HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-1974 Library Commission Minutes LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
February 14, 1974
I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Campbell, Earley, Olsen, and Hall
Absent: Commissioner Falltrick
II. PUBLIC HEARING
A. LIBRARY SITE LOCATION
Consideration of Alt~xnative Sites for a New Branch Library Facility
in Sa~_____.~3_Z~
Dr. Hall, Library Commission Chairman, called the meeting to order and
explained the purpose of the meeting is to consider the matter of potential
sites for construction of a library building, consisting of 16,000 to
20,000 square feet. He advised that this meeting would give those residenm
of Saratoga the opportunity to express themselves regarding the four sites
under consideration. Dr. Hall further advised that the role of the Library
Commission in relation to the City Council on matters pertaining to the
operation of the Library in Saratoga is purely advisory, and they do not
have authority to make decisions themselves. Rather, the Commission's
recommendations would be forwarded to the City Council, and the Council
would again give the residents of the community the opportunity to be
heard again on the recommendations of the Library Commission.
Mr. Robert Beyer, City Manager and S~cretary of the Library Commission,
reported the progress to date concerning the library site considerations.
He indicated that in the fall of 1973, the Library Commission had submitted
a recommendation to the City Council, based on the previous Board of
Supervisorst action not to consider a three-library branch system in
Saratoga, as follows: 1) there be a two-library branch system in Saratoga,
one being the Village Branch; the other being the Cox Ave., Saratoga-
Sunnyvale Road site. 2) the new facility be 20,000 square feet.
He advised that a public hearing was held by the City Council in December
1973 to consider whether or not the three-branch concept should be carried
out. Also discussed was placement of a new branch facility and the matter
of closing the Quito Branch at the termination of the lease period in 1976.
There was much concern expressed about closing the Quito Branch. The
Council had continued the public hearing, and referred the matter back to
the Library Commission, asking them to give consideration to two additional
sites: 1) site near the Quito area; 2) Congress Springs site near Cox Ave.
It was further requested the Commission give further consideration to the
three-branch facility concept. However, the Library Commission,~after
additional consideration, agreed that the three-branch facility would not
be a feasible concept.
Mr. Beyer reviewed the financial data concerning costs to construct and
furnish a new library facility, this amount being approximately $900,000
for construction, and approximately $80,000 for furniture and equipment.
Mr. Beyer indicated that the four sites under consideration at this time
are as follows: 1) Corner of Cox Ave. and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road;
2) Congress Springs Park Site, off Cox Ave., near Glenbrae; 3) Saratoga
Ave. near Cox Ave. (between Medical Clinic and Vineyards); and 4) Civic
Center.
Mr. Beyer presentt~d ~Zhree letters which he had received relatative to
the proposed library site, from:
Mrs. and Mrs. R. J. Knapp, 20885 Wardell Road, in favor of
the site at the corner of Cox and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road.
F~rs. :Kathleen Catalano, Secretary, Brookview Home and School
Club, 12301 Radoyka Drive, in favor of Cox and Saratoga Ave.
location.
Mr. Earl Miller, Moser and Long Agency, 14363 Saratoga Ave.,
recommending that the property at 14265 Saratoga Ave., Parcel
No. 397-26-5, be considered as a potential site for the new
library.
Dr. Hall then asked Miss Barbara Campbell, Acting County Librarian, to
comments with regard to expenditures and operating costs of the two
branch libraries.for !972-73. · ''
Miss Campbell referenced the summary of expenses which had been included
in the handout material prior to this meeting. She indicated there was
a tax rate the previous year of 24~. She stated the actual expenditures
for 1972-73 amounted to $316,867, and this is broken down on the reverse
side of the report. Miss Campbell indicated that if the Quito Branch
had been closed in the previous year and a new library building of 20,000
square feet had been in operation, the additional cost of $112,050 would
have been incurred, for a total expenditure of $428,917. Miss Campbell
further commented that there is not enough money, even at a 30¢ tax rate,
to operate a third library facility in Saratoga.
Mr. Larry Tyler, Chairman of the County Library Commission, pointed out
the disadvantages of a three-library branch system, as follows: 1) splittig
of book collections; and 2) the additional operating cost of approximately
$250,000.
Dr. Hall asked Miss Campbell if the 24~ tax figure was for the current
fiscal year. Miss Campbell clarified this, and stated this was not the
current tax rate, and this year's rate is 26¢.
Dr. Hall asked Mr. Beyer whether or not the City's owning land upon which
the library might be constructed as against purchasing land not owned by
the City and if this ~uld have an economical affect on the district.
Mr. Beyer replied that if the City already owned the land, the price of
that land would be returned to the City as a part of the bond payment once
the project is completed. He stated that the advantage in using a piece of
property the City already owns is that the property has already been pur-
chased at a lower price than what you would have to pay today. However,
he didn't feel this should be a primary concern, but rather, location and
service are key factors. He stated that the cost of the land, whether
already purchased or to be purchased, would be included in the total cost
of the bond issue.
Dr. Hall then asked if there were comments from the audience.
Mr. Richard Martin, 13987 Pike Road, asked Miss Campbell what the circu-
lation is in the Village. Miss Campbell replied that the circulation for
the Qufto Branch last year was 368,372 books; the Village: 131,545; and
the Bookmobile: 31,639.
Mr. Whitlock, 13698 Manteka Way, inquired if a reference collection would
be intended to replace the one currently being used at Cupertino or if the
proposed library would be a second reference library. Miss Campbell repli~
that it is the Library Commission~s feeling they cannot move the research
center at Cupertino.
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Miss Campbell further stated she felt it would be wrong for the County
Library System to have two libraries of this size along a main arterial.
She stated that it is intended the proposed library be a good, strong
community library for Saratoga, but it would not be used as a reference
library.
Mr. Whitlock further inquired if all the potential sites would be served
by the bus line. Mr. Beyer replied that in terms of a "fixed route", all
except Site #2 would be served; however, he indicated this site is adjacent
to the transit corridor, for which the "dial-a-bus" system is proposed.
A resident of Pasco Pico commented he was a bit dissappointed the Commissim
has not considered other sites, particularly to the east side of Saratoga
Avenue. Mr. Beyer replied that he had not had an opportunity to look at
sites in this location.
Commissioner Campbell pointed out the particular site this individual is
referring to is on the corner of zi?McFarland and Saratoga Ave.
Brook Carlson, 12234 Brookglen, and ..... Matthews, 19603 Cox Ave.,
addressed the Commission and presented three reasons for allowing the
Quito Library to remain at its present site. These were: 1) New time
schedule the schools have begun; 2) ~he Energy Crisis (difficult for
parents to drive children to the opposite side of town; 3) in 1976, they
would begin Junior Righ School, and they felt it would be nice to have
a library close by. They indicated they had circulated a petition in their
classroom at school, and 30 students signed the petition in favor of keepi~
the library On the north side of Saratoga. They then presented the
Commission with the petition in the form of a valentine.
Mrs. Betty Hall, 19328 Ranire Lane, representing the Friends of the Saratoga
Library, indicated she would like to make mention of the fact that some
areas of town which are not presently densely populated might be in the
future; therefore, this shouldn't be the only determining factor in selecting
the library site. Mrs. Hall was of the feeling that if the Civic Center
location was selected, there should be an entrance from Saratoga Ave.
Mr. Beyer indicated, however, this would create immense traffic problems
on Saratoga Avenue.
Mrs. Hall stated that a questionnaire had been sent out to the 140 members
of the Friends of the Saratoga Library, and approximately 70 have been
returned. Some of the questions contained on this questionnaire were:
1) Should we retain the Village Library? Out of 70 people, 62 answered
"yes".
2) Should the Quito Library be closed in 19767 30 answered "yes"; 23 "no".
Several people admitted they did not understand the problem.
3) Should a new 20,000 square foot site be built on Fruitvale Ave. near
City Hall? 30 replied "yes"; 23 "no".
4) A new library should be built at another acceptable location. To this,
thee were a variety of responses and suggestions.
Mr. Fred Tater, 20577 Manor Drive, indicated he felt two basic issues
should be considered: ~) "What does the City of Saratoga really need in
relation to what it can afford?" 2)"What do other communities have in
the way of library facilities, and how does the City of Saratoga measure
up?"
Miss Campbell commented that the American Library Association has set a
standard of 1/2 square foot per population served as a goal, and the
County Library Commission is trying to come up to this goal in their
building program. She indicated that the City of Milpitas has three
libraries in operation, square footage in the three facilities: 2,000 sq.
ft., 6,000 sq. ft., and 3,600 sq. ft. The Cupertino Library was enlarged
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from 12,000 square feet to 24,000 square feet; however this is not all
usable space at the pxesent time because the lower level is unfinished.
Campbell Library is 24,000 square feet. Miss Campbell commented that
the proposed library facility would not be less than those of other
communities.
Mr. McCracken, a resident on Manor Drive, asked what the possibility was
in having two smaller facilities, keeping the Quito Branch open. Miss
Campbell replied that there may just be enough money for two 6,000 square
foot facilities; however, it was her feeling that the Quito facility is
not at the level the community would like. She further indicated that
it costs $207,000 annually to operate Quito.
Mr. Beyer indicated there has been some thought given to keeping the
three-branch system concept, and the way to finance this would be to
take it ~ut of Saratoga taxes. He pointed out that this would involve
an initial outlay of $250,00'0 to $500,000 just for books.
Mr. W. G. Carlson, 12234 Brookglen Drive, President of Brookview Homeowners
Association, indicated that he had been asked to be a spokesman for several
other homeowner groups this evening, organized under the name of the
Saratoga Council of Homeowners Association, One point the homeowners felt
should be mentioned is that over the years Saratoga has been contributing
to the support of other libraries in the community; therefore, it was felt
it would not be unreasonabel that Saratoga might be able to get its just
reward for this assistance, and have available funds over and above the
City's own contributions. Another point Mr. Carlson mentioned was that;
the greatest population density is essentially in the northern section.
He stated it is the feeling of the homeowners that the geography of the
city would warrant a three-library branch system, and assuming the branch
in the Village would remain, it was felt the best locations would be on
Cox and Highway 9 and Cox and Saratoga Avenue.
Mr. Carlson stated the homeowners have tried to establish what their
priorities are in terms of the new library, and the following are the
six priorities drafted:
1) The library be available and =onvenient to as many people as possible.
2) It will adequately serve young people.
3) It would be readily accessible by foot or bicycle.
4) It should meet the requirements of a general purpose adult library
facility.
5) It have available to it sound reference books.
6) It::maintain complete facilities for all areas of study on its premises.
Miss Campbell clarified the statement which indicated that "Saratoga has
been supporting the Library District in the past years", and indicated
this is not a valid statement, particularly for the last three to four
years, and it was her feeling the District has returned to the City of
Saratoga even more than has been contributed.
Mr. John Brigham, 18591 Perego Way, stated he has been working with the
General Plan, and during these discussions, the City has expressed a need
for a three-library system. It was, therefore, his feeling the City
should not give up this idea until there is a financial presentation regarding
cost for a three-library system. It was also his feeling the City should
look at other alternatives besides just giving consideration to one large
library. Mr. Brigham felt that Saratoga wants a local type of system rather
than a regional type; however, if we have a regional typle library, it should be
detailed how there would be access by bus, by trail, or bicycle. He
indicated he would like to see population figures, not only for a one-mile
area, but also, for a two and three-mile a~ea.
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Commissioner Earley stated that the Commission ha__~s taken a look at the
three-site concept a ~umber of times, and also, has looked at walking.
He commented that from his experience, he has found that less than 15%
of the people ever walk to a librely.
Dr. Hall asked Mr. Beyer if he could provide the figures for three library
sites.
Mr. Beyer stated the figures he has are those given to him by the County
Librarian in September, 1973. Based on a total operating cost in 1972-73
of $316,867, keeping Quito and the Village as they are now, and adding
a 6,000 square foot facility at Cox and Saratoga (assuming the same
operating costs as Qutto), adding $25,000 in~bomdHpayments for
a new building and the land, you would come up with a total cost of
$497,850, plus approximately $50,000 for furnishings, etc. and $450,000
for the book collection. He indicated that based on the 1972-73 figures,
there would be an approximate $70,000 operating cost deficit annually
under the three-brandh system.
Mr. Loren Duff, 18800 Casa Blanca, asked about the possibility of dupli-
cation~ of books in the new library facility. Miss Campbell replied they
try not to duplicate materials; however, in some cases it may be necessary.
Mr. Bill Christiansen, 18510 Sobey Road, commented that it seems apparent
we are going to move from a facility that is costing us about $1,000 per
month to a building that will cost about $1,000,000. Therefore, it was
his feeling the City would not be gaining anything but a big obligation.
He asked if the residents of Saratoga might possibly want to wait until a
more opportune time to consider a beautiful library using federal govern-
ment funds. It was his feeling also that if the City makes a long-range
plan for a beautiful library, this can someday be accomplished.
Mr. Earley commented that the Commission has spent over twelve years
planning for this library; however, theproblem is now that there really
isntt enough room for people to use the books that are in the present
facility. Also, he commented there is no assurance that the Sterm rental
is going to continue at the $12,000 annual rate when the City re-negotiates.
Mrs. Sitney, ~ineyard Lane, commented that shewould be against closing the
Village Library. She~ further stated she uses both libraries and has never
felt she was getting second-rate service. It was her feeling the Quito
Library is an important location for the northern part of the dity.
Mr. Charles Huff, 12725 Miller Ave., felt that any place near the Civic
Center would seem to be a very poor choice for a library to be located,
since the West Valley Library is almost right across the street. Secondly,
he felt if the City went to one larger site~ it would seem the location
between the professional building and the Vineyards on Saratoga Avenue would
be the best one. It was also his feeling the library should be in a
location where it is more easily seen; therefore, he didn't feel central
location should be the only determining factor in selecting a site. He
further commented that the savings on a piece of land owned by the City
might make a substantial difference in cosB. He further pointed out that
the maximum bond rate is presently at 6~.
Dr. Hall commented that throughout the years on the Library Commission,
a mountain of material has accumulated, and he has found a cost comparison
the Renzel Trust proposal and the Cox Avenue site, and the twenty-year
total cost amounted to $1,787,500, as against the total cost if we have a
bond issue and paid for a new building, etc, which amounted to $1,656,000,
or approximately $130,000 less to have our own building. In addition to
putting out this $1,787,500, it didnWt have anything to show for it.
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Maria Duff, a Saratoga resident, commented that residents should keep in
mind, in considering the proposed library site, that everybody can't be
just doors away from the library. She also felt the Quito Library was
very inadequate and it is very difficult to find what you need.
Mrs. Clevinger, 19337 Titus, commented that her family uses Quito Library,
but it seems apparent that we can only have two libraries now and Quito
is out of t~e picture. Mrs. Clevinger asked,"What is being recommend~ ?"
and "What do we have the money to do?"
Dr. Hall explained that the Commission has gone on record favoning two
locations: 1) the Village; and 2) a new and larger facility.
A resident of Kobey Cou=t asked if the old books at Quito Library wou~
be used in the new facility.
Dr. Hall replied that the present collection at the Quito Library would
become the basis of the collection at the new facility, but there would
be additions to it.
Miss Campbell explained that some of the books in the Village Library
which are specialized books could be moved tb the branch facility. S~
indicated that the building would be quite full with the present book
collection as there would be space utilized for people to browse over
periodicals, a meeting room, etc.
Col. Terrill Barco, 18873 Dundee, indicated he is an habitual user of
the Quito Library. She stated he has done a lot of research in some of
the other libraries, however. It was Col. Barco's feeling that the
children are the maim users of the Quito Library; however, he felt the
Qutto facility was too crowded. He commented that if there is any
possibility of finding a site in the Qufto area, this would be the best
location, as this area serves a total of eight high schools and grade
schools.
Miss Campbell commented regarding the use of the library by children,
and indicated the circulation is about 30% children and ?0% adults.
Mrs. Barbara Campbell, a resident on Saratoga Vista Ave., commented she
doesn't think the City can have a three-library system from the stand-
point of economics. It was her feeling that most of the families in
Saratoga are two and three-car families, and therefore, didn't feel
transportation was a major problem. She was hopeful the City would s~n
think of bikeways and pathways to help in this regard. She stated she
would like to see ome good central library.
Mr. Martin, 13981 Pike Road, indicated he felt it was a mistake to talk
about neighborhood libraries, as they are inadequate and can be compared
to 7-11 Markets, which handle only necessities. He stated that the
City of Saratoga needs a first-class library, and this should be built
on one site. Mr. Martin was very much against the three-library concept.
He felt that any one of the three sites in the northern section of the
City would be good; however, he did not feel the Civic Center location
would be a good one.
The guesti0n was asked, "Is there room for future expansion at the
Village Library?" Mr. Beyer replied that practically spedking, it
could be done. However, he felt if the City does decide to go ahead
with the three-site concept, it should think about expanding the Vill~ e
at the same time. He felt that whatever way we go, it is important to
do it as soon as possible and plan for the ultimate.
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II I. ADOURNMENT
There being no further comments from the audience, it was moved by Commiss~ ner
~arley and seconded by Commissioner Campbell that the public hearing be closed.
The motion was carried; the public hearing was closed at 11:05 P.M.
Dr. Hall advised that the Library Commission would again meet next Tuesday,
February 19, 1974, to further consider this issue, based on the information
received this evening.
It was moved by Commissioner Olson and seconded by Commissioner Earley that
the :meeting be adjourned. The motion was carried. The meeting was
adjourned at 11:07 P.M.
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