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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDA REPORT 2023 0719 CCSA REG ITEM 09A SUPPLEMENTAL MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA REPORT TO: Honorable City Council FROM: Jeremy Laurentowski, Parks and Recreation Director BY: Jessica Sandifer, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director DATE: 07/19/2023 Regular Meeting SUBJECT: Consider a Reduction in the Size of the Proposed New Library from 17,500 Square Feet to 14,500 Square Feet; Consider Approval of a Project Budget of $27,682,193; and Consider Amendment No. 2 with LPA, Inc. in the Amount of $326,240 for Additional Library Design Services CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED Subsequent to the publication of the agenda, correspondence was received from 21 members of the public in opposition to a reduction in the size of the proposed library. Attachments Item: 9.A. SUPPLEMENTAL 1 From:Linda Elston To:Moorpark Subject:New Library Reduction Proposal Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 3:42:43 PM NO! Absolutely, do NOT reduce the proposed 17,500 square foot to a newly proposed 14,500 foot library!! The current residential surveys, Environmental Studies and the monies already spent to design the new library would go to waste. It would be fiscally irresponsible to spend another $326,000+ to redesign a smaller building at this point, not to mention the smaller size would not be sufficient to accommodate future growing populations in Moorpark. I truly hope that the City Council will not approve a reduction in the size of the proposed new library nor approve additional monies for a new redesign. Respectfully, Linda Elston Retired MUSD Teacher MFOTL Member 2 From:marilyn montoye-ludwig To:Moorpark Subject:Library Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 4:13:36 PM I have lived in Moorpark since 1988 and have been on the board of the Friends of the Library in the past. It has always been our hope to expand and improve the library since Moorpark itself has expanded and improved over the years! I now take my grandson to story time and sometimes is is quite crowded. We need a bigger library! Please don’t downsize the current plans. Marilyn Ludwig Sent from my iPad 3 From:Danny Govea To:Moorpark Subject:New Moorpark Library Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 10:53:11 PM Dear City Council, My name is Danny Govea, a current resident and lifelong Moorparkian for over 30 years. I appreciate all the hard work the City Council has done for the past 10 years, though there's always room for improvement, I feel now is a good time to provide my feedback around the new Moorpark Library. This summer, my son and daughter have enjoyed multiple trips to Moorpark Library. It has come to my attention that the City Council is considering a size reduction of the 'approved' new library. I imagine today's technology may influence your decision, or even financial cost savings, though I feel strongly about supporting our future children of Moorpark. Libraries are great for learning, networking, events, access to technology for those without access, air conditioning...again for those without access, and the future children of Moorpark would be better served with a larger library than our current. I do not understand how it makes logical sense to decrease the size of our library, when in fact Moorpark is looking to increase in businesses and residences from now to 2050. I cannot imagine us looking back in 25 years to say, "I really think we should have made the library smaller." I hope the council continues to keep the best interest of our future community, and stick to approved plans we all worked hard to voice out. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Danny Govea 4 From:Mary Ellen Cosenza To:Moorpark Subject:Moorpark City Library Date:Tuesday, July 18, 2023 9:12:39 AM To the Moorpark City Council: I was disheartened to hear the City Council is considering reducing the size of the planned (and previously approved) new library. Moorpark is a growing city and a new and larger library is important to its continued development. Even the currently planned size is insufficient to meet the planned future growth of the City. As a member of the “Friends of the Library” I am also well aware of the work that has gone into the planning of the new library. State and Federal funding has also been acquired and promises have been made to the community to solicit donations. It would be short-sided to save money now only to have to spend more later down the road to meet the future needs of the City. As a reminder, I share the following key points from a recent Pew Research Center survey of the US population (https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2013/12/11/libraries-in- communities/): § 95% of Americans ages 16 and older agree that the materials and resources available at public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed; § 95% say that public libraries are important because they promote literacy and a love of reading; § 94% say that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community; § 81% say that public libraries provide many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere. Libraries are a vital resource to a majority of our community and we should be looking for ways to expand our services, not cutting for budget reasons. I urge the Council to vote note on the proposal to reduce the size of the new library. Respectfully submitted, Mary Ellen Mary Ellen Cosenza, Ph.D. 5 From:Linda Price To:Moorpark Subject:Moorpark Library Date:Tuesday, July 18, 2023 11:23:44 AM To whom it may concern: I am a 36-year resident of Moorpark and have been an enthusiastic user of our library over these years. The proposed new library building is almost everything our residents could want and the new proposal to reduce its’ size seems short sighted. The expected expansion of our city population will greatly increase the need for library services and the additional expense of more studies will only be another burden on we the taxpayers. Thank you Linda Price Moorpark 6 From:Susan Salmore To:Moorpark Subject:New Library Reduction Proposal Date:Tuesday, July 18, 2023 2:02:19 PM Dear Council Members, I was shocked and dismayed to hear that the council is considering a proposal to reduce the size of the new library. As a retired educator, member of Friends of the Moorpark Library, and longtime Moorpark resident, I urge you to build the library as promised. As our community continues to grow, the new library will be utilized as a meeting place for many activities for all age groups. I have been looking forward to the new library and participated in voting for the design. I will feel let down by the council if the size reduction proposal passes. Sincerely, Susan Salmore 7 From:donadpugh@sbcglobal.net To:Moorpark Subject:I oppose a Reduction in the Size of the Proposed New Library Date:Tuesday, July 18, 2023 8:14:11 PM Honorable Moorpark City Council: Please vote against the proposal to Consider a Reduction in the Size of the Proposed New Library WE NEED THE NEW LIBRARY at the 18,000 square foot size the Council approved in 2016 which has now already been reduced to 17,500 square feet. The initial study done in 2007 indicated that Moorpark needed a library of 25,000 square feet. Moorpark cannot afford to build a library that is too small. We need the space for new programs for all ages that can be held in the library itself, to continue to provide important programs to our children, to have a place for pre-teens and teens to go after school, to provide opportunities for teens to explore their areas of interest, to quickly react to improvements and innovations that the library can initiate (like 3D printing), to accommodate the increased population, to provide meeting space for the community, to provide cooling and heating stations for young and old, for providing online services to the whole community, to assist patrons to find jobs (job applications often require the use of a computer), health care, education opportunities, to provide a book store that offers low-cost books, audio and visual materials, and to serve all Moorpark residents. There is so much more I could say about the necessity of a library that can accommodate a growing Moorpark. Since 2007, the population of Moorpark has increased considerably and currently there are 4 housing projects planned for near the downtown area. If you reduce the size of the library now, we will spend more money expanding the library to accommodate the increased population. We need a reasonably sized library now! DO NOT DOWNSIZE THE LIBRARY. Let us increase the availability and programs the library provides to our citizens. Dona Pugh Moorpark, CA 93021 8 From:Laura Mazzeo To:Moorpark Subject:Library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 12:39:25 AM I am writing this email to strongly encourage the Moorpark City Council to honor the originally proposed size of our new library. The original proposal is already under what a city with the population of Moorpark needs. While it’s easy to only look at building costs and figure not many people use the library any more, this would be very short sighted. Over many years we’ve all seen how libraries have adapted to meet the needs of a community- through books, e-books, dvds, audio books, music, computers, homework help, story times, classes, study spaces and even a quiet place to stay cool. The Moorpark community deserves a library with enough space to serve its’ needs now and in the distant future. Thank you, Laurie Mazzeo Sent from my iPhone 9 From:Sandra Banks To:Moorpark Subject:Reduction in Size for the New Moorpark Library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 9:04:33 AM I was very disappointed to see that City of Moorpark is considering a reduction in size for the NEW Moorpark Library. The current library is 43 years old inadequate for its currents needs. The citizens of Moorpark including the Moorpark Friends of the Library have been working to make this a reality. The new Moorpark Library has an excellent plan that has had community input. It will have separate areas for children, youth and adults. Programs can be offered on site. A 17,500 will serve the current population and expanding population with new housing added to the City of Moorpark. With a Sent from my iPad 10 From:Gerhart Jerome To:Moorpark Subject:Comments on the Consideration of a Reduction in the Size of the Proposed New Library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 9:14:54 AM To: Moorpark City Council Dear Sirs, It has come to my attention that the City Council has a proposal before it to reduce the size of the already approved new City Library. After all the time and expense already committed to the project, why are you revisiting this project and willing to incur additional expense and delays with a redesign. The new Library’s current design is already half of what was originally recommended for a community of our size. Our city will continue to grow in the coming decades, so let’s not shortchange the residents of Moorpark nor be shortsighted in the improvement of our community. I believe Moorpark deserves better. I respectfully request that you reject this proposal to reduce the size of the new Library. Sincerely, Gerhart Jerome Moorpark, CA 11 From:Jessica jerome To:Moorpark Subject:Written Comment - Tonight"s (7/19/23) City Council Meeting Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 9:57:00 AM Attachments:Written Comment_July 19_City Council Meeting_Jessica Jerome.pdf To whom it may concern, Attached is my written comment for tonight's city council meeting. My written comment is for agenda item 9A. Thank you for your time. Regards, Jessica Jerome 12 July 19, 2023 Jessica Jerome Moorpark, CA 93021 Moorpark City Council 799 Moorpark Ave Moorpark, CA 93021 Dear City Council Members, I am wri�ng today to express my disapproval for item 9A on tonight ’s (July 19, 2023) Agenda, regarding considering a reduc�on in the size of the Proposed New Library from 17,500 square feet to 14,500 square feet as well as approval of addi�onal funds to redesign a smaller library and it ’s building costs. Moorpark has been working on ge�ng a new library for nearly 20 years. It has been one of the city council’s top ten priori�es since 2007. There have been numerous surveys of the residents, Environmental Studies, determina�on of the new loca�on, the hiring of architects to design the building, in addi�on to the receipt of a federal grant and state money to fund the new building. I should know, I was born , raised and con�nue to live and work in my town of Moorpark, since 1982. I have par�cipated and expressed my ideas and wants for this project since the beginning and every �me I am provided an opportunity to do so. I believe in this project and all the hard work, energy and �me spent by many people in and around this community to support our library and its efforts. This library has never been sufficient. Especially when I was growing up and making use of it back in the late 1980’s un�l 2000 as a school student. And it is s�ll not what it could and should be as I take my nieces and nephews there, the next genera�on of Moorpark residents. Libraries are more than a building to house books. They promote community spirit; they can ac�vate a downtown area and contribute to the success of local businesses. The already approved new library is half the size of what a hired library consultant by the city had recommended. Moorpark con�nues to grow and will con�nue to do so over the next several decades. Let ’s stop talking about yet again another High Street project that is stalled and no further along in comple�on. Let ’s get working and building towards a newer and improved Moorpark. As a resident of District 1, I implore, my city council representa�ve Renee Delgado to vote against this this proposal and to stand by the voices of the many that have wanted, waited and been an�cipa�ng seeing this project be completed as a wonderful new addi�on. Sincerely, Jessica Jerome 13 From:joyceah@socal.rr.com To:Moorpark Subject:Moorpark Library Re-Design - Agenda Item on July 19 Meeting Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 10:42:21 AM Hello, I heard that the city is considering redesigning the library to be smaller. I don’t understand this and hope that the city moves forward with the library as approved and budgeted for. I see no reason to spend more money on redesigning and so forth. I utilize libraries. My children utilize libraries as do many people I know from ages 2 to 200, okay, that's exaggerated, so maybe 102. When children are introduced to a library, they are usually in awe of how much there is to explore and know. That impact can only happen in a physical environment that demonstrates its importance. Yes, libraries are important even in this digital era and will continue to be an emblem that the community holds literacy as vitally important. I know of several book clubs with people in their twenties and thirties and they use a library. Surprisingly, most of them prefer paper versions of books, yet do not have the funds to buy many books. Numerous books have charts and photos which do not carry over well to the digital version. Illustrated children’s books must be in hard copy for them to enjoy! Travel books, art books, and so many genres are best in paper versions. Libraries do not simply house books; they are busy with community engagement. Reading programs, computer stations, and so forth have great value. I have been a speaker in community rooms and attended presentations at libraries. The librarians pull relevant books that people are interested in reading after the presentation. Those who attended these events were of all ages. We all met others who lived in our area. A library can facilitate the cohesiveness of residents. The used bookstore does not simply help to raise some funds, it’s a great way to buy used books that someone may not have purchased new. You can’t judge who will enjoy the new library facility by the current attendance and use of the Moorpark Library. The reason is that nearly everyone I know currently prefers Thousand Oaks or Camarillo libraries. We deserve a great facility here. I find that the Moorpark Library does not usually have the book I want, nor have a “mind-expanding” ambiance. It feels cramped to me, so I also prefer Thousand Oaks. I lived in Woodland Hills before moving to Moorpark so had always used the Calabasas and Woodland Hills libraries which are often crowded. In fact, sometimes parking could be challenging. This has not changed due to digitalization. This project has already been approved after much time, surveys, and due diligence. Why delay? Move forward with the new library as approved. We want lifelong learning here in Moorpark! Show us that it’s important and do not decrease the size of the new library. Listen to users of libraries, librarians, educators, and keep in mind those who you want to impress upon to use it when completed. Thank you for your attention to my opinion. Joyce Hughes, Moorpark Resident 14 From:Nancy Alice Truex To:Moorpark Subject:Proposed New Library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 10:46:53 AM I have been a Moorpark resident and library user since 1981. The library has been a central feature of my and my children's lives all these years. We have seen our library expand more than once, always to serve the residents of Moorpark better. I have anticipated the new, expanded library for the past ten years . Each step toward its completion has been a relief and a joy. Imagine my dismay when I recently found out just recently that so close to actual building and expansion, the plans that we fought for and applauded have been cut back! With the current population and the expansion of the population by 3,000 new residents, we need library facilities more than ever! A library enriches the experience of all the citizens, from toddler story hours to the reading and computer- using population to students seeking academic enrichment that only a library can provide. Please proceed with the plans and completion of our new library, ten years in the planning! Nancy Truec Moorpark, CA 93021 15 From:Nancy Alice Truex To:Moorpark Subject:Proposed New Library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 10:46:53 AM I have been a Moorpark resident and library user since 1981. The library has been a central feature of my and my children's lives all these years. We have seen our library expand more than once, always to serve the residents of Moorpark better. I have anticipated the new, expanded library for the past ten years . Each step toward its completion has been a relief and a joy. Imagine my dismay when I recently found out just recently that so close to actual building and expansion, the plans that we fought for and applauded have been cut back! With the current population and the expansion of the population by 3,000 new residents, we need library facilities more than ever! A library enriches the experience of all the citizens, from toddler story hours to the reading and computer- using population to students seeking academic enrichment that only a library can provide. Please proceed with the plans and completion of our new library, ten years in the planning! Nancy Truec Moorpark, CA 93021 16 From:Christy Corbett To:Moorpark Subject:Letter addressing possible downsizing of the future Moorpark city library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 11:28:21 AM Attachments:Letter to City Council.docx Please see attached request for consideration of my concerns related to item 9A (downsizing of library). Thanks for all you do! Christy Corbett, Moorpark resident Sent from Mail for Windows 17 Thank you to our Moorpark city council for all you do! Our family is thrilled to be an�cipa�ng a brand new library. I want to urge the council to opt out of downsizing the new library space. Libraries do more than house books. With our popula�on growing, we need space for vital programs—such as adult literacy, ESL classes, tutoring support for struggling young readers (Moorpark reading literacy is 58%--some 3500 students reading below proficiency and in need of remedia�on), a�er school homework support and a mee�ng room for large community gatherings. A library is meant to be a vital hub. It all takes space! Let’s build it and they will come! I so hope we can now think ahead and create a legacy for genera�ons to come. 18 From:mandbmcdowell@roadrunner.com To:City Council & City Manager Subject:New Library Size Reduction Proposal Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 11:58:50 AM To: Moorpark City Council I have read the Agenda Report on the proposal to reduce the size of the planned new library and have opinions to provide. The Report contains a good history of the failure of the city to create a new library since taking control of the Moorpark library from the County in 2007. That history shows a failure to accomplish that task over 15 years. Reducing the size of the library will further delay opening the new library, which is not clearly defined in the Report. Additional costs will be incurred by the redesign and the delay, that do not contribute to the library building. It is past time to get this high priority project done. The Report provides metrics of Moorpark and California Avg library size which shows the current library at 1/3 the size in square feet per capita of the California average. This obviously reflects very poorly on the City. Yet, even the full size new library plan does not bring the Moorpark square feet per capita up to the California average. The reduced size plan leaves that metric at only 60% of the California average. This should not be acceptable to the City Council or the people of Moorpark. The Report does not include discussion of other areas within the City budget that could be reduced. Further the budget reductions desired seem artificial and can be bypassed to implement a very high priority expenditure. These are choices that should be explicitly defined and debated. How a city supports it's library is a clear demonstration of how it values and benefits it's citizens. The City is failing in this assessment. Nearby cities have done much better. Moorpark needs to step up and show it is a city that provides the best benefits to it's citizens by implementing the best library services. "Life can't be this good" without a world class library. Michael McDowell 13477 Bonita Heights St. Moorpark 19 From:Carmen Jerome To:Moorpark Subject:City Council Meeting on July 19, 2023 Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 12:20:48 PM To Moorpark City Council Dear City Representives, I would ask you to vote NO on the Proposal to reduce the size of the new City Library. It's shortsighted to spend good money on a redesign of an already approved library plan and delay the construction of a new library for upwards of 28 weeks, if not more. I have been a resident of Moorpark since November 1980 and have seen my share of city ideas getting bogged down in second-guessing and delays, and ending up with nothing being accomplished. The need for a new library that can meet the current and future needs of the community is one that cannot be dismissed or downsized. Sincerely, Carmen Jerome Moorpark, CA 93021 20 From:Eric Mcgregor To:City Council & City Manager Subject:NO to Library size reduction Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 12:41:36 PM Dear Mayor Enegren and City Council Members Delgado, Groff, Means, and Castro, Thank you for serving Moorpark. I love Moorpark and have lived her since 2003 and have graduated 3 children from the high school. Please do not reduce the size of the planned library. We have delayed building this long enough. We do not need another study. I insist that we have a new library as currently designed and promised. From previous studies, it is clear that even this configuration is not perfect for the needs of a city this size, and certainly not equal to residential growth over the next five to ten years. I do not support the reduction of the library and this shortsighted plan will require expansion at higher costs in the near future. Sincerely, Eric Mcgregor MP, CA 21 From:Swan Cheng To:Moorpark Subject:Comments on New Mrpk City Library-Reduction in Size Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 2:52:52 PM Dear Moorpark City Council, My family and I moved to Moorpark in 2007. Being relatively new to Southern California, and also having grown up around public libraries, we did not hesitate to visit Moorpark City Library (MCL) and apply for library cards. Throughout the years, we have met and made friends with all of librarians and library staff that have worked at MCL. We go to MCL at least once a week. All of the library staff know my family and I. My daughters (now at ages 18 and 22) have enjoyed many events at the library, such as Teen Tech Week, Banned Books Week, Teen Book Club, and both girls have been a part of the Teen Advisory Group. They enjoy reading YA books and manga (which MCL has an awesome collection of!). My son, who is 10 years old, enjoys borrowing I Spy books from MCL. He is currently challenging himself with chapter books. Recently, my son just got his very own library card. What’s most important to me is that when I went back to school in 2019, MCL has become a safe haven for me to study at. Prior to the pandemic, I was even able to study inside that glass room in the middle of the library. I also remember talking to library manager Christine about how it would be nice if the new library has several private study rooms, in addition to an area inside the library (or a small courtyard) where people can eat snacks and lunch - similar to what they have at Thousand Oaks Library. When the designs for the new library were unveiled and the results of the votes were in, we were all very excited to have a larger space that will cater to the population growth of Moorpark. Currently, when I do go to MCL to study, it can be a challenge to find a table to study at that is nice and quiet, as the current library space is small and is shared among adults, teens, and children alike. Furthermore, many middle schoolers have found the library a safe space for them to hang out after school and during schools breaks; the library provides a space that is air conditioned (especially important during this heat wave) and where they can use the computer. For many, the library is that safe space, where they can escape from the not-so-good things happening at home. Our city is growing and will continue to grow. Moorparkians have patiently waited over 20 years for this new library. Reducing the size of the proposed new library will render all of our current efforts fruitless, and not to mention, spend additional money on new architectural plans for a smaller library. We need a large new library that can accommodate Moorpark children, teens, and adults for many, many years to come. We also need a large new library in order to be comparable to Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. (Of course, I can always go to Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley for a larger library, but I live in Moorpark - I want to be able to use my own city’s library.) Please consider keeping the current size of the new library and not vote to reduce it. Thank you. Sincerely, Swan Cheng (mom) Ivan Yeung (dad) Lara Yeung (22) Kaia Yeung (18) Austen Yeung (10) 22 From:Leslie Randall To:Moorpark Subject:Library Downsizing Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 3:32:44 PM To The Moorpark City Council, Please DO NOT downsize the ALREADY approved and ready to go plans for our much needed and way overdue upgrading of our library. The last-minute proposal by one of the council members did NOT go unnoticed as to the timing. Seems awfully suspicious to have it put on the agenda at rather the last minute so as to not get many tax-paying residents to know about it, comment about it or attend the meeting this evening. In lieu of my non-attendance at tonight's meeting, I am expressing my concern and opinion that our library needs to be enlarged, especially when you all want more people moving here while approving more housing like you've done and your desire to want Moorpark to run with the big dogs and not continue to sit on the porch, please do not downsize our library. We need it. We deserve it. Thank you. Leslie Randall 23 From:Marie To:City Council & City Manager Subject:New library Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 4:00:37 PM We want no change in plans for new library!the cost of change is over $300,000! So we are not in agreement with Marie Lewey Sent from my iPhone 24 From:Denise Piehn To:Moorpark Cc:terimersonglazier@gmail.com Subject:Reduction in new library size Date:Wednesday, July 19, 2023 4:18:10 PM July 19, 2023 Dear Moorpark City Council, I recently learned that the new proposed library may be reduced in size 3,000 sq ft. I do not support this change. I am an avid user of our local library, have also served as a tutor for adults learning English ( and used our library for tutoring sessions), and am a Moorpark resident for over 35 years. Please do not make any further changes to the existing proposed library plan. Thank you, Denise Piehn Moorpark, CA 93021 25