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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/2/2012 - STAFF REPORTS - 4E C {�pALM SA4 iy s �OronrEo.e °g41FORt", CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: May 2, 2012 UNFINISHED BUSINESS SUBJECT: WELWOOD MURRAY MEMORIAL REFERENCE LIBRARY AND GIFT SHOP PROJECT FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Thomas J. Wilson, Assistant City Manager SUMMARY Request for City Council direction on the renovation, service and programming plan for the Welwood Murray Library as a branch of the Palm Springs Public Library. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to proceed with the renovation process and initiate the program service components of the Welwood Murray Memorial Library. STAFF ANALYSIS: At the January 4, 2012, City Council meeting, Council directed staff to further define the proposed service and programming plan through which to revitalize the Welwood Murray Memorial Branch Library. The City Manager directed staff to meet with potential partner stakeholders to determine their interest in participating in the project and to further define the use of the building. The Assistant City Manager, Director of Library Services, and President pro-tem of the Library Board of Trustees met with representatives from the Palm Springs Historical Society, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Palm Springs Art Museum and the City's Bureau of Tourism. The meetings included a review of the proposed service and programming plan as well as discussions concerning potential participation by each organization in the branch library. Each organization provided positive feedback about the ability to highlight its individual organization through rotating displays and exhibits in the Library building. For example, the Palm Springs Historical Society was interested in being able to provide computer access at the Library to its digitized photographs. Each organization committed one or two representatives to participate in a Stakeholder Committee which would work with the City and the architect on space allocations within the Library's footprint. The proposed plan also includes a small gift shop as an incidental and ancillary use in conjunction with the library. The gift shop would not be a "for profit" commercial activity ITEM NO. City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012--Page 2 Welwood Murray Memorial Library Project and the revenues from the gift shop would be used to offset the costs of operating and maintaining the library. If the proposed plan is approved, next steps include: proceed with architectural services to finalize the interior design; convene the Stakeholders Committee (Library and Council Sub-Committees, representatives from other participating organizations) for input during the architectural process; submit design to the Historic Site Preservation Board for review; return to the City Council for final approval. FISCAL IMPACT: Capital Expenses: General building improvements including asbestos removal, new mechanical and electrical, provision of ADA compliant unisex restroom, etc., — projected cost $650,000 (funded) Interior improvements and finishes including the Gift Shop, computer facilities, meeting rooms and general interior finishes and furnishings — projected cost $200,000 - $300,000 (unfunded) Operating Expenses: Approximate annual costs of operation of the Welwood Library as set forth in the proposed "scope of services" are: Personnel Estimates -- Library Assistant - $50,000 salary and benefits Part-Time Library Concierge Pool - $40,000 salary and benefits Tourism Assistant—funded in Tourism budget Volunteers—from partner organizations Maintenance/Operations -- utilities, janitorial service, materials and supplies, etc., approximately $45,000 annually. The total program costs of approximately $135,000 would be added to the existing Library operating budget — with final budget appropriations to be approved by Council depending upon the ultimate number of days/hours of operation. Thomas J. VOson David H. Ready, Esq. . Assistant City Manger City Manager Attachments: Scope of Services Diagram of Building Footprint 002 WELWOOD MURRAY MEMORIAL REFERENCE LIBRARY AND GIFT SHOP SCOPE OF SERVICES Reference Library • Transfer a portion of the main Library's "reference use only" Palm Springs local history collection to the Welwood Murray Memorial Reference Library • Transfer the "Prickly Pear" (recorded oral history of pioneers and important civic leaders) DVD series to Welwood Murray Memorial Reference Library for use via computer • Transfer the main Library's genealogy "reference use only" collection to the Welwood Murray Memorial Reference Library • Provide a location within the building for the Welwood's Desert Sun collection, condition permitting • Through partnerships with groups such as the Historical Society, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Palm Springs Art Museum and Palm Springs Tourism, showcase and/or house limited collections of art, photos and Palm Springs historical materials • Provide free WI-FI public computers with Internet access and links to the main Library • Provide small collection of non-circulating local and popular newspapers and magazines "The Welwood" Gift Shop • Modeled after successful library/museum gift shops such as: Palm Springs Art Museum, Palos Verdes Library District Gift Shop, and the Los Angeles Public Library Gift Shop, etc.—contract operations Meeting Room/Exhibit Space • Small meeting room for group meetings and speakers • Rotating exhibits (as described above) 003 i o a i i i i ® i i ® i o i o i © i a ® ice 0 L._.-. -.-.-.-.-. .-. 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