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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Digest 2012-07-20 (3)INDIVIDUAL LETTERS AND E.MAILS 7/14/12 Thru 7/19/12 Local Page 1 of 1 r% I e% cc% Joan Palmero IAQ"%~T From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 8:42 AM To: Peggy Curran; Dan Watrous; Scott Anderson Cc: Joan Palmero Subject: FW: Opposition to Library Expansion For Digest and Library Report. DCI From: Melindatriplett [mailto:mhtriplett@aol.com] Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2012 8:52 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Opposition to Library Expansion Hi Diane, We feel very strongly that the existing proposed design of the building is too massive. It does not fit in with the small town character that we think should be maintained. As designed, it looks as if it should be called The Tiburon Hilton. Furthermore, a facility of this size will attract more people from neighboring cities, creating more traffic on Tiburon Blvd. than we have now. Those of us who live in the northern part of Tiburon do not want to face more traffic hurdles getting into and out of Tiburon. Also, if the funding is not provided by private donations, we feel the burden will fall on the tax payers. For these reasons we are against the massive expansion of the library. As over 40-yr. residents of Tiburon, we feel that a modest expansion at the rear of the building would be appropriate. Please forward this e-mail to the Mayor and Council Members. Thank you. Jim and Melinda Triplett 7/16/2012 July 16, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayer, and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell Town of Tiburon !505 Tiburon Blvd. Tiburon, CA 94920 Dear Mayor and Town Council Members I'm writing in my capacity of Children's Librarian for this community, a position I've been fortunate to hold for fifteen years. During that time I've watched the library's first group of babies enter high school and the first group of preschoolers leave for college. Here at the library we've worked hard to hide from the public the ways in which library functions are hampered by lack of adequate space. If people only knew the number of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops I've turned away, the groups of mothers who flock here on rainy days when they can't go to the park, or how baby carriages block access to the kids room, they'd understand how tight our situation is. When classes come to the library for tours or to learn about resources they are always sitting on the floor. We literally don't have enough seats for one group of children. And, the eight tiny chairs in the children's room are too small for anyone over age eight. Bigger tables and chairs won't fit or provide enough seating. When students arrive after school in the afternoon there is a mad rush into the building. Each one is trying to get to a table, a computer, a chair, or just a spot on the floor before they are all taken. I've dubbed it the "daily dash". You can encourage the children in this community to grow up and be civically active by showing that their needs are important, and that they are wanted here. Cramped inadequate space does not send an encouraging message. The library is a vital resource to community members of all ages. Please help us to continue providing the level of service that the community has come to expect, and to meet the community's changing needs. Thank You, Alicia Bell Children's Librarian, Belvedere-Tiburon Public Library DIGES"'r (Date) The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 VIA EMAIL: Town Council Members c/o Diane Crane: dcrwi& ci.tiburon.ca.us Re: No Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am writing to not support the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a expansion of the existing library facility. The Agency has received the best professional advice regarding our library's space and functional needs for the coming decades. These needs have been thoroughly reviewed with you at previous public meetings. The architects translation of those space requirements into a insensitive addition to a library building. This addition is not very respectful of the architectural style and character of our beloved library. The proposed design before you for approval has fully taken into account the directions you have previously offered regarding size, views and visual relationships to Town Hall. The time is not now to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is not a rare opportunity for the community to receive a big unnecessary building not amuch-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. It would be a terrible shame to build this. Respectfully, (Name)Arthur Sandler (Address)28 Marinero Unit 6 Tiburon 94920 Page 1 of 1 Scott Anderson From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 8:46 AM To: 'Califdell@aol.com' Cc: Peggy Curran; Dan Watrous; Scott Anderson; Joan Palmero Subject: RE: True Picture for Public Yes, I am forwarding to staff to download and print copy of your message for distribution. You can forward it directly to the Council if you like. Best, DCI From: Califdell@aol.com [maiIto: Califdell@aol.com] Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2012 9:29 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Cc: Califdell@aol.com Subject: True Picture for Public Hi Diane - Could you please forward this to Town Council members, S. Anderson, D. Watrous, and Peggy? Thank you, Diane - Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: dellie woodring <califdell aol.com> Date: July 15, 2012 2:35:18 PM Hi All- if you go to back of bldg. on Mar West you'll see that new proposed parking area is NOT marked off. This is a crucial part of the overall plan. It seems that the agency has directed an incomplete job - with this omission, no downward lines from rooflines, and no REAL 3D model ( not media on screen ) the public is not getting the advantage of having the true picture. Dellie Woodring 7/16/2012 Page 1 of 1 Scott Anderson From; Linda Tripp [2reallinda@att.net] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 3:43 AM To: JimFraser@marinismyhome.com; rctib2@gmail.com; Councilmember Frank Doyle; Councilmember Alice Fredericks; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; Scott Anderson Dear Town Council Members, PLEASE honor us residents by delineating, completely, the Library expansion plans by filling in the verticals from the roof-line corners to the ground and defining the proposed parking lot off Mar West. We would like to see a clear definition of ALL outlines - as any plan that is intended to be open, with nothing to hide, could and should be presented for our public assessment. And where and when can we see a real, hands-on 3-D presentation which includes the Tiburon Town Hall? Thank you, Linda Tripp, 2219 Centro East, Tiburon 7/16/2012 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 4:41 PM To: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: Library Story Poles -----Original Message----- From: Sylvia Ross [mailto:rossx2@earthlink.net] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 4:19 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Library Story Poles Dear Diane, Please copy and distribute this email to all council members as soon as possible. Thank you very much. Sylvia Ross Dear Mayor Frazer and Council Members, In the event that I am unable to attend the July 25 Tiburon Town Council meeting, I would like to express my reaction to the recent erection of the library story poles and the proposed new addition to the library. The poles show a building area even more massive than I had imagined. Our Town Hall will be dwarfed by this "over the top" addition if we allow it to happen. I am not even including the Library Agency in this email because I, and scores of others over the years, have objected to the size and direction this project is going. Each time I have been to a meeting, I feel our opinions, when expressed, are falling on deaf ears; they are not really listening and they do not care about what they hear unless it is in agreement with their own agenda. I have expressed opposition to the size of this new addition several times and I hope you will hear my voice and the voices of others who agree. I wish I could express as specifically and eloquently as my deceased husband and ex-councilman and mayor, Bruce Ross, did when he was alive. Both he and deceased Belvedere councilman and mayor, Dan Gale, were architects of renown and they both opposed this monstrous addition. Please listen to me and realize how this project overwhelms our downtown entrance and ruins the beautiful library and Town Hall that we now cherish. Sincerely, Sylvia Ross 1 Scott Anderson From: Sent: To: Subject: Jim Allen [captainzoomzoom@gmail.com] Monday, July 16, 2012 1:21 PM Scott Anderson What a Community RECEIVED JUL 16 2012 PLANNING DIVISION Dear Scott & Deidre I totally support the wonderful Library project; not just the offices needed and the additional accumulation of materials that have accumulated, but for a much better use of the space. By invading the space above for a second floor area and eliminating that wasted space, a kids' area will be created. Since moving to the area in 1964, I've repeatedly heard the plea for a kids' space, a place for them to "hang out". I remember the skateboard park campaign in the 701s, and I helped the kid explosion when I was the Tiburon Little League Commissioner at the same time. We've got lots of kids to listen to, and a space for them to be heard. The present meeting room of the present library is well used by the kids today, but they get in the way sometimes. It would be a marvelous use of this new space for the newly intended kids' space. But please be sure that when trucks make their deliveries to the library, that they not use their BEEP, BEEP horns as they backup. It might really disturb the beautiful silence of the library. Jim Allen. AKA Mr. Allen JIMBO' s iPhone 1 Page 1 of 2 Scott Anderson From: Joan Bergsund [bergsund8@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 4:11 PM To: JimFraser@marinismyhome.com; Richard Collins; Councilmember Frank Doyle; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; Councilmember Alice Fredericks Cc: Peggy Curran; Scott Anderson Subject: Library Expansion Plan DECEIVED Dear Mayor and Councilmembers: JUL 16 2012 PLANNING DIVISION I am a member of READ: Residents Envision Alternate Design. At no time have the READ members opposed an addition to the library. We are all committed to education of all kinds ...which the library has provided to this community in wonderful and creative ways. The need for more space has been adequately proven. It's the nature of the additional space and the enormity of it that has our concern. I so regret the path the library expansion has taken. Long before community consensus had been achieved the Library Agency engaged a prestigious architectural firm to begin drawings. While their work is exemplary, what they designed for Tiburon misses the mark. The Agency now has a monstrous building, with a wandering facade, which has essentially destroyed the original front of the building in their effort to create the Taj Mahal of libraries.By their own admission they have spent $750,000. to date. The recent "In The Stacks" makes a convincing statement in support of the present plan. It does not, however, convince the hundreds of people who object to the size, the mass and the location of the proposal. The 20 or 30 public meetings they claim to have had have not responded to the comments of those opposed to such a large addition. Reducing the overall size by 2000 ft. is not substantive. The story poles tell the tale: they outline a building so massive as to overwhelm our small downtown, in addition to our town hall. You have read the letters-to-the-editor in the ARK. Our on-line petition has garnered almost 500 signatures, 276 from local residents, all with questions and objections. I can understand the Agency's reluctance to redesign the building at this stage, but some serious modification must occur if you want broad community support for the plan. The Library Agency must have consensus when they begin fundraising. Donations from local residents will come only for a project that we can all embrace. The financial history of the expansion effort raises many questions. Because their track record has been cloaked in mystery, rather than the transparancy that is required of public agencies, I have little confidence in their statements that all funds will be raised within the private sector and that future operation costs will be modest and totally covered by the Foundation. Surely, as the decision-making body, you should require more information. It would be irresponsible to expose your constituents to the probability of a bond issue to 7/16/2012 Page 2 of 2 finance future operations... should their efforts fail. At an earlier meeting you suggested that a scale model of the addition be provided. Please insist upon one now. A computer generated design will not illustrate the mass of the proposal like a model will. Your public needs this in order to fully understand what is before them. Please delay a decision on July 25th. This building project will impact Tiburon's downtown for all time. It should receive your full attention and unbiased review. It must be the "best that we can be." Cordially, Joan Bergsund Former councilmember and mayor 7/16/2012 DIGES,T Editor, The ARK, I suggest that the whiners who-are so opposed to the expansion of the library spend an hour or two every week shelving books as I do. The library could use the help, and shelving is great exercise! And why is that particular view of St. Hilary's so sacrosanct? All one has to do is walk or drive a few yards farther and there in plain sight is the church! A lot of thought, expertise and effort have gone into the planning and design. Nothing ever satisfies everybody, so let's all forget our petty grievances and get behind a logical and necessary expansion that benefits all of us. Jane Van Blaricom Tiburon 415 435-3488 i nZ i fiE 3 T July 16, 2012 Scott Anderson Community Development Director OMG This library project is massive and obtrusive. It is beyond even my wildest fears. Even if it were free. It doesn't belong in Tiburon. I wonder, if the story poles were erected Six months ago, if we even would be having this discussion now. In my opinion, I think retrofitting the existing building to utilize the already very large space under the roof would be cheaper and much more in keeping with our small town. -All-_ Ann Reed 332 San Rafael Ave. Belvedere Copy to Tiburon Town Council Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 1:01 PM To: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: Support for Library Expansion For Digest and report. From: Eric Schoenberg [mailto:om45@mac.com] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 12:44 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Support for Library Expansion July 16, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser. Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon. CA 94920 Re: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: JiGE57 I am writing in support of the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a much needed expansion of the existing library facility. The Agency has received the best professional advice regarding our library's space and functional needs for the coming decades. These needs have been thoroughly reviewed with you at previous public meetings. The architects have achieved a highly artful translation of those space requirements into a sensitive addition to a library building. This addition is very respectful of the architectural style and character of our beloved library. The proposed design before you for approval has fully taken into account the directions you have previously offered regarding size, views and visual relationships to Town Hall. The design is also consistent with the Tiburon General Plan, which requires that buildings front on streets with parking placed to the rear of buildings. The time is now to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is a rare opportunity for the community to receive, at no cost to taxpayers, a much-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. It would be a terrible shame to waste that opportunity. Respectfully, Eric Schoenberg 106 Main St., Tiburon, CA 94-920 Eric Schoenberg om4502~mac.com 7/16/2012 Page 1 of 2 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 3:14 PM To: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: I support the library expansion For Digest and Library report. DCI DIGEST From: leela pratt [mailto:leelapratt@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 1:57 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: I support the library expansion July 16, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 VIA EMAIL: Town Council Members c/o Diane Crane: dcrane(c !ci.tiburon.ca.us Re: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am writing in support of the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a much needed expansion of the existing library facility. 7/16/2012 Page 2 of 2 The Agency has received the best professional advice regarding our library's space and functional needs for the coming decades. These needs have been thoroughly reviewed with you at previous public meetings. The architects have achieved a highly artful translation of those space requirements into a sensitive addition to a library building. This addition is very respectful of the architectural style and character of our beloved library. The proposed design before you for approval has fully taken into account the directions you have previously offered regarding size, views and visual relationships to Town Hall. The design is also consistent with the Tiburon General Plan, which requires that buildings front on streets with parking placed to the rear of buildings. The time is now to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is a rare opportunity for the community to receive, at no cost to taxpayers, a much-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. It would be a terrible shame to waste that opportunity. Respectfully, Leela Pratt 20 Teal Road Belvedere CA 94920 7/16/2012 Page 1 of 2 WT-.k R ^X T A i Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 3:09 PM To: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: letter in support of the library expansion For Digest and Staff Report. DCI From: margot geitheim [mailto:margotgeitheim@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 3:06 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: letter in support of the library expansion Dear Mayor Fraser, and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell, I am not usually in support of giant building expansions, but I am in support of our town library expansion for the following reasons: 1) Libraries are a public benefit and ours is an absolute gem. 2) Just because many of us are reading on electronic devices, does NOT mean we should throw out our paper materials. Literary security, for lack of a better term, will be non-existent if nobody ever sees a printed copy of what an author wrote; How would you like to write a book only to have some hacker completely change the ending, characters, etc, etc, etc? Can you imagine the book, " 1984" changed to 1904? And don't think it wouldn't happen; Think of the 2000 and 2004 elections and what happened in Florida and Ohio. 3) Our library's staff has stayed loyal to our town library for years; So if they've approved of these designs, who are we to question them? It's not like the staff of our library has a high turn over rate, and it's not as if some outside people are orchestrating this expansion; This is very much a TIBURON led effort... 4) Our town library has an unbelievably loyal and hard working volunteer 'staff.' Let's not waste that valueable energy because of a few naysayers. 4) The new plans have a lot of 'green' features, ie: the parking lot that absorbs rainwater; I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the people who worked on these plans. 5) Unlike other Marin County libraries, ours is open 7 days a week; It is well attended and has weekly events that showcase our local talents and community members. It is a vital part of our community; Why not help them keep up with their success? 6) Now that we allowed a large corporate DRUG store into our community, the least we can do to combat the 'evils' of drugs,!!! (Over the counter drugs have probably killed more than those drugs Nan cy Reagan warned us about!), is allow a public library which is always a place where truth reigns and information flows. Nothing is more important in a free society. 7/16/2012 Page 2 of 2 An`Avay, I could think of many more reasons - the new coffee shop, the extra computers they'll have room for, even the BOOKS they'll receive from people who are throwing out their own collections! Tiburon doesn't have a beautiful Rec center like Mill Valley does, but our library for the last 20 years has really been a jewel, so let's go with it and stop the bickering! I mean, it's not going to cost others a dime! We all know how much money are community can raise when there's a good cause, I have a feeling man 3T people are waiting for the opportunity to donate to this fabulous cause, a larger library. sincerely, margot geitheim 63 mercury ave Tiburon, CA 94920 415-789-8869 7/16/2012 Page 1 of 1 JOE Iwo 4 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 11:33 AM To: 'suzannehimmel@comcast.net' Cc: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: RE: Library expansion. Dear Ms. Himmelwright, Your letter will be printed and distributed to the Town Council. Thank you for your interest. Diane Crane lacopi Tiburon Town Clerk From: suzannehimmel@comcast.net [mailto:suzannehimmel@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 11:30 AM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Library expansion. Please forward this email regarding the library expansion to Mayor Fraser and the Town Council Members. Thanks. Dear Mayor Fraser and Town Council Members, I want to register my objection to the size and placement of the Library expansion. It overwhelms the Town Hall. I have never found the parking lot at the side unsightly. Surely that area is grandfathered in. Expansion at the back would be more aesthetic. There have been many excellent letters in the Ark that have suggested alternatives and general upset with the existing plan. I believe there should be a citizens' vote before any final go-ahead. I can see why story poles were resisted by the group pushing the expansion. They show the huge size disconnect from the surrounding buildings and the blocking of the view of our hard-fought-for open space. I have lived here for almost sixty years and love my town. I celebrate many of the changes, but this must be reconsidered. The existing Library is completely charming and the new plan destroys that. Sincerely, Suzanne Himmelwright 7/16/2012 Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 11:52 AM To: 'mrgremore@hotmail.com' Cc: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW.- Support for the proposed Library Expansion Hello, Mr. Gremore, Your letter will be printed out and distributed to the Town Council. Very truly yours, Diane Crane lacopi Tiburon Town Clerk From: Graham Gremore [mailto:mrgremore@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 11:49 AM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: My name is Graham Gremore. I am a resident of Tiburon, CA. I am writing to voice my full support of the proposed library expansion. It is a welcome and necessary addition to our fine town. The proposed expansion is tasteful and follows the guidelines of the Tiburon General Plan, and it will be of no cost to taxpayers. Libraries promote learning and open-mindedness, as well as foster community and growth. By supporting the library, we are supporting all of these things, thus making Tiburon an even better place. Sincerely, Graham Gremore 1 Eden Lane Tiburon, CA 94920 7/16/2012 July 16, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 Dear Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: am the Teen Librarian at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, where I find my job both thrilling and challenging. Local teens have high expectations of the services the library provides, including great books, engaging programs, and a place to study and use computers. Belvedere and Tiburon teens want, need, and should receive excellent service from the library they have come to know and love since early childhood. Current teen programs include the Teen Book Club, Teen Art Club, Community Service Club, Teen Movie Night, Summer Reading Challenge, and the popular Teen Lounge, when middle school and high school students hang out after school, studying, listening to music, eating healthy snacks, and being themselves. These programs are held in the Founders Room, yet even that space is not large enough. The "teen alcove" near the Teen Librarian's desk is also inadequate to accommodate the teens who visit the library daily. Teens sit at my desk and pile up on the floor in walkways. The group flows over into the public computer space and other tables used by adult patrons. The noise level escalates - to a degree high enough to evoke complaints and even to provoke angry altercations. Teen attendance and participation at the library has risen annually, and the library must accommodate the increasing needs of this growing community. If we act preemptively, we can provide the services and the space required to fill their needs and prevent future conflicts and traffic jams due to too many bodies in an unaccommodating space. Teens and their families have been vocal about their desire to expand the library; they want it and need it as soon as possible. They talk about it with excitement and enthusiasm. They have already shown themselves to be library supporters and lifelong learners. It is important for the community to support the Belvedere-Tiburon Library in its future incarnation as an accommodating, engaging, expanding center of learning and information for the entire community. Sincerely, J",etr~ Rebecca Jung Teen Librarian DIGEST Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 8:38 AM To: 'Nancy Gale' Cc: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: RE: Library Addition Dear Mrs. Gale, We will provide a copy of your letter to the Town Council. Thank you, Diane Crane Iacopi Tiburon Town Clerk -----Original Message----- From: Nancy Gale [mailto:nancymgale@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 4:54 AM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Library Addition Hi, Diane, I am traveling in Europe and will be unable to attend the meeting on the 25th. Could you please give a copy of this letter to each council member, thank you so much. Nancy Gale, Tiburon Dear Mayor Fraser and Tiburon City Council Members, I am writing once again to protest this huge, ill conceived and unnecessary addition to our beautiful Library. The present Library is a wonderful addition to our small community and in perfect scale to other buildings surrounding it, including City Hall. As more and more people are reading books on iPads and Kindles there is less need of shelf space. Many of us have protested this plan to the Library committee but our protests at meetings and in many letters to the Ark seem to be received by no one listening. There will clearly be increased maintenance and staffing costs by increasing the building size so much as well as loss of St. Hilary views and the nice open space behind the Library. Furthermore, I stop by the Library frequently and never see crowds or lines for the bathroom. If the town feels a teen center is a necessity do it elsewhere and leave this lovely structure alone. Is it possible to join the Marin County Library Agency and thus not need the administrative space that is claimed to be needed? Could someone explore this as an option or has it already been looked into? I am sorry to miss this meeting but I am traveling in Europe. My late husband, Dan Gale, an architect, was Chairman of the Belvedere Planning Commission for many years and would be totally against such a project, he loved the Library as it is. Thank you for your consideration. NancyGale Sent from my iPad 1 Page I of 2 > c Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 8:36 AM To: 'nepenthium@comcast.net' Cc: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: RE: Library Expansion Dear Mr. Hancock, We will print out and distribute a copy of your letter to the Town Council. Thank you, Diane Crane lacopi Tiburon Town Clerk From: nepenthium@comcast.net [mailto:nepenthium@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 6:01 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Library Expansion Dear Dianne; Please forward this email to Mayor Fraser and the Town Council Members: Sirs: I attended the library's Open House last Saturday, as a result of which I have a number of observations: . The story poles confirm that the expansion will result in a very large structure. The front of the proposed building with its high gable and large front is some 44 ft. closer to the sidewalk than the existing library and will result in the removal of the lovely garden and the creation of a gatehouse effect when entering the town. . The lower floor has the children's area adjacent to the adults, while the upper floor has adults adjacent to the teens. This implies that adults with wheelchairs and walkers must access magazines etc., via the elevator. I believe that all adult services should be on the ground floor, displacing either the children's area or, preferably, some of the large staff area, for relocation to the upper level. 4. It would appear that the restrooms for regular visitors are on the upper level, accessible by elevator. There are two restrooms on the lower level, but they appear to be for staff use, buried as they are in the middle of the staff area. The only other lower-level restroom is the "family restroom" in the children's section; probably not intended for use of the general population. . Do we really need a cafe to compete with our struggling downtown businesses? The cafe has been "downgraded" to bookstore plus coffee cart. Since there is table seating for 28 outside and, owing to our weather, probably additional seating inside the cafe, I have a suspicion that the "coffee cart" will end up a lot larger. Is the proposed parking adequate for the expanded library? I note that the disabled now have a 7/17/2012 Page 2 of 2 dficantly longer trek to access either the library or the Town Hall. The expected cost of the expansion appears optimistic to me, considering the fact that it must be integrated with the existing building, and must incorporate an elevator. Housing costs and construction costs are rising and will continue to rise, putting the projected upper construction cost level of $500/sq. ft. in some doubt. The library's pamphlet providing details about the expansion is somewhat disingenuous in downgrading "new space" to 11,194 sq. ft from 16,000 sq. ft., on account of "common areas like hallways, walls, and restrooms." Every square foot of additional space will be a contributor to the 16,000 sq. ft. total and overall bulk of the building. . While not opposed to an expansion of the library, the proposal appears extravagant and very bulky. I suggest, as a starting point, elimination of the cafe, and relocation of the Founders and Conference rooms in such a way as to restore the setback from the road we currently enjoy. Sincerely, Michael V. Hancock 7/17/2012 Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 8:37 AM To: 'stephen wanat' Cc: Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: RE: Library Dear Mr. Wanat, We will provide a copy of your letter to the Town Council. Thank you, Diane Crane lacopi Tiburon Town Clerk From: stephen wanat [mailto:sjwanat@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 6:24 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Cc: Mayor, Jim Fraser Subject: Library As a Tiburon resident of 36 years and an architect/planner by profession, I would like to voice my strong objection to the proposed library expansion. It is still much too massive and out of scale with the existing facility. The proposed community room would be too close to Tiburon Blvd and would not fit in with the existing character of the street. Furthermore, I see no need for another large community room when we have the town hall. The large two story addition over the parking lot should be scaled down. One story would integrate much better with the existing building. I also have problems with the lack of expansion of parking for such a large addition. I have never experienced a crowding problem in the library itself. However, I have had problems parking. Please make the library proponents more responsible in the scale of their project, and try to preserve the Tiburon Blvd. elevation of the existing building, which is one of the most attractive building we have in Marin. Many thanks, and please forward these comments to the other council members. Stephen Wanat 7/17/2012 Page 1 of 2 Joan Palmero From: Peggy Curran Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 3:45 PM To: Dan Watrous; Diane Crane lacopi; Scott Anderson; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: In support of Tiburon Library expansion From: Jim Fraser [mailto:jsfraserl@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 2:53 PM To: Peggy Curran Subject: FW: In support of Tiburon Library expansion From: Alicia Bell [mailto:abell@bel-tib-lib.org] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 12:32 PM To: 'JSFraserl@comcast.net' Subject: In support of Tiburon Library expansion Dear Mr. Fraser, I'm writing in my capacity of Children's Librarian for this community, a position I've been fortunate to hold for fifteen years. During that time I've watched the library's first group of babies enter high school and the first group of preschoolers leave for college. Here at the library we've worked hard to hide from the public the ways in which library functions are hampered by lack of adequate space. If people only knew the number of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops I've turned away, the groups of mothers who flock here on rainy days when they can't go to the park, or how baby carriages block access to the kids room, they'd understand how tight our situation is. When classes come to the library for tours or to learn about resources they are always sitting on the floor. We literally don't have enough seats for one group of children. And, the eight tiny chairs in the children's room are too small for anyone over age eight. Bigger tables and chairs won't fit or provide enough seating. When students arrive after school in the afternoon there is a mad rush into the building. Each one is trying to get to a table, a computer, a chair, or just a spot on the floor before they are all taken. I've dubbed it the "daily dash". You can encourage the children in this community to grow up and be civically active by showing that their needs are important, and that they are wanted here. Cramped inadequate space does not send an encouraging message. The library is a vital resource to community members of all ages. Please help us to continue providing the level of service that the community has come to expect, and to meet the community's changing needs. 7/18/2012 Page 2 of 2 Thank You, Alicia Bell Children's Librarian, Belvedere-Tiburon Public Library 7/18/2012 rte, r! a 4ZE From: Jill Barnett [mailto:jillgbarnett@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 3:18 PM To: Peggy Curran. RECEIVED Subject: Library Expansion JUL 18 2012 July 18, 2012 PLANNING DIVISION Dear Peggy Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the town council meeting to discuss the library expansion as I will be out of town on July 25th. I have been to two public meetings regarding the library's plans as well as the library's open house about a month ago. I have looked at the story poles currently in place. I am a former Library Foundation Board member. I started the bimonthly art display program in the Founders room at the library. I help start the children's program. I am a supporter of the library. However, I can not support the current plan for expansion that is being proposed. It is too large and massive. At the last Town Council meeting, the library representatives were asked to cut back on the size of the building. They followed the Town Council's directions but only cut back 2,500 square feet from their original plan. This is a "spit in the bucket" compared to the overall size of the proposed new addition-----not really much of a downsizing as one can see from the current story poles. The library does need additional space but I think the agency should stop shooting for the moon and be realistic with their requests. Options have been offered in the past, such as removing the "coffee cart", hire a schedule planner to reserve unused rooms in town to hold programs, enclose the outdoor space of the children's room to give them more space, rethink the programs for new technology etc. All of which have been ignored and the current plans still contain the original requests. They are not listening. Sorry I can't be there in person, but here is my input can you please include it in the public record? Sincerely, Jill G Barnett Page 1 of 2 Joan Palmero From: Peggy Curran Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 6:59 PM To: Diane Crane lacopi; Dan Watrous; Scott Anderson; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: Please do not approve the Library Expansion Plan on July 25 Margaret A. (Peggy) Curran ToNvn Manager, Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Boulevard. Tiburon,-CA 94920 415-435-7333 pcurra n 6bei.tiburon.ca.us ~-~~1~4' . C 1. t I b U I' o Il . t; a . I1's From: Marika Bergsund [mailto:marika@growinggreat.org] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 6:06 PM To: JimFraser@marinismyhome.com; rctib2@gmail.com; Councilmember Alice Fredericks; Councilmember Frank Doyle; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; Peggy Curran; Scott Anderson Subject: Please do not approve the Library Expansion Plan on July 25 Dear Tiburon Planning Commission Members, I am writing to urge you NOT to approve the Library Expansion Plan at your July 25 meeting. The decision should be postponed until further evaluation by the City and the communities of Tiburon and Belvedere about the public need, size, scope and financing of this public project. A separate taskforce made up of members of both City governments, community members and the Library Board should be established to lead this review and report back to the Commission and City Council before further decisions are made. There are ongoing questions from all corners of our community about the scale and scope of the proposed expansion: (1) the need for this large of an expansion given current library needs analyses in larger communities (Larkspur/Corte Madera) calling for smaller libraries, (2) the uncertainty of financing of construction and operations for the expanded library, especially given the lack of broad community support for a project that will depend on community fundraising, (3) the transparency of the Library Board's planning and design process, and the(3) public good being served by the library's current hard- line public position regarding discussing alternatives. There also has been a failure of community planning across the Tiburon Peninsula in evaluating the various public projects currently under way or being proposed, such as the Tiburon Teen Center, recent upgrades to the Belvedere Town Center and local school facility improvements, and how these projects work with or duplicate needs purportedly addressed by the proposed library expansion. The proposed library expansion is a public project being undertaken by a public agency that will be paid for by public funds, certainly in its operation and for its construction if their fundraising campaign is not sufficient. The community is right to demand a thorough public evaluation of all aspects of this project. This should not be treated like a private development project or be given special privileges that limit the scope of public review and discourse. The Cities of Tiburon and Belvedere, along with the Library Board, should be listening to the community and evaluating all sides of the issue before approving a massive and expensive undertaking being promoted aggressively by a single public agency. There is ongoing controversy because the library has failed to provide thoughtful answers to thoughtful questions about 7/18/2012 Page 2 of 2 both public need and financing, and the City Councils of the two cities have failed to insist that they do so. I value our library and want to support its important contribution to our community. I am signing to urge all parties to work together to approve a project that will best serve ALL needs of our community, not just those identified by the Library Board. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Marika Bergsund 5 Edgewater Road Belvedere, CA 94920 7/18/2012 W.- X r" July 18, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 VIA EMAIL: Town Council Members c/o Diane Crane: dcraneE ci.tiburon.ca.us Re: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am writing in support of the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a much needed expansion of the existing library facility. The Agency sought and received the best professional advice regarding our library's space and the functional needs required to better serve our community in future decades. These needs have been thoroughly reviewed with you at previous public meetings. The architects have translated these space requirements into an addition to the library building that is very respectful of the architectural style and character of our beloved library. Moreover, it is my understanding that their proposed design, which is now before you for approval, has taken into account the directions you previously offered regarding size, views and visual relationships to Town Hall. The design is also consistent with the Tiburon General Plan, which requires that buildings front on streets with parking placed to the rear of buildings. Now is the time to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is a rare opportunity for the community to receive, at no cost to taxpayers, a much-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. It would be terrible to waste such a wonderful opportunity. Respectfully, Janet A. Smetana 650 Hilary Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 I The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and July 18, 2012 Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am in full support of the proposed library expansion. I was honored to be the spokesman for the committee that brought the original library proposal before a previous council. I have stayed involved and agree that the expansion is justified to meet current and near term future needs. I, as many, have always been impressed by the architecture of our library. It is my belief that the architects have designed a building addition which will provide the needed space and respect and enhance the original design. The expansion is driven by space needs of the staff and children and teens. What a wonderful problem to have; not enough room at the library for the youth of our community. I have attended most of the public meetings on the expansion. Community members had opportunities to be heard. Questions asked by Council members were addressed. Changes were made by the architects, and I think we have arrived at a better design because of the process. Of course there are trade-offs. The view of the hills has been reduced, but the compensation is a wonderfully landscaped view corridor and Town Plaza, which will be an attractive meeting place for many of our citizens. I urge you to continue your comprehensive review and approve the project design so the project can proceed. Sincerely, Charles Auerbach 15 Teal Road, Belvedere Page 1 of 1 Scott Anderson From: Sent: To: Joan Bergsund [bergsund8@comcast.net] Wednesday, July 18, 2012 8:49 PM rctib1 @gmail.com; Councilmember Alice Fredericks; Councilmember Frank Doyle; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; Peggy Curran; Scott Anderson; JimFraser@marinismyhome.com Subject:: Letter to Town Council TO: Tiburon Town Council Re: Proposed Library Expansion It is too massive! RECEIVED JUL 19 2012 PLANNING DIVISION There are many other reasons why I oppose the proposed plan, but the most important is the imposing size of the addition and its proximity to Tiburon Blvd. It destroys the existing friendly ambiance of the entrance to our town and instead offers passers-by a structure all but sitting on the curb. This physical extension totally negates the first charming half of the current library and the heron courtyard, and unpleasantly alters the existing pattern of the street. Additionally, the proposed building lessens the cherished view of the open space ridge line - land that was purchased by the community to visually enjoy in perpetuity. And then there is the now minuscule view of Old St. Hilary's to sadly consider. In my recollection, the plan has been referred back to the library three times for reduction - once by Design Review and twice by the Town Council. In response the Library has reduced the plan by a paltry amount to 16,000 square feet while totally ignoring the reason for the directive - it's too big! The Library continually has arrogantly done what it wants, paying no heed to the concerns of local residents. The lack of public outreach and open community discussion has left the Belvedere- Tiburon townspeople to rely solely on the Town Council for resolution. To achieve a solution which might relieve local angst, perhaps a delay in your decision and a directive, once again, to the library to reduce the mass and siting of the addition, or else, might work. Without the "or else" I fear there will be no noticeable redesign. The architectural firm must have some possible alternatives which address the library's needs and could encompass the concerns of the community as well. There is also the parcel behind the library which could be considered. To date the Library has refused to ask the architect to explore these ideas, it appears. I appreciate your many hours involved in solving this dilemma. The Town has been most supportive of the Library by donating the front and back portions of your property for their design and to support their expansion desires. I believe the entire community loves the library and most recognize the need for additional space but this proposed solution isn't the answer. It is just too massive! Sincerely, Carol Forell Former Llbrary Agency Trustee and RUSD Trustee 7/19/2012 Page 1 of 1 Scott Anderson From: Joan Bergsund [bergsund8@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 6:45 AM To: JimFraser@marinismyhome.com; Richard Collins; Councilmember Alice Fredericks; Councilmember Frank Doyle; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell Cc: Peggy Curran; Scott Anderson RECE#VO Subject: More about the Library JUL 18 0012 PLANNING DIVISION Dear Mayor and Councilmembers: Among those who feel the proposed plan simply overwhelms the present much loved library there has been considerable interest in pursuing one of the earlier plans that seemed to be favored by everyone at the time. That is the construction of a separate building behind the current one. As I understand it, the council made changes in the General Plan that encouraged new construction close to the street with parking located behind, and the EIR stated that a building would have a more detrimental effect on the marsh than a parking lot ...and the building-behind-the library plan was abandoned. Many of us urge you to rethink this option. It would leave the current library intact, and the parking lot shared with town hall and to which everyone is accustomed, particularly the handicapped, would not be changed. As the council you could make "findings" that this plan is more suitable in many ways and better addresses the scale of our downtown development. Additional landscaping in the parking median would make the lot more attractive and would tend to shield unsightly cars from view. We have been investigating the matter of the sewer line running behind the library as many people said this would prevent building in the rear. From SASM and Nute Engineering's Gary Robards we learn that this is a 36" pressurized pipe carrying treated water to the bay. The pipe itself is buried about 15' underground. It and its accompanying easement can be "bridged" but not built upon. SASM would have to review any plans and issue permits. The ball is in your court from hereon should you and the Library Agency decide to pursue this plan. I realize that going back to square one at this stage of the game is no one's first choice. But in thinking of the long term impact on our downtown it warrants further study. Because it was once looked on favorably I think it should receive your attention. Cordially Joan Bergsund Former councilmember and mayor 7/18/2012 Page 1 of I Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 9:11 AM To: Peggy Curran; Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: oppose library current plans- From: Anne & Herb Briggin [mailto:briggini@mindspring.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 9:52 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: oppose library current plans We are opposed to the current expansion plans of the Belvedere Tiburon Library and hope The Tiburon Council will reconsider the size and placement of the proposed library. We are not convinced that we need such a large space for a community center because these needs are largely met by the new Tiburon Rec Center and existing facilities at The Belvedere and Tiburon City Halls. We have NEVER observed overcrowding in our many years of attending the library. We do support expansion for the children's library, for staff space and for storage. We hope that this could be accomplished with much less square footage than the 16,000 being proposed. Unfortunately, this has become a very divisive issue in this community and we hope that the Council will see the wisdom of creating a more modest plan which would gain much wider support. Respectfully submitted, Anne and Herb Briggin 7 Cove Road Place Belvedere, CA 94920 415-789-8666 7/24/2012 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 9:10 AM To: Peggy Curran; Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! -----Original Message----- From: Joan Caviness [mailto:jgcweaveart@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 9:07 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Fwd: NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! Dear Town Council Members, The expansion of our Tiburon-Belvedere Library needs to be analyzed further! It is highly unlikely that the currently planned expansion can be done without increasing taxes on local residents whether it's through higher property taxes or some other assessment. The Town and our taxes are still paying for the present library. Yes some generous donors have contributed to the expansion, but it is unrealistic that the estimated cost of a 150% expansion of more than $14 million, and the substantial increase in maintenance costs, can be covered by expected, but not yet received, donations. Also, money from Sacramento is drying up. There is no sufficient justification for anticipating such generosity, especially since the Town Council has already approved $2.6 million to build a Community Recreation Department, and many people may want, instead, to donate to save the Martha Property. So that means taxes! A huge expansion will demand our tax dollars. CITIZENS HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE ABOUT ANY INCREASE IN TAXES OR NEW TAXES. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! It is evident a much smaller, and more realistic expansion, would meet with greater approval, and be more in keeping with the character and wishes of the community. Also, the Town Hall could be used for larger meetings when the Library's Community Room space is occasionally too limited. Sincerely Yours, Joan Caviness, 121 Avenida Miraflores Tiburon property owner 1 Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 9:04 AM To: Peggy Curran; Joan Palmero; Dan Watrous Subject: FW: Attn: Diane Crane-lacopi Letter re Library. From: Bayview226@aol.com [maiIto: Bayview226@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 8:16 AM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Attn: Diane Crane-Iacopi To the Tiburon Town Council: Many residents have followed the library expansion plans from the start and have been disappointed by the basic approach. It would appear that certain points should have been addressed in a logical order from the beginning. This would have allowed for a more positive dialogue for both sides of the issue. This is what is needed: 1. PRIORITIZE TRUE NEEDS AND SUPPORT WITH DOCUMENTED REASONS. (This should not be a wish list.) 2. OFFER VARIOUS SCENARIOS I.E. PLAN A, B OR C WITH ACCOMPANYING COSTS AND ARCHITECTURAL DATA 3. INCLUDE IN ANY PLANS A BUDGET THAT REALISTICALLY ASSESSES THE STAFFING, MAINTENANCE, INSURANCE NEEDS RESULTING FROM THE VARIOUS PLANS. 4. INCLUDE ADA (AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT) ASSESSMENTS FROM APROPOS CONSULTANTS. THESE ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PUBLIC PROJECTS. 5. TRANSPARENCY FOR ALL. Annette Ryan, 48 Lagoon Rd., Belvedere 7/19/2012 Page 1 of 2 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 2:29 PM To: Joan Palmero; Dan Watrous; Peggy Curran Subject: FW: Library Expansion A Travesty A Color Photo I think this is a replacement email?? Anyway, I am going to cut off the mail at 2:30 today so that Joan can compile all the volumes, index them, etc. The rest can be placed in next week's batch. Good? DCI From: Connie Peirce [mailto:connie94920@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 2:25 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Library Expansion A Travesty - A Color Photo Dear Town Council, I am adamantly opposed to the library expansion as currently proposed. This expansion eradicates my treasured view of Old St. Hilary's and is simply too close to my house. It results in an untenable loss of privacy and profound glare and light pollution. It belongs in a city, not in town such as ours. I am attaching two photos that illustrate the personal aspect of this travesty. One depicts the view from my upstairs before the story poles went up. The other illustrates the expansion's impact on that view. This latter photo shows 3 shades of grey, representing the relative proximity to my house of each section. The darkest on the left is the closest. That section will be half-way closer to the roof/chimney visible at the bottom of the photo. The next two sections each step back. Proximity matters, especially because of the large windows and skylight. Please imagine the travesty you would feel if you lived in my house and such a large city-like building were erected one house away! In addition, this project does a horrible violation to Tiburon's history and heritage. We are a small town with a rural heritage. Old St. Hilary's (OSH) is our most treasured and visible landmark. When one gazes up to it currently from the Landmarks sign on the bike path, one feels the sense of history. One palpably senses the heritage of the town, is transported back to the 1890's because the current view is so similar to that depicted on the sign. I feel reverential towards OSH, both within the privacy of my home and when out and about in the community. I love having her in my field of vision. She is my beacon and I feel sacred in her presence. I feel towards her as the Bhutanese feel about their mountains. Unlike France or Switzerland who encourage tourists to climb to their mountain tops, tourists climbing the sacred mountains in Bhutan are arrested ! It is a travesty to deprive our children and the rest of the community, visitors alike, of the opportunity to commune with the sacred as they go about their daily lives. We will no longer be able to revere her as we drive into town or as reverentially as we now can when we pass-by on the bike path. Our view and consequently, our experience will forever be changed. OSH must be viewed with one's feet firmly on the ground, firmly in history, firmly on the old railroad tracks, unencumbered by any imposing edifice that strives to speak to its own greatness. 7/19/2012 Page 2 of 2 Council Members, please stand with the likes of Cynthia Livermore and Marty Griffin who saved Richardson Bay for all of us. Please stand with the likes of those who saved all that matters - all that matters to our soul and our delight in the natural world. Please direct the Library Agency to return to the drawing board and truly take heed of the dire concerns of your constituents. Respectfully submitted, Connie Peirce 36 Cove Rd. Belvedere, CA 7/19/2012 t Vwi i k •y awa~j RC's ~k .'Xi ~~.1rA.S~„-0tr E,o p.- S r' z'y f Fa:- Page I of I Joan Palmero a From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:08 PM To: Peggy Curran; Joan Palmero; Dan Watrous Subject: FW: Support of Library Expansion - From: Steger Johnson [mailto:sjohnson@jonesclifford.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 12:20 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Support of Library Expansion July 19, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 VIA EMAIL: Town Council Members c/o Diane Crane: dcrane@ci.tiburon.ca.us Re: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am writing in support of the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a much needed expansion of the existing library facility. The Agency has received the best professional advice regarding our library's space and functional needs for the coming decades. These needs have been thoroughly reviewed with you at previous public meetings. The architects have achieved a highly artful translation of those space requirements into a sensitive addition to a library building. This addition is very respectful of the architectural style and character of our beloved library. The proposed design before you for approval has fully taken into account the directions you have previously offered regarding size, views and visual relationships to Town Hall. The design is also consistent with the Tiburon General Plan, which requires that buildings front on streets with parking placed to the rear of buildings. The time is now to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is a rare opportunity for the community to receive, at no cost to taxpayers, a much-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. It would be a terrible shame to waste that opportunity. Respectfully, Steger & Astrid Johnson 89 Bayview Ave. Belvedere, CA 94920 7/19/2012 Page 1 of 2 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:08 PM To: Peggy Curran; Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: Comments on Library Plan - please distribute Importance: High From: Robert Hess [mailto:rhess@robhessco.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 12:33 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Comments on Library Plan - please distribute Importance: High Ms. Crane - lease distribute this to the Tiburon Town Council members as soon as possible. Thanks., July 19, 2012 Tiburon Town Council Town of Tiburon Tiburon Blvd. Tiburon, CA 94920 RE: Let us avoid Library Mistake 2.0 Dear TOWN COUNCIL - We all recognize the current library building was a mistake. • 2 story structure with only one usable story, • no office space for independent library staff, • too small for growing peninsula population, • and no coffee cart! These past mistakes could have been avoided by more thoughtful and careful planning. Well, we are at the same point now, so let's not make mistake 2.0. Consider: 1. who will fund the double operational expense for the next 20-30 years? 2. when most reading will be more efficiently digital in the very near future (texts, reference, leisure, and periodicals) what will we do with the surplus bookshelf space? 3. when we already have two large local school auditoriums nearby to use for occasional large meetings, why do we need a large `Community Room' at the Library? There are other thoughtful questions to carefully consider so let us not rush to a decision that will continue to divide our community, and leave us with a White Elephant 2.0 when we look back 5 years from now. Sincerely, 7/19/2012 Page 1 of 2 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:10 PM To: Peggy Curran; Dan Watrous; Joan Palmero Subject: FW: 4 library expansion/a movie From: Iloyd a silverman [mailto:las@comunic8.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 12:46 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi; Mayor, Jim Fraser; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; rctib2@gmail.com; askalicenow@usa.net; Councilmember Frank Doyle Cc: Debbie Mazzolini Subject: 4 library expansion/a movie ladies/gents, rather than another redundant diatribe on the importance of our library's expansion or a comment on the growing pains a small town experiences when a CVS or PEETS COFFEE begin popping up let me share a few lines Max von Sydow uttered in my film SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS this could be useful in providing perspective on the importance of this issue... NELS I am an old man. I do not walk so well anymore, and one of my eyes is close to useless. My life is drawing to a close. Why do I say this? I say this because it means I ponder matters in the light of death in a way that you do not. I feel like a traveler descended from Mars, astonished at what passes here. What I see is the same human frailty passed from generation to generation. We hate one another. We are the victims of irrational fears. He straightens his spine. Winces slightly, with the pain of it. NELS 7/19/22012 Page 2 of 2 You may think this is a small trial. In a small place. Well, it isn't. Every once in awhile. Somewhere in the world. Humanity goes on trial. And integrity. And decency. Every once in awhile, common folks get called on to give the report card for the human race.... TIBURON COUNCIL, IT IS YOUR TURN TO DO THE DECENT THING... THE RIGHT THING... ALLOW OUR CHILDREN, OUR SENIORS, OUR COMMUNITY A SUITABLE SANCTUARY TO EXPAND THE MIND, ENGAGE A COMMUNITY and NOURISH THE SOUL... THESE ARE THE VIEWS THAT COUNT... THIS IS HOW WE MAKE A COMMUNITY STRONGER, WISER, RICHER. DON'T DISMISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO YOUR DUTY Iloyd a silverman the artists' colony. 415.359.6969 . Iloyd a. silverman everything should be as simple as possible ...lint no simpler uvww.theartistscoIony.nin9.com .tac ook,,c mfth evrtistscoIon x w .taceboo .comIIIaydsiIverrnan .Iinkedinxco f,IIoy s i I v e r m a n 7/19/2012 Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 2:17 PM To: Joan Palmero; Dan Watrous; Peggy Curran Subject: FW: Letter of Support Library Expansion From: Deborah Devincenti [mailto:debdevincenti@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 2:02 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: Letter of Support Library Expansion July 19, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 VIA EMAIL: Town Council Members c/o Diane Crane: dcrane@ci.tiburon.ca.us Re: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am writing in support of the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a much needed expansion of the existing library facility. The Agency has received the best professional advice regarding our library's space and functional needs for the coming decades. These needs have been thoroughly reviewed with you at previous public meetings. The architects have achieved a highly artful translation of those space requirements into a sensitive addition to a library building. This addition is very respectful of the architectural style and character of our beloved library. The proposed design before you for approval has fully taken into account the directions you have previously offered regarding size, views and visual relationships to Town Hall. The design is also consistent with the Tiburon General Plan, which requires that buildings front on streets with parking placed to the rear of buildings. The time is now to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is a rare opportunity for the community to receive, at no cost to taxpayers, a much-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. It would be a terrible shame to waste that opportunity. Respectfully, Deborah Devincenti 14 Vista del Sol Mill Valley, CA 94941 (Strawberry) 7/19/2012 Page 1 of 1 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 2:18 PM To: Joan Palmero; Dan Watrous; Peggy Curran Subject: FW: In Support of the Library Expansion Project From: Alan Sankin [mailto:alansankin@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:48 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi; Mayor, Jim Fraser; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; rctib2@gmaii.com; askaiicenow@usa.net; Councilmember Frank Doyle Cc: teveia@lfoa.org; alansankin@sbcglobal.net Subject: In Support of the Library Expansion Project July 17, 2012 The Honorable Jim Fraser, Mayor and Honorable Town Council Members: Richard Collins, Frank Doyle, Alice Fredericks, Emmett O'Donnell The Town of Tiburon 1505 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon, CA 94920 Re: Support for the proposed Library Expansion Dear Mayor and Town Council Members: I am writing in support of the application of the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency for Design Review approval of its proposed plans for a much needed expansion of the existing library facility. My wife and I have been residents of Tiburon for 20 years. We have been regular and frequent users of the library books, CD's, DVD's and audiobooks. We think it appropriate and necessary for the library to be able of expand to house the growing needs of the community. I would love to have a larger selection of books and other materials. We fully support the current plans and hope you will vote to move this project from the planning stages to construction. The time is now to approve this design so that the Library Agency and Foundation can commence a serious fund raising drive to provide the construction funding. This is a rare opportunity for the community to receive, at no cost to taxpayers, a much-needed upgrade to a heavily-used public facility. Respectfully, Alan Sankin & Teveia Barnes 10 Owlswood Rd. Tiburon, CA 94920. 7/19/22012 Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Diane Crane lacopi Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 2:18 PM To: Joan Palmero; Dan Watrous; Peggy Curran Subject: FW: library expansion From: Walter Allan [mailto:walterallan@me.com] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:51 PM To: Diane Crane Iacopi Subject: library expansion Dear Ms. Crane, Although I have signed the petition in support of the library expansion, I wanted to add a separate message urging approval of the plans now before the Town Council. It seems clear that there is a present need for more library space, and it should also be clear that the Town's needs, both for the present and future generations, will grow. Unfortunately, all too often, folks of good intent but narrow vision oppose planning for future needs because the plan is "too big" or "something smaller will do." The Town has a unique opportunity to provide for present and future needs now. I sincerely hope that it will do so. Thank you for your consideration. Walter Allan 22 Old Landing Road 7/19/2012 Scott Anderson From: Ken Weil [kweilsf@comcast.net] RECEIVED Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 3:33 PM To: Scott Anderson Subject: Support Library Expansion JUL 19 2012 PLANNING DIVISION Dear Members of Town Council and Mr. Anderson, I whole heartedly support the expansion of the proposed library. While I respect the concerns of others about the project, I believe an expanded library, as proposed, will better meet the overriding needs of residents of all ages and will enhance the desirability of living here. A great community deserves a great library. Please consider supporting this most worthwhile endeavor. Ken Weil kweilsf@comcast.net 686 Hilary Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 415.889.5139 1 Page 1 of 1 DIGEST Peggy Curran From: Steger, Eric [ESteger@marincounty.org] Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 3:41 PM To: Adam Politzer, City Manager Sausalito; Alexandra Cock ; Alice Fredericks; Andrew Berman, Vice Mayor Mill Valley; Andrew McCullough; Ann Morrison; Barbara Heller; Bob McCaskill; Bob Ravasio, Mayor Corte Madera; Brad Marsh; Carla Condon; Carla Small; Carolyn Ford; City Clerk - Belvedere; Claire McAuliffe; Damon Connolly; Dan Hillmer, Vice Mayor ; Dan Schwarz, City Manager Larkspur; David Bracken, Corte Madera Town Manager; David Weinsoff; Debra Stutsman, Town Manager San Anselmo; Denise Athas, Mayor Novato; Diane Furst, Vice Mayor Corte Madera; Elizabeth Brekhus; Vice Mayor, Emmett O'Donnell; Eric Lucan; Felicia Wheaton, Interim Belvedere City Manager; Ford Greene; Frank Doyle; Garry Lion, Mayor Mill Valley; Gary Phillips, Mayor San Rafael; Herb Weiner; Jeanne MacLeamy; Jeff Kroot; Mayor, Jim Fraser; Jim McCann, City Manager Mill Valley; John Reed, Vice Mayor Fairfax; Jonathan Leone, Vice Mayor Sausalito; Judy Anderson, Interim Town Manager Fairfax; Kathleen Hoertkorn; Kay Coleman, Mayor Pro Tern San Anselmo; Ken Wachtel; Larry Bragman; Larry Chu; Len Rifkind, Mayor Larkspur; Linda Pfeifer; Lori Lopin; Madeline Kellner; Marc Levine, Vice Mayor San Rafael; Michael Kelly, Mayor Sausalito; Michael Lappert; Michael S. Frank, City Manager Novato; Mill Valley City Clerk; Nancy Mackle, City Manager San Rafael; P. Beach Kuhl, Mayor Pro Tern Town of Ross; Pam Hartwell- Herrero, Mayor Fairfax; Pat Eklund, Mayor Pro Tern Novato; Peggy Curran; R. Rupert Russell, Mayor Town of Ross; Richard Collins; Rob Braulik, Town Manager Ross; Ryan O'Neil; Sandra Donnell, Belvedere Mayor; Shawn Marshall; Sia Barmand; Thomas Cromwell, Belvedere Vice Mayor; Tom McInerney, Mayor San Anselmo Cc: Hymel, Matthew; Beaumont, Bob; Tackabery, Craig; Clay, Tracy Subject: SWRCB Phase II Stormwater Permit Changes Dear Mayors and Councilmembers: Please find attached a comment letter on the second draft of the State of California's Phase II Stormwater Permit from Supervisor Steve Kinsey, President of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, to the State Water Resources Control Board. All of Marin's cities and towns are now covered by and are complying with the current version of the Phase II Permit. The State Board released a second draft of a revised permit on May 18, 2012. Comments are due on July 23. The State Board will hold a public hearing in Sacramento on August 8. County staff prepared a staff report on the Draft Permit that was presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors on July 10, 2012. At their meeting, the Board of Supervisors agreed to send the attached comment letter to the State Board. The staff report on the Draft Permit is available online: http://marin.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=marin f7ac74a7f79eaaedc7e4ccd470d9336c.pdf. Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) staff are working with your stormwater staff to draft another more technically oriented comment letter to the State Board. Also, MCSTOPPP staff will attend the public hearing on the new Phase II Permit in Sacramento on August 8. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Tracy Clay at 415-473-6036 Best regards, Eric Steger Assistant Director Department of Public Works c: Matthew Hymel Email Disclaimer: http://marincounty.org/nav/misc/EmailDisclaimer.cfm 7/18/2012 Robert Hess 110 Howard Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 rhess@robhessco.com July 19, 2012 Tiburon Town Council Town of Tiburon Tiburon Blvd. Tiburon, CA 94920 RE: let us avoid library Mistake 2.0 Dear TOWN COUNCIL - We all recognize the current library building was a mistake. • 2 story structure with only one usable story, • no office space for independent library staff, • too small for growing peninsula population, • and no coffee cart! These past mistakes could have been avoided by more thoughtful and careful planning. Well, we are at the same point now, so let's not make mistake 2.0. Consider: 1. who will fund the double operational expense for the next 20-30 years? 2. when most reading will be more efficiently digital in the very near future (texts, reference, leisure, and periodicals) what will we do with the surplus bookshelf space? 3. when we already have two large local school auditoriums nearby to use for occasional large meetings, why do we need a large `Community Room' at the Library? There are other thoughtful questions to carefully consider so let us not rush to a decision that will continue to divide our community, and leave us with a White Elephant 2.0 when we look back 5 years from now. Page 1 of 1 Joan Palmero From: Linda Tripp [2reallinda@att.net] Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 3:43 PM To: Joan Palmero Subject: New parking Dear Council Members, How can a facility be enlarged by 150% with its parking being enlarged by LESS THAN 10% At the Library Agency meeting this Monday, the architect and agency members clarified that the new parking would be for 52 cars (including only 2 handicapped parking spaces on Tiburon Blvd. - not nearly enough for ageing population!) a total increase of FOUR spaces over the current parking. Unbelievable..!! How many people does this monstrous expansion expect to service?? And if, so many people are needing this large facility, why aren't there going to be adequate parking spaces for it, as well as the Town Hall? Linda Tripp 2219 Centro East, Tiburon 7/24/2012