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<br /> --- <br /> e noted that it is a four-story building which would require more staff to <br /> operate. <br /> Mr. Rutan voiced his opposition for giving The Bon Marche building further <br /> consideration as a potential library site because of the associated operating <br /> costs. <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms. Kittleson said that the council <br /> determined in an earlier discussion that a minimum of 100,000 square feet <br /> would be required for the library to handle long-term need. The counc il did <br /> agree, however, to consider a possible phased construction approach, reducing <br /> initial space needs to 75,000 square feet. The existing library building <br /> utilizes 38,000 square feet. <br /> Mr. Boles offered his support for the Eugene Public Library Board's recommen- <br /> dation that the council consider a minimum of 100,000 square feet for the <br /> proposed library. Mr. Rutan concurred. <br /> Mr. Bennett indicated the importance of raising enough money on the front-end <br /> of the project to pay for the entire library construction. <br /> Mr. Holmer expressed concern that the estimated costs associated with the <br /> Sears building site, because of its location in a Parking Exempt Zone, do not <br /> accurately reflect the true cost of parking. <br /> Mr. Rutan inquired about the extent to which this project could be paid for <br /> e by tax increment financing. Mr. Bowers responded that assuming the library <br /> site was located within the Urban Renewal District, both the Parking Reserve <br /> Fund and the Tax Allocation Fund would be possible financing sources. He <br /> cautioned the need to balance the use of the Tax Allocation Fund for this <br /> project with other potential draws on this fund. The Parking Reserve Fund, <br /> which is dedicated to the maintenance or creation of parking, could also be <br /> used to help defray costs. <br /> Mr. Rutan asked for a cost estimate of the value of the existing library <br /> building. In response, Mr. Bowers noted that the existing library building <br /> currently has environmental problems associated with it and guesstimated that <br /> the library building would be worth $75,000. <br /> Mr. Boles noted that an additional $600,000 in overhead and maintenance costs <br /> would be required to operate a larger library and indicated his interest in <br /> adding these associated costs to the total library cost estimates to be <br /> presented to the public. <br /> Giving consideration to possible ways of reducing library costs, Mr. Rutan <br /> suggested that the council consider constructing a mixed-use facility. <br /> Mr. Green expressed his support for considering ways to reduce the total <br /> library cost, but voiced concern that the added consideration of a mixed-use <br /> facility might complicate the discussion and delay the final decision. <br /> e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 27, 1990 Page 4 <br />