [north Boulder branch library] construction expenditure and the $105K NOBO [Main
Library north building renovation] feasibility study?
It is possible that the north Boulder branch library construction and the Main Library north
building renovation feasibility study may be postponed. The funds requested in the Library’s ATB
1 submission originated from the Library Fund or the Library Fund Reserves.
13
May 1, 2020
TO: Library Commission
FROM: David Farnan, Library and Arts Director
Jennifer Phares, Deputy Library Director
SUBJECT: Draft Library Phased Reopening Plan
OVERVIEW
The Library will follow City guidance and make decisions to resume library programs and
services based upon health and safety, and current budget and staffing restrictions. The
City has identified the following phases for resuming services at City facilities.
Phase 1 – “Limited Travel:” This phase will respond to the initial “Safer at Home” easing
issued by the state. The goal is to retain 60-65% social distancing.
Phase 2 – “Open-Limited:” This phase will begin to reopen city facilities and services in
accordance with public health guidance.
Phase 3 – “Open-except large gatherings and vulnerable populations:” This phase will
re-open many city services and facilities, with restrictions on gatherings and protections
for vulnerable populations.
Phase 4 – “Fully Open:” This phase will return services to the new normal.
Library staff are developing a phased plan for resuming library services (see below). City
Council will review and provide direction on all department plans during the May 5,
2020 City Council Meeting.
Draft Boulder Public Library Phased Plan for Resuming Services
DURING PHASES 1 and/or 2
•Patron pick up of current items on hold by appointment from tables outside the
Main Library.
•Call Center open to receive requests for pick up appointments. Pickup
appointments may also be available on the library website.
•Returns will not be accepted.
Duration: First two to three weeks upon implementation, limited hours including one
each evening and weekend times
14
•Patrons will be permitted to place new holds on the Main Library’s items and
arrange for pick up by appointment as above.
•Returns will be accepted in the outdoor book return bins. Items will be held in
quarantine for 72 hours. They will be checked in and put back into circulation
after the quarantine period.
•Pending staffing availability home delivery of library materials may be provided
by request.
•Carnegie Archive may resume reference services by telephone and email.
Duration: Subsequent two to three weeks, limited hours including one each evening
and weekend times
DURING PHASE 3
•Patrons permitted to access the Main Library building for holds/materials pick-
up, materials return and limited public computing.
•Staff will be available to retrieve items from closed collections stacks.
•No meeting room, theater of story time/play area use.
•No in-person programs.
•Carnegie Archive may resume by appointment only service on a limited basis.
Duration: Until phase 4 is permitted, limited hours may be expanded depending upon
staff availability.
DURING PHASE 4
•Open public access to Main Library.
•Limited meeting room use.
•Limited, small public programs observing any health and safety requirements
(e.g., storytime in large meeting room with limited maximum capacity, perhaps
with preregistration required).
•Other library facilities open as health, safety, and budget restrictions permit.
15
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT MAY 2020
NORTH BOULDER BRANCH LIBRARY PROJECT UPDATE
The project team received a detailed design development budget for the North Boulder Branch Library
in the middle of April. This budget presented a professional cost estimate required to fund the full
vision plan for the library and site development. The project construction total, along with project soft
costs, exceeds available funds by about $2.4 million. This gap had been identified for some time in
previous cost estimate work. In order to pursue the whole vision plan for the project, the library was
hopeful that the gap would be bridged through one or more possible funding sources (capital
fundraising through the Boulder Library Foundation, a disbursement from the City’s General Fund, or
through the creation of a library district). However, with the onset of the COVID-19 health crisis, it
become apparent that the project funding would not likely be increased. In order to right-size the
project to fit available funding, the project team has been heavily focused on modifying the design
development set and the library site plan to bring cost estimates in line with available project
funding. In recent conversations, the project team has focused on the priority of completing the
building nearly in its entirety, preserving the ability for the library to provide core services and programs
and maintain the footprint necessary to provide vital community resources such as a generous maker
space, community meeting spaces, and the ability for the BoulderReads program to have a prominent
new home at this location. In addition, the project team has to ensure that the design development
plan meets the standards for site review criteria at the City of Boulder.
The associated value-engineering work was focused on cost savings in four main areas:
• Reduced sitework/earthwork
• Planning for the building to be net zero ready versus net zero from day one
• Reducing or selecting different interior and exterior finishes
• Removing outdoor amenities including the playground, the outdoor learning garden, and the
outdoor maker space. These can be added at a later date when funding is available.
This value engineering work, along with an additional generous commitment from the Boulder Library
Foundation, has brought the project into alignment with allocated and available funding. The project
team is working with consultants to modify site review documents to reflect this new value-engineered
building and site plan. The team will submit revised documents to Planning & Development Services
(P&DS) on May 11, 2020. A P&DS review process will follow culminating with a hearing before Planning
Board, likely to be held in July 2020. This will conclude the site review process for this project and the
project team will move on to Technical Document Review which will likely take three months and will
overlap with creating the construction documents set. The project team expects to release a public bid
for contractors near the end of the year. Construction is slated to being in the first or second quarter of
2021.
16
In addition to this work, the project team continues to coordinate outreach and engagement with
important stakeholders- the youth and families in north Boulder. The team has been working with
Growing Up Boulder (GUB) to hear about the priorities and ideas of these north Boulder families, many
of whom are part of underrepresented communities. Students at Crest View and Foothills Elementary
Schools have been studying the NoBO library plans and the schools have aligned curriculum around this
project. Before and during at-home learning, students have been hard at work researching precedents,
developing their best ideas, and they are ready to present their recommendations at an interactive
virtual share out event on May 6, 2020. The project team is excited to hear this feedback and will work
during the next phase of the planning to incorporate ideas where able, or to document ideas around
outdoor amenities to incorporate at a later time. The students and families have been so enthusiastic
about this project, a good number of them have written letters of support to City Council, the Planning
Board, and to the Library Commission. Input received from the GUB/Library collaboration will be
shared with the Library Commission when available.
QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The 2019 Q4 Library performance measures, 2019 meeting room performance, and the 2019 study
room performance reports are posted on the library website.
17
Commission Memo
Meeting Date: May 6, 2020 – via Microsoft Teams
1. Items from Commission (verbal)
a. Ongoing outreach efforts (All)
i. Outreach to Council Members & Candidates;
1. Discussions with Aaron Brocket, email response from Rachel
Friend, other email or outreach
b. ALA – Engaging Library Supporters During COVID-19 Pandemic – ongoing
webinars
2. Updates from Commissioners Representing the Commission in
other Venues (verbal)
a. BLF Update (Jane / Joel);
i. Update on HALO
b. Champions – joint efforts
3. Update on Emails & Phone Calls to Library Commission
A)
On Apri. 29, 2020 11:43 AM
juana@lawrenceandgomez.com
To:Alycia Murray
Cc:Farnan, David,bpl-com@boulderlibrary.org
Hi, Alycia,
Yes, there will be items on the agenda besides the action items that require a vote. In the past, our
agenda has been published on the Friday or Monday ahead of the meeting.
Juana
On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 11:27:47 AM MDT, Alycia Murray <alyciamurray@gmail.com> wrote:
Thank you, Juana. I appreciate that and I appreciate your work as acting chair, as well as your past (and
ongoing) work with Boulder Library Champions to determine whether or not Boulder Public Library should
stay with the City or create its own district.
I would think that during this time, when 70% of library staff has been furloughed and patrons, especially
the most vulnerable, may have great difficulty receiving any remote services AND with tax revenues
devastated, the Commission would indeed have MUCH to talk about at this meeting.
Given that, I sincerely hope the Commission adds additional agenda items at the meeting to discuss what
the Commission is trying to do to assist David Farnan and all BPL staff during this difficult time, and what
David Farnan and remaining BPL staff are doing to serve Boulder at this time, in particular Boulder's most
vulnerable populations. Of course, it would also be interesting and quite relevant to hear beginning
discussions on how the library might operate to provide additional services beyond the remote ones now
being provided in our "novel Coronavirus" world.
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Thank you for your time and attention and I look forward to receiving information on attending the
meeting.
Best regards, Alycia Murray
On Wed, Apr 29, 2020 at 10:07 AM <juana@lawrenceandgomez.com> wrote:
Hi, Alycia,
Yes, you will be able to listen into our meeting next week.
You will receive an invitation with login and call-in information.
Cheers,
Juana
On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 9:45:45 AM MDT, juana@lawrenceandgomez.com
<juana@lawrenceandgomez.com> wrote:
Hi, Alycia,
The library commission is using a Microsoft product called Teams, not Zoom. It is being investigated
how, in the future, we might allow for real-time public comment, for folks to weigh in, or to listen in.
You will be able to hear next week's proceedings later, as the meeting will be recorded and will be
shared publicly. The only order of business for May 6 is the seating of a new commissioner and then the
election of officers by and from among the commissioners.
Thank you for your interest.
Juana
On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 9:17:37 AM MDT, Alycia Murray <alyciamurray@gmail.com> wrote:
Thank you for your reply, Juana. I’d really like to attend via Zoom or another platform and hear what
you all are talking about. I do believe it is an open, public meeting . I don’t even have to talk (can be
muted the whole time).
Sincerely, Alycia Murray
On Wed, Apr 29, 2020 at 8:35 AM <juana@lawrenceandgomez.com> wrote:
Hello, Alycia,
Please write an email to the Commission with your concerns and we will read them into the record.
bpl-com@boulderlibrary.org
Council and the City administration have not given us or other boards the capabilities for allowing
live public comment at this time.
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Best regards,
Juana Gomez, Acting Chair, Boulder Library Commission
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Alycia Murray <alyciamurray@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 28, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Subject: Hi! How can I attend the Library Commission's May 6 meeting?
To: <tim@engagecolorado.com>
Hi, Tim. Can you tell me how to attend the May 6 meeting?
Thanks so much!
Alycia Murray
Librarian
Thrice-monthly (on average) sub in BPL
Boulder citizen
B)
On Wednesday, April 29, 9:37 AM
From: Steven Frost to JJ Pennell
JJ,
Thank you so much for your email. We appreciate your thoughts and will take them into account
as we move forward.
North Boulder has grown a great deal in the last few years and this library has been in the works
for 20+ years. We love the little corner library but its limited hours and size doesn't match the
energy and population of NoBo.
When the city decides to create a new building or library branch there are many ways that they
fund it. Some money comes from the Boulder Library Foundation, some from investments, and
some from taxes. While I'm impressed with your concern for the environment, the money being
used to build the new library was saved/set aside specifically for the library and is difficult or
illegal to use for other purposes.
I am happy to report that the environment is a primary consideration of the new location's
design. It will be a very green building which will use much less energy to heat and cool than
most buildings in Boulder. In accordance with city regulations, it will also use as many low
impacts and locally sourced materials as possible. Our hope is that visitors to the library will be
inspired by many of the building's environmentally-focused innovations and try them in their own
work or home.
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I understand that you are concerned about safety in the new library and so are we. That's why
our staff is trained to handle the many situations that can arise in a public space. The library is
open to everyone rich or poor, housed or un-housed. All library patrons are treated with respect
and dignity whether they live in a nice house or are experiencing homelessness. This is one of
the things that I love most about libraries.
Thank you for your email.
Steven Frost
Boulder City Library Commissioner
Submitted at 04/27/20 8:55 PM
Your Name: JJ Pennell
Email: Jbpennell01@bvsd.org
Message: Dear Boulder City Council,
My name is JJ Pennell. I am a fifth grader at Crestview Elementary in north Boulder. I am writing
to tell you that I think that we should not build the North Boulder library. I love libraries but I think
that this one is not the best Idea. Here are my reasons:
My first reason is that there is already a library nearby so why would you put in another one.
My second reason is that they are spending a lot of money into building this library and that
money should be spent on something more useful such as something to reduce world pollution
or help global warming, something that's necessary.
Another important reason is that the location that the library would go is right next to a homeless
shelter so during the day homeless people would hang out at the library which could make
some people become uncomfortable.
A lot of kids would be going there and that makes the place really unsanitary because the place
would be filled with germs which could lead to people getting sick and not wanting to go back.
The place would be wasting paper because they would have to make new books which takes a
ton of paper.
In conclusion I think that we should not have this library. I hope that these reasons help you
decide.
Sincerely,
JJ
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D)
Submitted at 04/30/20 9:45 AM
Your Name: Emmy Valentine
Email: bouldervalentines@gmail.com
Message: Dear Library Commission,
I live just outside of North Boulder and attend Crest View Elementary and I would LOVE to have a library
close to me. I'm not the only one, a bunch of people think it is a great idea to have a Library in North
Boulder. Also this isn't just going to be a library it is going to
be a space for kids to learn and have fun! Even if there are a few people that
don't want this library built, there are so many more that do. The kids that
had the opportunity to get their ideas out there and in this project are going to be
very disappointed that they don't get to anymore, I hope you do end up building the
library.
Sincerely, Emmy
C)
Submitted at 04/30/20 10:31 AM
Your Name: Elsa Dean-Kendall
Email: patricadean8@gmail.com
Message: Dear City Council ,planning board and Library Commission,
My name is Elsa and I'm currently in fifth grade at Crestview Elementary. I know due to the Coronavirus
and reduced tax revenue, budgets are probably a lot tighter. It's not going to be the easiest option to go
forward with this project, but sometimes it's not the easiest route that's the best for everyone in the long
run.
A library can open up so many opportunities. I was fortunate enough to live near the main Boulder library
before we moved to North Boulder. Up here there is not a decent sized library. At the NOBO corner library
you can’t really get all those connections and fundamental experiences needed to really build a
community.
Libraries can open up so many opportunities ,you can really learn something new everyday it's not just an
expression. There's so much out there to learn and it's an amazing privilege that everyone should have.
Not everyone is able to go to one of the bigger library branches in Boulder. This means they miss out on
story time and a lot of the activities they have at the bigger branches. Story time can help kids get
interested in a lot of different books at an early age and the bigger libraries have activities to keep kids
interested like Legos, games, crafts and the maker’s space..
Libraries in community spaces can build fond memories. I remember going down for Story Time, plays,
movie making and other activities. It taught me how to read and gave me all of those amazing
experiences that libraries offer.
Libraries aren't just places with books. They are places where people gather, learn and collaborate
together. As Boulder continues to grow without a North Boulder library that can function as a community
space the opportunities of knowledge are taken away from more and more people. Most kids can’t just go
downtown so instead of picking up one of those books they have read for the millionth time they will just
watch T.V or do something else. If you do decide to build the new NoBo library there will be so many
opportunities for Knowledge and connections. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and listen
to my opinion. I really hope that the new NoBo library is built and I can continue building memories
together with my friends as a community
Sincerely, Elsa Dean-Kendall
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