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Home My WebLink AboutTC Digest 2012-07-13 (2)Page 1 of 1 DIGEST Scott Anderson From: Califdell@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:11 PM To: editor@thearknewspaper.com _ Cc: deirdre@thearknewspaper.co; ss.bass@comcast.net; bergsund8@comcast.net; gennyhenny@gmail.com; cforell@comcast.net; knoche615@yahoo.com; margaret.jones@ucsf.edu; dianelynch@gmail.com; Bordons@aol.com; beverlee.johnson@comcast.net; Mayor, Jim Fraser; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; rctib2@gmail.com; askalicenow@usa.net; Councilmember Frank Doyle; bhwilfly@gmail.com; fhwilfly@gmail.com; 2reallinda@att.net; kkgds@yahoo.com; briggin1 @mindspring.com; Wmdknick@comcast.net; janetteknick@comcast.net; judywebb23@gmail.com; Peggy Curran; Scott Anderson; dsuddendorf@yahoo.com; sbrautovich@comcast.net; sflukens@gmail.com; gigiusher@aol.com; dunlay@sbcglobal.net; connie94920@yahoo.com Subject: Story Poles article To clarify - in the July 12, 2012 edition of the ARK, regarding the petition organized by former Belvedere and Tiburon civic leaders, calling for the proposed expansion to be scaled back, the article indicates that we used incorrect figures and states: "The latter petition misstates the size of the library expansion - it's 16,000 square feet, not 16,500 square feet." Our information for the petition was obtained from the library. Please note that on the library website, under "Frequently Asked Questions About the Library Expansion", the answer to question # 7 , dated June 30, 2012, is the following: "7. Is the Library expansion compatible with the current building and will it also fit the character of the area architecturally? The expansion will be 16,500 square feet on two stories. The footprint will be 10,000 sq ft." We stated the correct figures. Our petition was drafted by the R E A D (Residents Envision Alternate Design) group after several meetings, many phone calls and emails over a two week period. The group includes Sharon Bass, Joan Bergsund, Genny Chapman, Carol Forell, Marilyn Knight, Margaret Jones, Diane Lynch and myself. We were careful to work with information provided to us by the library staff. Dellie Woodring E t,.. rJ REC JUL 12 2012 PLANNING DI, - -414 7/12/2012 RECEIVED From: Gayla Edwards [mailto:gayla.edwardscar@gmail.com] JUL 10 2012 Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 4:53 PM To: Jsfraseri@comcast.net PLANNING DIVISION Subject: I support the Library Expansion! Dear Council Fraser, My experience in living in different communities across the USA; is that the Library is the foundation of every community. When moving to a new town or city; I obtain a library card within two weeks. I also peruse the community literature, most often located in the library's entranceway, so I may gain further knowledge and connections within my new community. My experience with the Belvedere-Tiburon Library (BTL) was amazing to read the "In the Stacks" Newsletter and seeing this community's commitment for electronic education: with hands-on experience with a librarian to answer questions, presentations by local authors and knowledgeable business people willing to donate their time and skills which continues to stimulate our citizen's personal growth and development. The Teen's and Children's variety of programs provides a community resource for parent's participation as well as children's only activities. The Director and Library Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, giving great information and direction for newcomers in the community. Overall, the BTL is a people's library open to everyone. I have attended the evening programs, artist's receptions, researched in the reference materials, checked out books and videos, and have attended conversational language group meetings. Every week I am in the library. I look forward to living fifty more years in this community. In addition, I appreciate knowing that technology, cultural events, family fun events, educational and personal growth activities will continue developing within my community. Sincerely submitted, Gayla G. Edwards 1807 Centro West St. #B Tiburon, CA 94920-1909 415.755.3883 gayla.edwardscarggmail.com -----Original Message----- From: liz schmidt [mailto:liz.schmidt5@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 09, 2012 5:16 PM To: JSFraserl@comcast.net Cc: emmett@vikingind.com; rctib2@gmail.com; askalicenow@usa.net; standingstone@sbcglobal.net Subject: Library Expansion Dear Mayor Fraser - I wish to make my opinions known regarding the library expansion. The planned expansion is too MASSIVE. In other words, "In your face" hugh. Why is a "cultural center" necessary in view of the limited availalble space? And the fact that it completely dwarfs Town Hall. Nothing I have heard or read has convinced me otherwise. Please consider your decisions very carefully. Respectfully submitted, Liz Schmidt Tiburon -----Original Message----- From: Susan Z. Wolfe [mailto:szwolfel0l@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 09, 2012 6:31 PM To: JSFraserl@comcast.net; emmett@vikingind.com; rctib@gmail.com; askalicenow@usa.net; standingstone@sbcglobal.net Subject: Library Expansion To members of the Tiburon Town Council: The newly revised plans for the Library expansion are impressive and when implemented will bring many benefits to Tiburon and Belvedere residents. There will be much more space young children, a quiet place for adults to read, a teen room for young adult activities such as study sessions, and book clubs. The new library will bring us into the computer age with more stations and other improvements in technology bringing our library into the 21st century. The weekly programs will no longer have people standing in the entry trying to hear the speaker inside the room as there will be room for all to be seated comfortably. In addition the expanded library will be a "green" building, reducing energy costs and creating expansive views of the open space through large glass windows. Most exciting to me is the concept of a children's garden and a beautifully landscaped plaza leading to an expanded Zelinsky Park. This will provide space for enjoyment of the outdoors where we now have a parking lot. There have been many concerns about the originally proposed size and the architects have done a good job of reducing the square footage to reflect the issues brought forward by some in the community while still meeting the needs of library users and staff. Those who came to the Library Open House were able to get accurate information from architects, staff and Agency members, as opposed to some of the incorrect information published in the Ark. Unfortunately there was no coverage of the Open House by the newspaper. Hopefully the Ark will send a reporter to the next open house on July 14 to learn first hand what is being proposed.. We are a small town but not a provincial one and should have a library that reflects the many new as well as old ways people use libraries. I urge you to look forward and approve the Library's expansion plans. Susan Wolfe 412 Paradise Drive Tiburon Sent from my iPad= FN IC v IG I v c Ij B ~0 KN I _k R,1 ~ S July 5, 2012 Tiburon Town Council 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 JUL -g 2012 TOWN MANAGERS OFFICE TOWN OF TIBURON Dear Tiburon Town Council, I am a member of Bookmarks and I support the library expansion. The library expansion is important to me because we are parents of young readers. I feel the expansion would keep up with the growth and needs of the community. Also to keep our community up to date with technology trends. Thank you for the time and effort you have taken in reviewing the library expansion plan. Sincerely, Carolyn Clahan Community Parent Our Mission: To instill and inspire the love of Books in our, ouch through reacting, learning and discovem. From: Sandra Otter [mailto:sandra@go-team.net] Sent: Monday, July 09, 2012 1:41 PM To: jsfraseri@comcast.net; emmett@vikingind.com; rctib2@gmail.com; askalicenow@usa.net; standingstone@sbcglobal.net Subject: Belvedere-Tiburon Library Expansion I am writing in support of the expanded Belvedere - Tiburon Library. As you probably are aware I have lived in this community my entire life. I have seen the growth of not just the library but also of the community. Since I was a child the population has grown, and the population has changed. As a result the community needs to change. When the current library was built the planners developed a space for the young children in the area but now they have grown up into teens and young adults so it is time to expand to accommodate their new needs. Also, with the addition of the Corner Books & Coffee Cart in the library instead of paying rent on the Boardwalk, now the proceeds will benefit the library not some other for-profit company. You may also be aware that this was a very important project for my late mother, Ann Otter. So this project has a personal importance for me and my family. To see one of her projects completed for the continued benefit of the community she loved so dearly would be a great compliment to her spirit. Thank you, Sandra Otter Tiburon Page 1 of 1 Scott Anderson From: Scott Anderson Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 12:06 PM To: 'Deirdre McCrohan'; 'Deirdre McCrohan' Cc: Dan Watrous Subject: Library Design Review Application Correspondence Deirdre, Per your request to the Town Manager, I am forwarding all the correspondence in the Design Review file for the Library Expansion Project. As you can see, none of it has been submitted directly to Town Staff but has been forwarded by others for inclusion in the public record. I will be happy to send similar bundles of newly-received correspondence to you on a periodic basis, but you may need to jog my memory now and then as many other matters compete for my attention. Have a good week-end. Scott 7/5/2012 Page 1 of 1 i Scott Anderson From: Peggy Curran Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 1:31 PM To: Scott Anderson; Dan Watrous Subject: FW: Support for Library Expansion ®t11 n. v1 E I1 L_ Lv i` PLANT NiNG DIVISION FYI. As these come in I will forward to you so you are the repository and file-keepers. MargaretA. (Peggy) Can-an Town. Manager, Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 415-435-7383 ycurran( ci.tiburon.ca.us w,n,w.ci.tiburon.ca.us From: Jim Fraser [mailto:jsfraseri@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 1:29 PM To: Peggy Curran Subject: FW: Support for Library Expansion As these come in will forward them to you. Jim From: Ississ@comcast.net [mailto:lsslss@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 12:25 PM To: JSFraserl@comcast.net Subject: Support for Library Expansion Mr. Mayor. My wife and I wholeheartedly support the Tiburon Library expansion plans. Lots of detailed planning went into the plans and the direct result will be a wonderful library, This updated library will add to the rich fabric of our incredible town.. We encourage you to throw your support behind this well thought out addition to,our community. Sincerely, Lane & Holly Sorrelle 86 Marinero Circle Tiburon, CA 94920 PH: 415-435-0471 lssissL@.comcast.net 6/15/2012 Page 1 of 1 Scott Anderson From: Peggy Curran Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 8:12 AM - - - To: Mayor, Jim Fraser Cc: Scott Anderson Subject: RE: Library f: aCv PlLtd` Thanks. Will keep amassing the file as it comes in. i MargaretA. (Peggy) Curran Town Manager, Town of Tiburon x505 Tiburon Boulevard Tiburon, CA 94920 415-435-7383 pcurranfti.tiburonxa.us www-xi.tiburon.m.us From: Jim Fraser [mailto:jsfraseri@comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 5:37 PM To: Peggy Curran Subject: Library These were given to me by folks who asked that they be made part of the public record. I am guessing that you may have seen them already. Jim 6/15/2012 U99 I \.Y yy PLANNING DIVISION 5/31'/2012 17 David Bordon 49 Belvedere Ave. Belvedere Mayor and City Council Belvedere I am advised that the Library Agency has been asked to make a -presentation to the Belvedere City Council of June 11, 2012. Unfortunately, I currently have a conflict and will be unable to attend that meeting. As I stated at the Council meeting in May, t believe that the library Agency, and particularly the Trustees appointed by Belvedere, need to address certain financial and govemanbe issues which are material to the current and future operations of the library. I have summarized the issues below, in the hope that they will provide an outline to the Council in its question and answer period with the representative of the Agency and/or Trustees. (1) Funding of the Library and the Impact of Loss of State Funds: The major sources of funding for the library are property taxes, grants from the Library Society, and state funding. At the May meeting I brought to the council's attention that the California State Library Funding had been reduced by 50%. 1 have now learned that the entirety of that funding has been lost,. with the resulting hole in the budget being between $70,000 and $80,000. Further, a second source of state funding (ERAF) is reportedly in jeopardy; The library budgeted revenue for 2012 of $277,222 from ERAF. THE ISSUE FOR THE LIBRARY AND THE TRUSTEES is how It will make up these known and potential losses of state revenue.. The proposed library expansion comes at a time of state fiscal crises; as I pointed'out-at the May meeting, the Library Agency needs to openly address the issue of funding. (2) Additional Operating Costs Associated with an Expanded Library: There have been no studies done as to the additional costs associated with operating the expanded library. As I pointed out to the Council. at the May meeting, the Agency to date has not calculated the costs of operating the expanded facility, nor has it determined how those additional costs will be funded. THE ISSUE FOR THE LIBRARY AND THE TRUSTEES is what will be the additional operating costs---insurance, building and grounds maintenance, janitorial expenses, electricity and gas, water, replacement furniture and fixtures-and what will 'be the additional personnel costs. Will additional staff: be required to service the additional programs offered by the expanded library; will the coffee shop require staffing; will monitoring of a doubling of space require more staff. Again, full disclosure requires an analysis of the additional operating costs; further, the question-needs to be asked--where will these funds come from. (3) Impact of Technology on Size of the Proposed Library Agen e~+: At the May meeting I pointed outthat the original needs study for the library was done in 2006; while the consultants recently stated that the needs of the library would be met by the proposed library expansion plan, there has not been any positing of the following' question: what impact has technology had on the space needs of the library. THE ISSUE FOR THE LIBRARY AND THE TRUSTEES is to explain whether technology will have an impact on expansion plans that are six years old, and will probably be eight to ten years old by the time funds are raised for the expansion and building is completed. (6j Retaining a Public Relations Firm to Push Back Against Community Opposition: At the May meeting, I expressed surprise that the Library Agency has retained Solem and Associates, a San Francisco public relations firm, to gamer support for the library's expansion plans and push back against what is saw as growing['- local opposition. Since that meeting, I have teamed that $6000 has been spent to date, and that it has the E > green light to continue its PR campaign for an additional two months at $5000 per month. The contract between the Library Agency and Solem spells out the goals of the PR campaign: "As you have witnessed during the last several months, the community members that oppose the library are organized and persistent in their attempt to derail the expansion approval process. You will need to continue to educate and convince the citizens, community leaders and elected officials of Belvedere and Tiburon Qf the need for the. expansion while at the same time clearly refuting arguments made by the opponents." THE ISSUE FOR THE LIBRARY AND THE TRUSTEES is how they can justify (legally and as a matter of public policy) spending tax revenues on a PR campaign aimed at pushing back against public debate. As I stated at the May meeting, my experience on the Council and as Mayor (although admittedly quite some time ago), was that when there were competing views on an issue or project, the Council held meetings, sought input and debate, and tried to reach consensus. Fairing a PR firm to stifle debate would have been unheard of. While the issue of whether this expenditure of flax revenues is within the scope of powers of the t.ibrary Agency may ultimately have to be - decided by a court, the issue of whether this is good public policy should be discussed now. A library should unite a community. The proposed addition tothe library is instead dividing the community. While many are focused on the plans from an architectural point of view-is the proposed building sited correctly, what will its visual effect be on the current civic buildings, is it consistent with the small town community character of Belvedere and Tiburon, my focus is on fiscal and govemance issues. In addition to getting answers to the questions outlined above, I would hope that the Council can give some direction to its appointed trustees as to their obligations as fiduciaries of the community. David Bordon PS: I have separately forwarded.my exchange of e-mail correspondence with the Library raising many of these issues; the exchange includes their answers. I have queried the Chair of the Board of Trustees as to whether the Trustees had anything to add to these answers and been advised that they do not have additional facts, observations or comments. V 5 PLANNING DIVISION ----Original Message--~ From., Debbie Mazzolini <dm.a4oEir;Qbel-lib-lily org> To: David Bordon <bordon4Pol.com> Sent: Tue, May 22, 202 4:54 pm Subject: Library questions David, Thank you for your inquirift. Let me know if you want to meet tomorrow.as my calendar is starting to fill in. Please be aware that the ortly entitlement the Library is seeking at this time is Design Review. from the Town (i.e. what does the expansion look like). That being'said, please see my responses below: From: David Dordon [riiaifto:b rdtilttCdol.cornj Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 12:24 PM To: Debbie Ma=lini Subject: A= Library questions Debbie--L am trying to clear my calendar for early Wednesday afternoon. In the mean tune, I thought it would help to letyou know some of the questions I have, which don't seem to be answered from a review of the minutes of the Library Agency: -Library'Foundation: How much is the endowment of theLibrary. Fund and ofthe total, hbw much.ofthat is restricted fonds, how much is available for capital improvements (ie; an expanded library facility) and how much is unrestricted. What has been tho historyof contributions of both restricted and unrestricted fiends since 2008. The April 2011 Minutes state that the ending value of the portfolio as ofMarch 31, 2'0,11 was $1.7m; is this the total amount of both restrieW and unrestricted funds. Also, those minutes reflect (as I told thetelvedere Council) that the donor base was down and contributions wire down from the prioryear, is this. true? What are the major sources of revenue of the Foundation and are there any projections as to the amount atiticipated. in the next three years from each source of funds? 6113/2012 Page 2 of 2 yi I am the Director of the Library and work with the Library Agency. The Foundation is a separate 501c3. -Library Agency: Are the budgets ofthe Agency available for the last three years. I am interested in the sources and uses of funds--ie: bow much has the library been receiving from various sources and what have its expenditures been? As to public funds, have any projections been, made as to whether they will increase, decrease, or be flat over the next three years? All budgets are available for your review at the Library. Please ask at the Reference Desk I'm happy to discuss this with you in more detail when we meet. -Library Expanslon Planning Costs: How much has been spent on the proposed library expansion to date (consultants; architects; engineers; publicity; etc) and what has been the source of those funds. What has been budgeted as costs to get to they point of final construction approval by Tiburon. These numbers are currently being calculated and depend-on the size of fhe Library card follow Design Review. Project books are being done as we speak and all casts will be available in one place. -Library Expansion Operating Costs: Has a study been done of the costs of operating the library after the proposed expansion is completed. What are the projected increased costs, Operation casts have been carefully reviewed, but cannot be fully ascertained until after Design Review. --Salem Associs#es: What was the purposo of retaining Solem Associates, what have they been paid to date, and what is the source of the finding. I would like to get a copy of any retainer agreements as well as correspondence relating to same. Solem was engaged to facllitate communications with the community. We do not have a feral agreement with them yet but are working on a draft that should be final in the near future. =Technology and the User Experience: Has there been any study of the impact of technology on the space needs of the library. Who studied this, when and what was the result of the study. This was part of the needs assessment, which is available on our website. We are also doing an information paper on this topic. As i explained to the Belvedere City Council, my focus is on good governance. I believe that the Trustees should be asking these questions and have answers to all readily at hand. My concern is that there is no record in the minutes that these questions are being asked or that the answers are clearly forthcoming. 6/13/2012