Discussions about the new library’s floor plan are moving along, with the Library Board deciding Tuesday to schedule a special meeting to discuss plans and costs with architect Sean Zaudke.
Zaudke proposed multiple floor plans to the board, with the cheapest costing $624,000. Board member Amy Jankowski said the library does not have enough funds to pay for this option or the more expensive ones.
President Kenny Massey said he thinks the board will be able to lower the cost.
“We would need to look at the least expensive and see what we can do to make it even a little less expensive than what he shows us, with volunteer painting and whether we do the carpet now or wait,” Massey said.
Most of that $624,000 is allocated for new bathrooms, Massey said. Once the special meeting is scheduled, Jankowski said Zaudke will provide a more detailed cost breakdown.
In discussions with Zaudke about the new space, board members learned libraries are not required to have storm shelters. Jankowski said she doesn’t think the basement should be designated as a storm shelter because it would require more construction and work.
“We could use it as an area to go to if there was an emergency, but it will not be an official storm shelter, because there are additional requirements,” Jankowski said. “I don’t know that it would be, like, the most ideal place for elderly people or little kids or anything to be running down the stairs.”
Massey said the board has to be cognizant to not refer to the basement as a storm shelter, even if it will be used for tornadoes or other emergencies.
“That triggers all kinds of code requirements,” Massey said.
The board said it can’t have anything in the basement, which includes any storage for the adjacent His Hands Clothing Closet.
The board also approved requests to use the space for a book club for adults on April 26 and the library’s annual trivia night on Nov. 16. The approval for trivia night is contingent on approval from the fire department, since historically a lot of people attend.
Jankowski also said she’s concerned about the lack of bathrooms.
“We have one, and I don’t know how great it is,” Jankowski said. “I guess they could figure it out, like if they need a porta-potty or something.”
Board member Mike Keltner agreed that would be a good issue to consider.
With three events approved at the meeting, Jankowski said she’s hopeful the new library will be used a lot in the future.
“I think it’s great. We’ve approved three things today for the use of the space,” Jankowski said.
Member Tim Pringle said the original bond plan was to have a big area for people to use, and it’s “already being proved right now.”
Last week, Massey met with city codes department staff, and he said it went well. Massey said staff told him the new building will not need a sprinkler system. However, the board is still getting an estimate for a new system because Massey said it might be good for future reference.
“Depending on what the cost is, if we can figure into fundraising and come up with the money for that, [Zaudke] would highly suggest you go ahead and put it in because it opens up so much more options that you can do within the interior,” Massey said.
The board discussed raising the new space’s ceiling, and Pringle said they shouldn’t install a sprinkler system now if that plan comes to fruition.
Keltner asked about fire extinguishers in the building, and Massey said it has them.
The board also went into executive session for personnel matters Tuesday night.
Reach Bella Waters at [email protected].
