CC Minutes - 07/22/98 Work Session

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Mr. Johnson added that it may be less expensive to do an interfund loan using the Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance (UEFB) than to include the full UEFB in the local option levy. Ms. Nathanson expressed concern that if the local option levy includes things such as expanded services and branches it may be easy for someone to say "if you didn't need it to operate the main library, then I don't need to vote for it" so the council's decision about "disconnect" would allow the council to proceed with the improvements for a new downtown library. If, however, it includes things that are more essential for construction and operation of the main library, the council may wish to reconsider its decision on disconnecting. Mayor Torrey expressed concern with public skepticism about how the council will reconcile the difference between the estimated construction costs and the amount available through urban renewal. Mr. Meisner responded that part of the committee's specific charge was to find public and private funding and it planned to take private fund-raising very seriously once the council has given its direction. Mayor Torrey wondered how long to wait to build the library, adding it should be made clear to voters before they were faced with the levy. He said the $18 million from urban renewal should be held until the library can be built. Mr. Johnson noted that the design process for the library will take about one year. Mr. Laue said that the space provided by the new library could be used by the City or leased until operating funds are secured. He expressed confidence that voters will pass the levy nonetheless. Ms. Swanson Gribskov agreed, saying the design should be flexible enough to phase operations until sufficient funds are realized. Mr. Meisner addressed concern over private fund-raising by asking Library Foundation member Tom Wiper to comment. Mr. Wiper explained that the private fund-raising effort has already begun and the committee continued to meet to design a request for proposals (RFP) for a fund- raising consultant. He asked the council for direction through its action and invited those interested to attend the next committee meeting at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Charnelton Place Cafe. Ms. Nathanson said the community is excited about the project and the council should not hold it up. She ascertained that the estimated operating costs for the branches were based on a 40- hour week, scheduled to accommodate the public. Addressing a question from Mr. Lee, Mr. Johnson said construction of the new library will take about 28 months. In response to a follow-up question Mr. Johnson described the time line, noting that when the initial four-year levy ends, the council has the option of placing another four- year levy on the ballot. Ms. Swanson Gribskov said the momentum is such that this may be the best time for the local option levy. Mr. Meisner clarified that the committee's recommendations do not include details on the levy so there would be no objection to suggestions raised today. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 3 5:30 p.m.