HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2025 0806 CC SPC ITEM 08B SUPPLEMENTAL 2MOORPARK 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: 08/06/2025 Special Meeting
SUBJECT: Consider Approval of Plans and Specifications and Award of
Agreement to AMG & Associates, Inc. for New Moorpark City Library
Project; Approve Agreement with Carl Kim Geotechnical for
Geotechnical Inspection and Testing Services; Approve Agreement
with NV5, Inc. for Special Inspection and Materials Testing Services;
and Resolution Amending Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 Budget to Fully
Fund the Project; and Making a Determination of Exemption Under the
California Environmental Quality Act in Connection Therewith
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Subsequent to the publication of the staff report and the Supplemental Report circulated
on August 5 which included 34 emails, additional correspondence has been received from
members of the public and is attached hereto.
Attachment: 46 emails
Item: 8.B.
SUPPLEMENTAL 2
1
From:Denise Wolf
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Budget for Library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 11:40:22 AM
Honorable City Council Members,
Please reconsider approving the budget for a new library and using a
majority of the capital improvements budget for it.
While I believe that the library needs improvement the extra money
from the budget will take away from other projects that the city
needs.
Also, wondering how the city will be able to afford the operating cost
for the new library and what part of our city will lose funding to pay
for these costs-our parks, streets and landscape maintenance.
I hope you will take the time to look at the long term before
approving this costly project.
Thank you.
Denise Wolf
2
ATTACHMENT
From:Ann Christansen
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Please honor your commitment to the community and move forward with library construction
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 1:39:02 PM
The New Library has been in development since 2016, with the need for a larger
facility identified as early as 2007. To date, $4.1 million has been spent on planning,
design, permitting, and bidding. Over $5 million in local, state, and federal
grants—which cannot be applied to other projects—have been secured. Delaying or
canceling now would waste $9.3 million and forfeit a vital opportunity to serve our
growing community with a modern, expanded facility.
Ann Christansen
3
From:nonnie5806
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Complete the Library Project!
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 1:56:19 PM
Honorable Council members,
I am writing to urge you to move forward immediately with the approved plans for our community’s new library.
We have already spent $4 million on getting this long-awaited, too-long-postponed project to its shovel-ready form
that we won’t get back and will lose a crucial $5.3 million grant if we don’t move forward with the project. Letting
it all fall by the wayside is frivolous and irresponsible. Yes, the current bid is over the budgeted amount, but we can
absorb that overage now without too much pain. The cost of waiting will make the project much more expensive,
quite possibly putting it out of reach, at least in its current configuration. But this is the configuration that the City
and the community has given the go-ahead.
Moorpark deserves this library as it has been envisioned and endorsed. Not only will it be a gorgeous capstone to
the re-designed downtown that is emerging before our eyes, it will draw more people to the area to enjoy a
downtown that is once again truly the center of the community.
To a less tangible, but even more significant point: a vibrant, up-to-date library—in providing (totally free!) a
diverse range of resources dedicated to the edification, enrichment and enjoyment of ALL shareholders—becomes
the beating heart of the community. There is nowhere else in Moorpark that offers such a critical shared experience.
Such a place will quickly become the beating heart of the community.
Please don’t let any more time pass and this opportunity slip away. Stay the course and give the go-ahead to
immediately start birthing our new library!
Thank you,
Sandra Schneider
Sent from my iPad
4
From:Diana Fowler
To:Moorpark
Cc:Diana Fowler
Subject:Library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 2:02:37 PM
Dear Mayor Enegren and City Council Members’
I am Diana Fowler, a Moorpark City resident for over 37 years, a member and former president of
the Moorpark Women’s Club, and also a member and former president of the Moorpark Friends of
the Library.
First I want to thank Council Members Renee Delgado and Dr. Antonio Castro for their vote at the
July meeting, to accept the lowest construction bid and move forward with building our new library.
Council Member Barrett, I know that you are a new city council member and were looking for
direction on which way to vote. But please, educate yourself on the issues prior to a meeting. You
did not seem to know that there had been many reports and surveys done on the need for a new
library. Mayor Enegren I could not believe that you voted to wait until the August 6th meeting to
determine the fate of our proposed library. You said you were doing your due diligence, what were
you doing in June when you approved the city budget and special projects budgets, to only turn
around a month later and have to look at those again? And city council member Tom Means, I feel
like our library project is Charlie Brown, you are Lucy and you keep ripping that football out from
under it. This is the second time you have done this to the library project. What do you have against
the library?
At this meeting on Wednesday I hope, and pray that the all of you will vote in favor of improving our
town with a new library, therefore vote to accept the lowest construction bid, and get this library
built.
Sincerely,
Diana Fowler
5
From:Janet Nokleby
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Moorpark Library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 2:16:13 PM
Dear all,
I am writing to you in support of the Moorpark City Library. Local libraries are extremely important for thriving
communities.
I visit our library several times a month. It is a busy place but with antiquated facilities. The staff does such a great
job of supporting it, but the current building is insufficient for the future.
I understand that the new building has been in the plans for several years and has broad community support. While
it is unfortunate that the bid came in over budget, the money that has already been spent and grants to support this
would all be lost if the project does not go forward. This would be a great loss for this community. If this project is
further delayed, the cost to build will only increase. We have waited long enough, the project needs to move
forward.
When I look at other communities in the area I see very modern libraries as facilities that are suitable for
multipurpose use. I am an independent consultant who collaborates with other consultants in the area. Often times
we need to find meeting areas to work together on our projects. The current library in Moorpark can’t support this
type of activity so my colleagues have to use libraries in other towns. It would be so nice if we could use the facility
in our own town. It would be so nice if we could have our meetings in the Moorpark library and then enjoy the
businesses on High Street. Having a thriving library near High Street will help make our downtown area a
destination and bring people to the center of the city.
Please support this very important project for our community. I was fortunate to grow up in a community with a
thriving library, it was a great benefit to the community. Every community should have a thriving library as a key
element in their community.
Thank you for your consideration,
Janet Nokleby
6
From:Joe Volpe
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Support the New Moorpark Library – Approve the Lowest Bid
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 2:40:00 PM
Dear Mayor Enegren and Members of the City Council,
My name is Joseph Volpe, and I have been a proud resident of Moorpark for 3 years. I’m
writing to express my disappointment in the recent decision not to approve the lowest bid
for the new city library at last week’s meeting. I urge the City Council to reconsider and
approve the lowest bid at the special meeting on August 6th.
Libraries are a vital public resource. They are open to everyone and central to a thriving,
educated community. Our current library is outdated, lacks air conditioning, and no longer
meets the needs of our growing population. This long-overdue investment will benefit
residents of all ages.
I moved my family to Moorpark for the small, tight knit community that seemed especially
welcoming of young families with small children. In many ways it has lived up to that
expectation but the library falls short of what it could be. We end up going to the Thousand
Oaks library more often than the Moorpark library due to the lack or air condition, ants, and
just a general dismal feeling when you look around. With the amount of new construction
that we’ve brought to the neighborhood, the popular of Moorpark is about to explode. We
need this new library more than ever! Unless there is a specific project that is competing for
funding that the town decides is more important than we should proceed with this project.
Thank you for your time and service to our community. I hope you’ll support a fiscally
responsible path forward that prioritizes access, equity, and education.
Sincerely,
Joseph Volpe
Joe Volpe
7
From:Noah Rubino
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Please move forward with the new library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 3:27:45 PM
Dear City Council,
I like libraries. I've visited at least one library approximately every week since I was at least 5 years old, checking out and
returning a circulating pile of materials that have brought me joy and, dare I say, enlightenment--works that have broadened
my horizons and made me a more empathetic, understanding person, or books that have helped me study learn new skills and
experiences.
Even outside of just borrowing materials, libraries are excellent places to, well, exist for an unspecified period of time; back
when I had a part-time job here in Moorpark, most of the time I spent studying for a paralegal certificate was inside the
Moorpark library, using a clean table and a quiet environment to take notes and quiz myself.
The Moorpark library, in its current state, is...fine. At best.
While I'm able to place a hold on a great variety of materials with my Moorpark library card, that's overwhelmingly thanks to
the library's association with the "Inland Library Network," allowing me to place holds on materials from other libraries. But
that's inconsistent and frustrating at best. Sometimes books are listed in the catalog, but are never actually available;
sometimes materials arrive in distinctly inferior quality than what is listed; sometimes materials disappear from the catalog
entirely by the time they can arrive.
A new, larger, well-funded library would go a long way to remediating this issue by allowing for more space to store
materials, allowing Moorpark to have greater control over the materials available to patrons and, by extent, allowing for more
complete collections. Reinstating the Zip Books program would allow patrons to have a more direct involvement with
curating the library's selection and fixing conspicuous holes in it.
Another thing a larger physical space would help with would be, well, more space. As I mentioned, I used to use the library as
a study space, but that was only possible when I had a part-time job. Now that I am fully employed, the Moorpark library is
simply insufficient for that purpose. There just aren't enough tables or spaces between them and high-traffic areas to allow me
to comfortably study for certifications during peak hours, discouraging me and many others from achieving self-improvement
in a place dedicated for that purpose. This can have a domino effect that makes Moorpark as a whole less productive and
innovative.
But the worst part of the Moorpark library is its failure to function as an adequate community center. Moorpark is a small
town, relative to other cities in Ventura County; it's important to have a publicly-accessible area for regular community
engagements, and that's something libraries are generally excellent at. But the Moorpark Library is woefully insufficient in
this matter.
To be clear, the librarians and staff at the Moorpark library do an excellent job conceptualizing, planning, and organizing
events; but there's only so much you can do with limited resources.
Without a dedicated multi-purpose room for community events, the Moorpark library has to hold events right in the middle of
the building, distracting and discouraging patrons who come there for other reasons and taking up space that would otherwise
be available. And, with limited resources and space, the quality of those events is significantly affected.
If I may rant about a particular bugbear of mine...the TV is terrible. Its sound quality is poor and the frame rate of the thing
makes it genuinely hard to look at. This may seem like a minor complaint but it reflects how the library is particularly bad at
hosting events that would have an audience looking at a singular point of interest, be it a film or a guest speaker or a trivia
contest. I mean, later this week, the Thousand Oaks library is hosting an entire convention, with multiple public speakers and
events; the least we can do is have a room that lets the community share the experience of a classic film in a setup barely
better than what you can piece together from junk from Goodwill.
While yes, I can and do go to other libraries in the County as needed, every trip I take to the Grant R. Brimhall library in
Thousand Oaks is less funding for the City of Moorpark and its local businesses--especially the new ones about to appear on
High Street, which will absolutely gain increased patronage (and tax revenue) by being right next to a prominent, accessible,
enjoyable community resource.
8
In short, I feel that building and funding a new library is an important part of the City of Moorpark's growth, and should be
prioritized as a way to serve the community.
Thanks,
-- Noah Rubino
9
August 6, 2025
Good evening, Moorpark City Councilmembers,
My name is Nikki Winslow, and I’m the Director of the Altadena Library District. As a public
library director, I see firsthand every day the critical role libraries play in building strong,
connected, and resilient communities. Our library buildings have been crucial this year after the
devastating Eaton Fire that destroyed over 9,000 structures in Altadena – we have been even
more of a community hub than before the fire. We open our space to many partner groups and
organizations, such as FEMA, the Small Business Association, Neighborhood Housing Services,
LA County Department of Public Health, and Mental Health, to name a few, to connect residents
to essential resources and information to help with the recovery, rebuilding, and resiliency of
Altadena.
We have also been that much-needed third space that community members required through
this time of crisis and trauma. After we were able to reopen our Main Library in March, we
welcomed LeVar Burton from Reading Rainbow to read one of his books to our children and
families, which drew over a thousand people together that day in our parkin g lot. We have had
several large events since that time. I share these examples with you to demonstrate the power
of libraries in their communities and know that a new library in Moorpark will be an important
investment in the well-being of the city.
I’m speaking in strong support of the Moorpark Library building project — not just as a
colleague in the field, but as someone who understands the transformational impact this kind of
investment can have.
This is about more than a building. It’s about giving Moorpark a space that serves everyone —
kids, teens, seniors, caregivers, job seekers, students — for generations to come. The new
library will offer a dedicated early literacy space, ESL classes, a makerspace for hands-on
learning, a podcasting studio and virtual reality for teen creators, a nd a place of refuge during
heat waves and emergencies.
It will be a safe, welcoming public space that doesn’t cost anything — and doesn’t expect
anything in return. That’s the beauty of libraries. They show up for everyone, without barriers,
and they make communities stronger.
I have been told how overcrowded storytimes currently are, demonstrating how urgently this
new space is needed. There has been so much planning, community input, and a shared vision
of what kind of library your community wants AND needs – and now is the time to deliver on
the this much needed community services driven center.
10
If you believe that libraries matter, that families deserve support, and that public space should
belong to everyone, then now is the time to act. Moorpark deserves a library that reflects the
energy, talent, and potential of your community.
Thank you.
Nikki Winslow
District Director, Altadena Library District
11
From:Kareemah Wale
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:SAVE THE NEW LIBRARY
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 5:50:46 PM
To the People of Moorpark City Council,
My name is Kareemah Wale and I live in Moorpark with my family of four. We are asking the
city to move forward with the new library project. It provides an incredible space to build
community and provides amazing and necessary resources for our community.
We've already spent $4M on pre-construction, please don't let it go to waste!
Sincerely,
Kareemah Wale
12
From:junedubreuil@gmail.com
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Proposed Moorpark City Library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 8:18:02 PM
June Dubreuil
Moorpark, CA 93021
August 5th, 2025
Moorpark City Council
323 Science Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
Subject: Concerns Regarding the proposed $34 Million Moorpark City Library Project
Dear Mayor Enegren and Honorable Members of the Moorpark City Council,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Moorpark for over 38 years, to express my
apprehension about the proposed $34 million Moorpark City Library project. While I
recognize the value of a modern library and support updating our existing facility, I believe the
current plan is excessively costly and may not align with the evolving role of libraries in the
digital age. Additionally, the financial implications of this project could strain the city’s
operating budget, potentially compromising critical services such as park maintenance, and
divert resources from addressing the deteriorating condition of existing infrastructure, such as
the old government center. I urge the Council to reconsider the project’s scope and explore
more cost-effective alternatives, such as repurposing the former Rite Aid building or
renovating existing facilities.
The proposed $34 million library, a significant increase from the previously reported $23
million estimate, represents a substantial financial commitment for our community. Recent
reports indicate that the lowest construction bid came in $3–4 million over the 2023 budget,
pushing the total cost even higher. While the city has secured $5.35 million in grants,
including $4.6 million from the California Library Infrastructure Grant and $750,000 in
federal funds, this covers only a fraction of the total cost. The remaining funds will come from
the city’s capital improvement fund, which will impact other critical priorities such as the
Gabbert Road railroad crossing and needed upgrades to our Parks.
The operating budget for a new 17,272-square-foot library is another concern. A facility more
than twice the size would likely require increased staffing, maintenance, and utility costs.
While exact figures for the new library’s operating budget are unavailable, comparable
libraries in California suggest annual operating costs could range from $1.5 to $3 million,
depending on staffing levels, programming, and facility maintenance. This ongoing expense
could strain the city’s general fund, which for Fiscal Year 2024–2025 is approximately $38
million, with significant allocations already dedicated to public safety, infrastructure, and
community services.
The city’s operating budget is finite, and committing to a high-cost library project could limit
funds available for other essential services, such as park maintenance. Moorpark maintains 19
park sites with more slated for development, including the 160-acre Arroyo Vista Park, funded
in part by a park property assessment approved in 1999–2000. These parks are vital
community assets, supporting recreational activities and fostering civic pride. However,
13
increased financial pressure from the library’s construction and operating costs could lead to
reduced funding for park upkeep, resulting in deferred maintenance of fields, play equipment,
and restrooms. This would diminish the quality of life for residents who rely on these spaces
for recreation and community engagement. The City of Moorpark is already projecting budget
shortfalls soon, which will require an increase in the existing park assessment or a retail sales
tax increase to cover City expenses. These increases will need approval from the voters, and I
am concerned that this 34-million-dollar project will sour the community from supporting a
needed tax increase.
Furthermore, the old government center in downtown Moorpark is in dire need of repair.
Renovating the old government center could serve multiple purposes, including housing
updated library services, community space and possibly moving the Senior Center to the
Arroyo Vista Recreation Center. The maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure
over a costly new build aligns with fiscal responsibility and community needs.
The role of libraries has evolved with the advent of digital technology and electronic books.
While libraries remain valuable community hubs, the demand for physical collections is
declining as e-books, audiobooks, and online resources become more accessible. The
Moorpark City Library offers digital collections through platforms like Overdrive, and
residents can access a wide range of online resources for free. However, the proposed library’s
design emphasizes traditional elements like book collections for all age groups, multipurpose
rooms, and study areas, which may not fully reflect the shift toward digital access.
Usage statistics for the Moorpark City Library indicate it serves a population of 37,576. The
library provides programs for children, teens, and adults, suggesting a broad user base.
National trends show that library usage is highest among children (for story times and
educational programs). It must also be noted that Moorpark Unified School District maintains
libraries on their public-school campuses which provides supportive reading services. Seniors
also use libraries for community events and lifelong learning, however, even seniors are using
online e-books, with young adults increasingly favoring digital resources. A 2023 Pew
Research Center study found that 54% of Americans under 30 used library digital services,
compared to 40% visiting physical libraries. Given these trends, a $34 million investment in a
large physical library may not align with how residents, particularly younger generations,
access information. A smaller, technology-focused facility could better meet these needs at a
lower cost.
Rather than proceeding with the $34 million project, I propose two cost-effective alternatives:
1. Repurpose the Former Rite Aid Building: The vacant Rite Aid building at Spring and
Tierra Rejada roads has been suggested as a potential library site. Repurposing an
existing structure could significantly reduce construction costs, preserve grant funding,
and expedite the project timeline. This option would also repurpose a blighted property,
enhancing the community’s aesthetic and economic vitality.
2. Renovate the Old Government Center and Existing Library: Renovating the
existing library building with updated technology services and extensive patio seating.
A renovated government center could address both the need for an updated library and
the need for community rooms and spaces. This approach would likely cost less than
$34 million, allowing the city to allocate funds to other priorities like park maintenance
or additional civic improvements.
14
I urge the City Council to reconsider the $34 million library project in light of its high cost, the
evolving role of libraries, and the strain it may place on the city’s operating budget. Delaying
the project, as discussed at the July 16, 2025, meeting, risks losing $4.6 million in state and
federal grants and wasting $4.1 million already spent on planning. However, moving forward
with a more modest, technology-focused library or repurposing existing buildings could meet
community needs without compromising fiscal stability. I encourage the Council to prioritize
the maintenance of our parks and existing infrastructure, such as the old government center,
and to explore alternatives like the Rite Aid building or a scaled-down renovation of the
current library at 699 Moorpark Avenue.
I respectfully request that the Council vote against this proposed 34-million-dollar library
project and pursue a Library project that is progressive and in keeping with technological
advances and demand.
Thank you for your commitment to Moorpark and for considering my perspective as a
concerned resident and Parks Commissioner.
Sincerely,
June Dubreuil
Virus-free.www.avg.com
15
From:stacy silver
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Moorpark Library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 8:20:25 PM
To Whom It May Concern.
I am writing this email in favor of building the new library in Moorpark.
The library gives people a sense of belonging and a sense of community. The library offers so
much to the city of Moorpark and brings so many people together. The new build will enrich
the services and give opportunity to provide so much more.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stacy Silver
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
16
From:Trina Coleron
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Support for Moorpark Library Plan
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 8:42:57 PM
Hello,
I am writing to formally submit my enthusiastic support for the new Moorpark Library plan. I
have lived in Moorpark for 15 years and became a home owner here in Moorpark in January
of 2025. A new library is very important for this town as a place for learning, creating,
gathering, and refuge. Our libraries play a crucial role in the community on many levels and
this should be a priority for Moorpark. I understand that this is opposition to the funds but I
support this endeavor 100% and I urge the city council to move forward.
Thank you for your attention and your service to the town of Moorpark!
Trina Coleron
, Moorpark, CA 93021
17
From:Diana Axelsen
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Future of Moorpark City Library
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 9:36:59 PM
Attachments:Moorpark Library decision.docx
Message attached from Diana Axelsen, , Moorpark.
18
August 5, 2025
Members of the Moorpark City Council:
I am dumbfounded by the failure of the council to move forward with the library. Both at the July
meeting and in newspapers, Moorpark citizens have given many excellent reasons for proceeding with
construction. As I will be unable to attend the meeting on August 6, I am sending some additional
information on economic benefits of libraries, a possibility that was mentioned at the July meeting by
Ms. Delgado.
One of the most extensive surveys on this topic was published by the School of Library and Information
Sciences at the University of South Carolina in 2013 and updated by the lead author in 2023. In their
report, “Assessing the Value of Public Library Services: A Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis
(META),” the authors conclude that “the analysis performed for this project suggests mounting evidence
that public libraries contribute to the economic prosperity of the communities they serve and that these
benefits typically range around five or six dollars for every dollar spent ” (Arns, 2023, p. 41). Measuring
such benefits is complex, but the report describes in detail the philosophical framework and the
methodology used to study libraries in communities across the United States.
“The Value of California’s Public Libraries,” on the California State Libraries website, includes a section on
economic engines and identifies resources to support the claim that California libraries are “one of the
most cost-effective investments around.”
Resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In a 2007 article, “Making Cities Stronger: Public
Library Contributions to Local Economic Development,” the Urban Libraries Council noted that “when
libraries work with local and state agencies to provide business development data, workshops and
research, market entry costs to prospective small businesses are reduced, existing businesses are
strengthened, and new enterprises are created” (p. 3). Entrepreneurs and business start-ups can find
market data, information on business planning, and local business connections through resources
available in libraries. An article in the Library Systems & Services Company Knowledge Center and a
presentation by Mt. Auburn Associates elaborate on ways in which libraries benefit the local economy
through both business and workforce development.
Resources for job searches and career advancement. According to Becker et al., employment and career
purposes rank among the top three uses for library computers and internet service. Wu et al. report that
during the 2008 recession, more than 30 million people looked for jobs on library computers, and
Horrigan found that in 2012, 36 percent of library visitors were there to look or apply for a job.
Educational Enrichment. As speakers at the July council meeting pointed out, the importance of
libraries in the cultural life of Moorpark’s families is certainly one of the biggest reasons for library
project to go forward. However, the positive impact of libraries on children’s educational development
could be viewed as a contribution to a community’s economic health. Gilpin et al. found that library
capital investment increased library visits, attendance by children at library events, and children’s
checkouts of items by an average of 5% to 15% in the years following investment. This increase in library
use translated into improved test scores in nearby districts; the study found that a $200 or greater per
student capital investment in local public libraries increased reading test scores by 0.01–0.04 standard
deviations in subsequent years.
19
My love of libraries, beginning with the Carnegie Library in Caldwell, Idaho, is not something I would
describe primarily in economic terms, and the reasons for moving ahead with the Moorpark library
project are certainly far greater and more profound than any cost-benefit analysis could capture.
However, the higher bids for the project seem to be a central concert of the council, and the city
manager said that a lower bid was unlikely. Given the time and money already invested, the only
economically responsible choice is to move forward now with the current plan.
Diana Axelsen
4363 Lantern Lane
Moorpark
References
Arns, Jennifer Weil, Robert Williams, and Karen Miller. 2013. Assessing the Value of Public Library
Services: A Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis (META). Columbia, SC: School of Library and
Information Science, University of South Carolina.
https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/cic/research/sponsored_awards/meta/meta1/pdfs/final_report1.
pdf
Arns, Jennifer. 2023. META 2. Furthering Our Understanding of the Economic Value of Public Library
Services: A Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.
https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/cic/research/sponsored_awards/meta/meta2/pdfs/meta2_final.
pdf
Becker, Samantha, Michael D. Crandall, Karen E. Fisher, Bo Kinney, Carol Landry, and Anita Rocha. 2010.
Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries. IMLS-2010-
RES-01. Washington, DC: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/opportunityforall_0.pdf
Cole, Natalie, and Cheryl Stenström. 2021. “The Value of California’s Public Libraries.” Public Library
Quarterly, Vol. 40, No. 6, pp. 481-503.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01616846.2020.1816054
Gilpin, Gregory, Ezra Karger, and Peter Nencka. “The Returns to Public Library Investment.” 2024.
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 78-109. 9).
https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pol.20210300
This article is behind a paywall, but a working version can be accessed here:
https://www.chicagofed.org/publications/working-papers/2021/2021-06
Horrigan, John B. 2015. Libraries at the Crossroads: The Public Is Interested in New Services and Thinks
Libraries Are Important to Communities. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center.
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/09/15/libraries-at-the-crossroads/
Library Systems & Services Think Piece. 2022. How Modern Libraries Boost Local Economy Services.
https://www.lsslibraries.com/how-modern-libraries-boost-local-economy/
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Mt. Auburn Associates. Public Libraries’ Role in Workforce and Small Business Development: A look
across ten public library systems, 2022.
https://www.cosla.org/assets/MTM/Consolidated%20Final%20Report%2010-01-2022.pdf
Smith, Tyler. The Educational Benefits of Public Libraries. American Economic Association Research
Highlights, May 29, 2024. https://www.aeaweb.org/research/charts/public-library-returns-investment
Urban Libraries Council. 2007. Making Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions to Local Economic
Development. Washington, DC: Urban Libraries Council.
https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/46006/1001075-Making-Cities-Stronger.PDF
The Value of California’s Public Libraries. California State Libraries website,
https://www.library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/value-of-libraries/
Wu, Portia, Johan Uvin, and Susan Hildreth. 2014. “Libraries and the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act.” Washington, DC: Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of
Education. https://www.imls.gov/blog/2014/11/libraries-and-workforce-innovation-and-opportunity-act
21
From:Erin Perlman
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library Project vote
Date:Tuesday, August 05, 2025 10:50:11 PM
Hello,
After watching the meeting that was held last month, I feel inclined to write to you all before tomorrow night’s vote
on the Library Project. I very much appreciate the firm stance Ms. Delgado and Dr. Castro have held to move
forward with the new library.
As you all likely know by now, a library is beneficial for the whole community, whether directly or indirectly. The
same cannot always be said for other city improvement projects. I agree that the cost of a new library is high, but the
funds spent are an investment to Moorpark and its residents for decades to come. This is not a project that only
benefits part of our community, but benefits all. Voting ‘no’ on the new library for the sake of appeasing a small
part of our community would be a disservice to Moorpark residents.
Please vote ‘yes’ for the final approval of the Library Project.
Thank you,
Erin Perlman
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From:Olivia Feito
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Build the New Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 6:48:47 AM
Mayor and City Council Members,
I’m a 25-year-old Moorpark resident, and I just wanted to say, it’s time to move forward
with the new library.
The library has always been one of the few places that’s free and open to everyone, no
matter their age or background. I count on our library to access books for free and I’ve
enjoyed participating in other programs. It’s a valuable resource, and the current space
doesn’t reflect the needs or energy of our community anymore.
This new library has been promised forever, and now it’s fully funded, no loans required.
There’s no reason to wait. A new, modern library would be a huge step forward for
Moorpark and something we could all be proud of.
Please make this happen. So many people of all ages would benefit.
Thanks for your time and all you do for Moorpark,
Olivia
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From:Jessica jerome
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Complete the Library Project: Don"t waste $9.3M
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 7:01:42 AM
Dear Mayor Enegren and Members of the City Council,
I strongly urge each of you to vote in favor of Item 8b by awarding the contract for the New
Library to AMG & Associates, signing the contract and amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26
Budget by allocating $3,205,820 from the Special Projects Fund to fully fund the the New
Library.
I am not naive in thinking that a major city building project, such as the New City Library was
ever going to go smoothly or move quickly. However, that is exactly the point. This project
began it's journey in 2007 and was revitalized in 2016 with the City Council Objective -
Construct New City Library and the City Council approving a location across from the Post
Office for this project in order to "bookend" the revitalization of High Street. Since 2016 and
forward each City Council has had it in their City Objective/Goals to Construct a New City
Library. Even this year you all voted to adopt the Moorpark City Council Goals, Fiscal Years
2025/26 - Goal 1 - Moorpark Quality of Life, 1.2 Construct New Moorpark Libray. In addition at
that same June 18, 2025 meeting you all also voted to adopt and approve the Operating and
Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 abd 2026/27 in which money continued
to be allocated for the construction of the New City Library.
So why are we here then? I understand that some members of council felt that waiting an
additional 3 weeks would not "cost" anything to this project, but what it has done is left a city
and it's residents pitted against each other. Especially after the comment that was made
during the discussion part of the July 16th meeting that if we move forward with the New City
Library then "Nothing else will be able to be built or done in the city for many years." That is
not a completly true statement now is it? Each of these important Capital Improvement
Projects has multiple sources of funding and not all funding can be pulled from one project to
be used for other projects. Therefore, there is money in the reserves as was explained by City
Staff during their presentation at the July 16th meeting and money left in those reserves after
funding the library. Improvements can still happen, I believe that both the city council and the
city staff can all come together to find effective, productive and unique ways to get funding
for additional items.
The New City Library is ready to be built, it is ready to break ground, and it is ready to be a
modern community center that not only houses books, but provides each resident with a
space where knowledge, innovation and community intersect. A place that not only provides
access to books and resources, but also fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and lifelong
learning. Please move forward with this important city project!
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Sincerely,
Jessica Jerome
Moorpark Resident since 1982
25
From:Karen Etcheverry
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Our library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 8:01:35 AM
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to you today to ask you all to please vote to award the library contract to the lowest bidder. I
understand that a new library is wanted, but that other priorities may prevail. As a 36-year resident of Moorpark, I
adore our city and have been so grateful for how wonderfully it is run and cared for. I’ve had different wishes for
things that our city did not have over the years, depending on the phase in my kids’ lives as well as my husband’s
and my own. But the one thing I have consistently wished for over the entire span of my living here is the wish for a
new library. My family and I have used it through every phase of our lives and have longed for a library that is like
the Thousand Oaks library - modern, beautiful and filled with wonderful programs (with room to accommodate
them). We need a thriving city center - and a library is the very foundation of that. Not one other considered project
can possibly come close to that. A good library is a place for the very young, ALL the middle years and the older
too! I am very sure there are many other great ideas for ways to spend money in the city, but they are all bonuses
that should be considered once the foundational need is met.
Please, please think long and hard on this and do not waste the millions put into this already and lose the grant
money already set up. A library is a foundational investment that should be a top priority.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts, and thank you for all that you do for our city!
Respectfully,
Karen Etcheverry
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From:bellafil58@gmail.com
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Now library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 8:32:32 AM
Dear City Council Members, Good morning,
Now is the time to build the new library! As a resident of 45 years, I’ve been waiting a long time. I had to-cart my
children to Simi and Thousand Oaks and pay their $55 out of their city fee to use it. Our city needs the library now
for our young people and our seniors who still would like to turn the pages of their books manually. A place that
would gather all people in our downtown area. Please, I urge you to build it now! There’s no better time since we
are so vastly committed! Make it happen now!
Filomena Shaw
Resident since 1980!
Sent from my iPhone
27
From:Linda Cree
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:OUR NEW LIBRARY
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 8:52:19 AM
Dear City Council,
We moved to wonderful Moorpark in 1988 and have waited patiently for a new library.
PLEASE don't make us wait any longer.
Regards, Russ and Linda Cree
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From:Tina Johnson
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Moorpark Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 9:02:52 AM
August 5, 2025
Dear City Council Members,
As the District Coordinator of Libraries for the Las Virgenes Unified School District for
the past ten years, I write to express my strong support for the construction of the
new Moorpark Library. While I am not a Moorpark resident, I am a lifelong library
advocate who has seen firsthand how modern, well-supported library spaces
transform schools, families, and communities.
In LVUSD, we have made our libraries dynamic centers of learning and partnership.
Through collaboration with organizations like the Museum of Tolerance, Kaiser
Permanente, and the Los Angeles Rams, we’ve brought in assemblies, cultural
events, health education, and author visits that reach far beyond the classroom. Our
libraries host makerspace workshops, STEM dissection labs, storytelling events, and
activities that reflect the diversity and creativity of our students.
These partnerships aren’t limited to our school campuses. Public libraries are
essential allies in this work. They provide supplemental learning spaces, house
curriculum-aligned materials, offer tutoring and enrichment programs, and serve as
welcoming spaces for all ages. They are an extension of the classroom - supporting
student achievement, family engagement, and community resilience.
The Moorpark Library project represents not just a building, but a commitment to
lifelong learning, equity of access, and civic pride. Choosing not to fund the project
would be a step away from everything libraries make possible: curiosity, connection,
and opportunity.
Please don’t let this moment pass. Invest in the kind of future Moorpark students and
families deserve - one that includes a vibrant public library at its heart.
Thank you,
Tina Johnson
tjohnson@lvusd.org
29
30
From:Christine White
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Vote YES for the LIBRARY
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 9:14:45 AM
To the Moorpark City Council:
Wants
City survey results, a barrage of emails, the notable libraries surrounding Moorpark – it's
pretty clear that a gem of a library is genuinely what citizens want.
Expenses
We'll ultimately rebuild a library no matter what, and it's not going to get any cheaper.
Ignoring $4M in sunk costs and losing $5M in grants to diddle longer would be pretty
irresponsible. Nice public buildings are expensive. Spending 10% above your 2-year old
budget to achieve something truly important is awfully reasonable and the City's finances
make it imminently feasible too.
Leadership
"What do we have to lose?" was the mantra urging you to wait on a library vote until today.
You risked voters losing faith in City leadership's ability to follow through with stated goals.
Repair trust, cement your legacy: demonstrate your commitment to the new library.
Please, vote YES tonight to build the LIBRARY.
With gratitude for your service,
Christine
Christine White, PhD
Moorpark
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From:jimaam@cs.com
To:Moorpark
Subject:Letter Regarding Special Meeting
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 9:54:55 AM
Subject: Special Meeting Agenda for August 6th 2025
To: Mayor Enegren and Moorpark City Council
Dear Mayor Enegren and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to address the critical agenda items for the special meeting on August 6, 2025,
specifically the prioritization of the capital budget plan and the proposed library project. As a long-
time Moorpark resident, I am deeply concerned about the fiscal challenges facing our city and the
sustainability of proposed projects.
Capital Budget Prioritization
The city faces a daunting financial challenge with a proposed capital budget of $176 million against
only $46 million in available funds, resulting in a $130 million deficit. Allocating the available funds
proportionally would require cuts of approximately $81 million from roads, $44 million from
facilities, $3 million from parks, and $2 million from other projects.
Alternatively, funding the full budget would require an additional $3,800 per resident, an
unsustainable burden for our community.
This deficit, combined with forecasted structural deficits in the city’s operating budget, demands a
rigorous re-evaluation of all capital projects. No project should be exempt from scrutiny, and each
must be assessed for its long-term impact on both capital and operating budgets. We cannot afford
to build facilities without ensuring sufficient funds for staffing and maintenance.
Proposed Library Project
The second agenda item, approving bids for the proposed 17,500-square-foot library, raises
significant concerns due to its escalating costs, currently estimated at $35 million, or approximately
$2,000 per square foot. This cost appears excessive when compared to other library projects:
Camarillo Public Library – (2007, Ventura County): Built at an all-in cost of $415 per square foot
(source: Camarillo Public Library history).
Austin Central Library - (2017, Texas): Constructed at an all-in cost of $631 per square foot (source:
Austin Public Library project records).
Sequim Library - (under construction, Washington): A 10,000-square-foot library serving a
community of 30,000, with an estimated cost of $1,000 per square foot, including modern
amenities, expected completion in Fall 2025 (source: Sequim Library project updates).
The proposed library’s cost per square foot appears to be among the highest in recent U.S. library
projects, necessitating justification and exploration of cost-effective alternatives. I urge the Council
to reject the current bids and direct staff to develop alternatives that cap total costs at $1,000 per
square foot while ensuring the facility meets community needs. Additionally, future operating costs
must be factored into planning to avoid straining the city’s budget.
Proposed Alternatives
Viable options include repurposing existing assets, such as the vacant Rite Aid facility or renovating
the current library and government center. The Rite Aid option, in particular, could be fast-tracked
to deliver a modern library within 12 months, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs and
expedite completion. These alternatives deserve serious consideration to align with fiscal
responsibility and community priorities. I am eager to share my research and analysis with the City
32
Council and staff to support a transparent and collaborative decision-making process.
Thank you for your attention to these critical issues,
Sincerely,
Jim Aamoth
Moorpark Ca
Support and Citations:
Budget Numbers
AGENDA REPORT 2025 0806 CC SPC ITEM 08A
Project Costs
Library costs can range from $500 to $2,000 per square foot depending on design and amenities
(source: https://www.aia.org/articles/6256438-construction-costs-for-public-libraries))
$2,000 per square foot is significantly higher than typical library costs ($500-$1,500 per sq ft, per AIA
data).
High-end projects, like the New York Public Library’s renovation (2010s), reached similar per-square-
foot costs but are not directly comparable.
The American Institute of Architects provides general cost ranges for public libraries
([https://www.aia.org/](https://www.aia.org/)), supporting the assertion that $2,000 per square foot
is unusually high.
Camarillo Public Library (2007) cost $415 per square foot.
The Camarillo Public Library’s history page https://www.camarillolibrary.org/about/history))
Ventura County Star archives (https://www.vcstar.com/)) from 2007 mention the $27 million cost,
supporting the figure.
Austin Central Library ($631 per sq ft)
([https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-central-library]
2017 article from Architect Magazine ([https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/austin-
central-library]) corroborates the $125 million cost
Sequim Library ($1,000 per sq ft)
([https://www.nols.org/sequim-expansion/)
Proposed Alternatives - For context, adaptive reuse projects, such as converting commercial spaces
to libraries, can cost $200-$800 per square foot (source:
https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/budgeting-for-building)
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From:Stacy Schloetel
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 9:58:14 AM
City Council members,
I cannot make the meeting tonight but was told we can email the importance of voting for our new library to go
forward!
I sure hope that happens!
Thank you,
Stacy Schloetel
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From:Emma Schaefer
To:Moorpark
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 8/6/2026 - Build the new library!
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 12:25:48 PM
The people of Moorpark deserve a new, beautiful library building that fits their needs. The
current building is inadequate. There are no study rooms, no meeting rooms, no place
for kids to play loudly or for speakers to give presentations, no media room, and no
dedicated space for teenagers at all. Right now, any activity that happens in the library
affects all of it: a noisy children’s event takes over the entire center of the library and
disrupts studying and quiet reading; careworkers who meet up with parents to discuss
their children’s special needs and progress must do so in public where anyone can
overhear; teens who want somewhere to go after school must choose between sitting in
the baby books section with the toddlers or taking over the only two tables in the adult
section. The proposed building would provide all of these facilities, which are all
features library patrons ask for every single day.
The Rite Aid building is not an adequate replacement. Choosing this location would be
throwing away millions of dollars that have already been spent on blueprints and pre-
construction, as well as millions more dollars of grant money and would cut off access
to many of the library’s regular patrons. At the library’s current location, it is within
walking distance of multiple schools. Teachers walk their classes down the hill for visits.
Teens ride their bikes in after school. Many regular patrons are within walking distance.
The senior center is next door, allowing Moorpark’s senior citizens easy access to the
library. It is a stop on the city bus route and near the train station. The library also acts as
a rest stop, bathroom, and cooling center for all of the foot traffic on High Street. The Rite
Aid location is only accessible by car and very distant from everything else. Schoolkids,
teenagers, anyone who rides the bus or train, senior citizens, and High Street visitors
would all be completely blocked from the library services their taxes pay for if this
location was chosen.
Additionally, the library is currently located on a specially secure and stable portion of
the electrical grid. When residents of Moorpark and Simi Valley lose power – which has
happened often in recent years – the library’s power stays on. It becomes an emergency
cooling center, shelter, and one of the only places residents can go to charge their
devices and continue working. During the fires in January and November, hundreds of
people came in each day to use the library’s power, including people who were
themselves emergency service workers relocating people after fires destroyed their
homes. The Rite Aid location has no such protection from the electrical grid and would
not be able to stay open during power emergencies.
Finally, the current library has no space for teens at all. The proposed building has study
rooms, meeting rooms, a media room, and a dedicated teen space. Teens need
somewhere to go more than ever, and the new library can provide that.
35
From:Emily Mitchell
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Support the awarding the library bid tonight
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 11:52:18 AM
Dear Council Members,
Before addressing you later this evening, I wanted to understand all perspectives on
this critical decision. I reached out to multiple Library Directors and stakeholders
who are in various stages of library renovation and planning including
the Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro Tem David Lesser, whose city completed a
comparable library project in 2015. Manhattan Beach built a 21,500 square foot
library for $26.3M which equals $35.7 million in today's dollars – validating our
current bid's reasonableness.
Summarizing our hour-long conversation, his insight was clear: building their
library "sends a message to everyone about the community's great value of learning
and education."
With that broader perspective in mind, let me share what our own community is
telling us: 43,000 visitors have walked through our library doors in just seven
months – more than our entire previous year, and more than any other public
building in Moorpark. This isn't just impressive – it's urgent proof that our current
7,000 square foot facility is severely inadequate.
The financial reality is stark: We face a $3 million gap between budget and the
lowest bid. But walking away would create a $9 million disaster. We've already
invested $4.1 million in preconstruction, planning and grant writing. We've secured
$5.3 million in "use it or lose it" grants that will vanish if we delay. Construction
inflation will add 3-8% annually to future costs. The math is simple: a $3 million
gap today becomes a $9+ million loss tomorrow. Not to mention the wasted time
and efforts of grant writers, community members, leaders and consultants.
Our community is expanding rapidly – we’re projected to add 1,500 new homes
representing 10% growth in Moorpark. How can our aging library serve this influx?
It can't.
Libraries have evolved far beyond book lending. As Manhattan Beach's former 5-
term Mayor Steve Napolitano said, "Libraries are being used more than ever.
They've evolved into community centers." Our new library will provide what our
growing community desperately needs: child development areas, study rooms, an
innovation center, and conference facilities for business collaboration and economic
development.
This library is also our community refuge during power outages, floods, and
fires. When emergencies strike, we need adequate space to serve our residents
safely.
The question isn't whether we can afford to build this library – it's whether we
can afford not to.
36
I urge you to award the contract to the lowest bidder immediately. Our community
has waited long enough, and every day of delay costs us more money, puts our
grants in jeopardyand dampens the community benefit.
Thank you.
Emily Hickey
37
From:Elana Richardson
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Complete the Library Project: Don"t Waste $9.35M
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 12:30:12 PM
Attachments:image.png
image.png
image.png
image.png
Hello City Council of Moorpark,
As a working member in the community, I wanted to express my concern about the potential
halting of the construction on the new library project. Libraries are an important pillar of the
community, and as Moorpark continues to grow and change, it is important to have a
communal library that reflects this change. Libraries are not just a place for individuals to go,
but it is a space for the community to connect and be together at no cost. The current state of
the Moorpark library is a sad reflection of what the city council thinks about their public
spaces, not worth the time and money. What kind of message does that send to the
community?
With the continual money put into High Street to improve it, the library should not be an
outcast from this growth.
I believe Friends of the Library are working tirelessly to make the current library a place that is
comfortable for the community, but this is hard to do with the state it is in from neglect and
long wear and tear. They want so much more for the community, within reason, and I believe
this community deserves it. With all the programs they support, the fundraisers they put on,
and the events they host, they deserve a better space. We deserve a better space. Think of this
bright future for Moorpark and what we want.
Thank you for your time.
Elana Richardson
Events Coordinator Tierra Rejada Golf Club15187 Tierra Rejada RoadMoorpark, CA 93021Celebrating 25 Years! Office: (805) 334-3708Pro Shop: (805) 531 - 9300erichardson@arcisgolf.comtierrarejadagolf.com Connect With Us:
38
From:Roseann Mikos
To:Jeremy Laurentowski; Brian Chong; Jessica Sandifer; City Council & City Manager; Daniel Kim
Subject:Letter to City Council and staff re: CC Items 8B and 8A for aug 6th meeting
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 12:31:43 PM
Attachments:Letter to CC from Mikos for 080625 meeting-re Library and CIP final.pdf
Greetings Everyone!
Please see the attached letter re: the CIP and Library items for Wed. ight meeting.
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration. I apologize for the length and
wish i could have gotten it done sooner for you.
See you tonite!
Best regards, respectfully,
Roseann Mikos, Ph.D.
Moorpark, CA 93021
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Roseann Mikos, Ph.D.
• Moorpark, CA 93021 •
Honorable Moorpark City Council, City Manager and Staff
City of Moorpark
323 Science Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
August 5, 2025
RE: August 6, 2025, Meeting of the City Council of Moorpark, Items 8A (Capital Improvement
Program) and 8B (NEW City Library); (sent via email).
Dear Mayor, Councilmembers, City Manager and Staff,
Please accept these comments to explain why the city council MUST accept the Low bid for the NEW
Library and the entire staff recommendation relative to the LIBRARY. Please also accept a few
comments about the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Item 8A.
Background
On July 16, 2025, the city council surprised our community by delaying the vote to a special meeting of
CC this Wednesday (August 6th) so some of them could study further if we should accept the low bid
and move forward now despite bids coming in higher by 10% than was initially estimated; or
(inexplicably, in my humble opinion, spend that extra 10% on some other project in the CIP!).
It is about $3M more than projected. The city has the money to do THIS LIBRARY without jeopardizing
the city's financial reserves inappropriately. This is the only shovel ready project that can move
forward NOW by spending this extra $3M (or so) amount ON THIS LIBRARY.
Spending that extra 10% money on something else that has not been programmed at all yet in detail
(like the library has) and is not shovel-ready, won't get the something else done! It would only stop the
library from moving forward and being constructed if the city did that, since there would not be enough
money fully appropriated to fully fund the library--meaning we could not sign a contract for the lowest
bid proposed, nor could be begin the project.
It could be, if this city council does that, the NEW Library project could be stopped in its tracks, wasting
a lot of money already spent and committed from grants that would ALL be lost. All the rest of the
money for the library was unanimously approved by this city council on June 18th when you approved
the city budget for 2025-2027 and the five-year capital improvement program for 2025-2030!.
Make no mistake, you ALREADY APPROVED ALL BUT THE $3,218,516.00 that needs to be
augmented from the Special Projects Fund and is part of the staff recommendation for Item 8B on the
August 6th agenda! The only things you have NOT done yet is appropriate the already approved
money with this small augmentation and accept the low bid, award, and sign the contracts so
that the “shovel-ready” NEW Library can begin NOW!
Public Investment to Improve Moorpark (Especially in Downtown)
This NEW LIBRARY has been the last big building on our current capital improvement program that
has not yet been built from those listed on the city's ADOPTED goals and objectives to do since 2007-
2008 and EVERY YEAR SINCE THEN! The City invested in Downtown and our city before almost
anyone else would—by design—to help the private sector see how our downtown can thrive!
The city has built (or purchased/refurbished) and opened all of the following buildings with CASH and
not having to borrow any money to do them (or ask for new taxes for it from residents) since I was on
the council from 2000-2020, due to the fiscal responsibility and good fiscal management of our city:
• Police Services Center
• Public Services Building/Corporation Yard
40
To: Honorable City Council, City Manager and Staff Page 2 of 5
From: Dr. Roseann Mikos
Date: August 5, 2025
RE: August 6, 2025 special meeting of the Moorpark City Council, Items 8A and 8B
• One of the upgrade phases (cannot remember which one) of the Arroyo Vista Community
Park Recreation Center Complex
• Ruben Castro Human Services Center
• High Street Arts Center and multiple ancillary buildings (to be linchpin of High Street
renovation/revitalization)
• maybe more.....
Additionally, during that same timeframe, we started planning the civic center complex which initially
we thought would allow two brand new buildings: the New Library and a New City Hall. After I left the
council, the then city council and staff realized that building TWO new buildings at the same time
would require more cash than we had in our reserves (due to higher projected costs give the economic
climate). So since the public wanted the library more than the city hall, at the civic center, we kept the
NEW library in the civic center plan and looked for another building for city hall (to replace the old
dilapidated city hall that was coming apart at the seams!).
The city bought a building on Science Drive for about $5-5.5 M, knowing it would need extensive
tenant improvements to become a viable city hall. Even still, it took way more time and way more
money to complete--to the tune of about $16M overall (about twice what they initially projected),
including the purchase AND the tenant improvements. (The building turned out to be in much worse
shape than you could tell from the first inspection.)
Nevertheless, even spending all that, that still left us enough cash to do the NEW library with our
special projects fund and a number of other funds (and grants) to place in the Civic Center, where it
belongs—all without jeopardizing the city’s long term financial future.
The city HAS the money to do this NEW library as proposed, WITHOUT having to deplete our
reserves as some people in the public right now are erroneously alleging (including, it seems, even
some members of this city council based on their comments at the July 16th meeting!).
I tell you this with 20 years experience on the CC after approving 20 consecutive city budgets and 20
consecutive CIPs. While I am not perfect, I think I understand this stuff better than most people do.
Your city council RIGHTLY did significant community outreach about the NEW Library and the whole
community got on board and voted for the (more expensive) Agrarian Design building and you already
voted to honor their wishes. It is too late to change to a cheaper design now since we cannot change
construction drawings to a cheaper design now. We are a VERY financially strong city that has
planned well to be able to afford this, and has set the stage to increase funds over time in the Special
Projects and other largely CIP funds. You can add new projects in the future to CIP but all those
buildings I mentioned could not be built in one year. Each one had to wait its turn. Other future
projects will have to wait their turns too.
Do not believe the naysayers who tell you that if you spend this money on the library now, you will
never be able to do anything else in the future for other desired projects. IT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE!
Maintenance Costs Vs. Capital Improvement Costs/Structural Deficit
Please do NOT confuse ongoing city maintenance costs with capital improvement costs, as many in
the public are now doing (on social media) based partly on some comments from some city
councilmembers at the July 16, 2025 city council meeting.
These two sets of costs are funded from entirely DIFFERENT funding sources. The NEW library has
nothing to do with the city’s structural deficit.
The structural deficit The Moorpark Acorn referred to (as I said) has nothing to do with CAPITAL
projects, but instead with ongoing regular expenses (not one time planned capital improvements like
the library). That structural deficit that is projected to happen in several years is in the General Fund (a
different fund for day to day expenses, not for capital projects) and relates primarily to 2 things (1) park
maintenance costs; and (2) landscaping and lighting assessment district costs.
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To: Honorable City Council, City Manager and Staff Page 3 of 5
From: Dr. Roseann Mikos
Date: August 5, 2025
RE: August 6, 2025 special meeting of the Moorpark City Council, Items 8A and 8B
Park assessment fees are paid partially by fees from residents (on their property tax bill) that only
pays about 20% of the actual ongoing park maintenance costs each year and city has to supplement
from general fund to pay the balance or else consider closing portions of parks or park programs
(which we have never yet done); or getting permission from voters to charge more to better cover
those costs (which we have not yet done).
When we became a city there were only a few parks and a low population of 7-9k people. Now we
have about 19 parks and about 35K in population. Each family only pays about $55 -$65 I think this
year toward park maintenance and the amount of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) allowed based on
the vagaries of the state law when our voters passed the park assessment district in 1999 does not
allow a large enough increase each year to cover the new costs — unless we went back to voters to
ask for an appropriate increase. Similarly, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that a fee that was
based on maintenance for 5-10 parks is not going to be able to pay for maintenance on 19 parks!
Landscape and lighting (LL) assessment district fees are to pay for the day-to-day upkeep of
landscaping in street medians, slopes, etc. and the maintenance of certain lights in all the different LL
district areas all over the city, of which there are dozens of them: some very old ones from beginning
of city and some newer based on new development.
For the oldest such districts: back then, due to state law then that forbid having ANY COLA
adjustments to compensate for higher costs over time, we are PROHIBITED (without a vote of the
people to raise the fees at all-without a new vote of the people!).
For newer LL districts, the others, they do allow some COLA but usually not enough COLA to cover
the real costs…again, unless the city goes out to voters and gets permission through a vote to charge
more, to get closer to the real costs that need to be paid. The city has been subsidizing the shortfall for
years from the general fund, as with the Park Maintenance fees.
Therefore, those who live in the oldest LL Districts in Moorpark pay the same annual assessment fee
for that now that was paid in mid 1980’s just after Moorpark became a city. That is not sustainable (for
either set of fees) and something needs to be done about it. But stopping the library WILL NOT FIX
THE STRUCTURAL DEFICIT for either the Park Maintenance Fees or the LLD fees. It would be
fiscally irresponsible to use capital improvement funds for day-to-day expenses to run the city because
of I hope obvious reasons.
Over time, former city councils started trying to address this with carefully planned methods that would
inform the public about this by having a professionally moderated MONTHS LONG CONVERSATION
with the public to learn about the budget, the CIP, and funding sources and where we stand to have
THEM (the Public) help us decide how to address this. Twice during my tenure, once prior to the 2008
financial crisis and later I think near when the COVID crisis hit, we were poised to BEGIN that citywide
conversation but due the nationwide financial emergencies, we realized we had to delay those
conversations with the public to a future time.
Let me be clear: there is no way that you can fully educate the public about the city budget, the
CIP, and how to address a structural deficit in one single City Council meeting like the one you
are having on August 6, 2025. That would be IMPOSSIBLE. We still need to do it, as a city, but it
needs to follow similar guidelines that former city councils were starting to put in place but got stymied
in doing by national emergencies affecting our whole country.
It is technical and not simple to address these kinds of problems, but with continued planning and
respecting the public by having them join in on helping us solve this problem, we can do it! BUT
STOPPING THE LIBRARY NOW IS NOT THE ANSWER TO THAT PROBLEM.
Capital Improvement Program (Item 8A)
While the city council has the authority to change every project on the CIP at any time, it would not be
wise to make wholesale changes to the CIP at this time, given that you adopted it about ONE MONTH
42
To: Honorable City Council, City Manager and Staff Page 4 of 5
From: Dr. Roseann Mikos
Date: August 5, 2025
RE: August 6, 2025 special meeting of the Moorpark City Council, Items 8A and 8B
AGO, unanimously. Having said that, the more financially prudent thing to do with it, respectfully, is
this (in my humble opinion):
• Direct staff to spend time in the next few coming months to flesh out in more detail ONE
project that in my opinion is the only one that needs a more detailed plan now for the next five
years than what was adopted. This is CIP Project #C0004 (Moorpark Ave. Widening Project).
This is a highly complicated multi-year project that will require an estimated 2-year
environment impact report to be done AND beginning plans and estimates, and likely a small
part of the construction, sooner rather than later—followed later by the rest. The whole project
is probably likely to take at least 5-10 years to fully complete.
Additionally, all the funding sources appearing on the current version of the plan for this
project are NOT PRESENTED! Years ago, the city negotiated and signed a settlement
agreement with one or more of the gravel mines north of the city so they wo uld have to
contribute funds to help compensate for the damage they did to Moorpark Ave. in Moorpark.
There is an estimated $1M -$2M of funding they have to pay us for this.
HOWEVER, the city has to show a certain level of progress at beginning this project PRIOR to
them having to give us their all of their contractually agreed upon payment(s). There is a
deadline by which if we do not complete sufficient progress toward doing certain parts of that
project, they could be “off the hook” to pay their agreed upon fees toward it. That year is some
time in the early 2030’s as I recall. You cannot wait till 2030 to begin doing something. That
would be too late. Staff can tell you when that is, but no matter what year it is, you need to
program out the next five years to 2030 now with better estimates.
In my opinion, that is the ONE project that you should direct the city engineer and other staff to
flesh out in the next several months so that we know what HAS to be done by when to NOT
lose that money, AND so that we can show the details for the next five years (through 2030)
based on better estimates than we have right now. This in on page 365 of the adopted CIP
from the June 18, 2025 CC Meeting. I have spent considerable time talking to our new
current city manager, in person, to inform him about this.
• Wait until the mid-year budget revisions for Year One of your adopted two-year budget to
consider any other adjustments to the CIP you may want to consider , following the normal
standard practices to look at these things approximately every six months, rather then try to
change everything only one month after you unanimously gave the whole CIP your “vote of
confidence” by adopting it on June 18, 2025! That means you would likely do that either the
2nd meeting in December 2025 or the 1st meeting in January 2026, or soon thereafter.
Conclusion, Recommended Next Steps
FIRST: Adopt all staff recommendations for Item 8B on the August 6, 2025 agenda item:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED)
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the New Moorpark City Library Project; and
2. Award bid to AMG & Associates, Inc. for a total contract value of $29,901,300; and authorize City
Manager to sign the Agreement, subject to final language approval of the City Manager; and Authorize
City Manager to approve Change Orders up to the contingency amount of $2,718,300; and
3. Approve Agreement with Carl Kim Geotechnical for Geotechnical Inspection and Testing Services
for a fee of $280,860 plus a contingency of $18,000 for a total not to exceed fee of $298,860; and
authorize City Manager to sign the Agreement, subject to final language approval of the City Manager;
and
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To: Honorable City Council, City Manager and Staff Page 5 of 5
From: Dr. Roseann Mikos
Date: August 5, 2025
RE: August 6, 2025 special meeting of the Moorpark City Council, Items 8A and 8B
4. Approve Agreement with NV5, Inc for Special Inspection and Materials Testing for a total fee of
$132,603 plus a contingency of $13,000 for a total not to exceed fee of $145,603; and authorize the
City Manager to sign the Agreement; subject to final language approval of the City Manager; and
5. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-____, amending Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget by allocating $3,205,820
from the Special Projects Fund (3004) to fully fund the project.
SECOND: for Item 8a on the August 6, 2025 agenda item:
• Direct staff to spend time in the next few coming months to flesh out in more detail ONE
project that in my humble opinion is the only one that needs a more detailed plan now for the
next five years than what was adopted. This is CIP Project #C0004 (Moorpark Ave. Widening
Project ( SEE the details about this earlier in this letter).
• Wait until the mid-year budget revisions for Year One of your adopted two-year budget to
consider any other adjustments to the CIP you may want to consider , following the normal
standard practices to look at these things approximately every six months after they were
already adopted.
I apologize for the lengthy email, but it seemed that the history about all these issues has been left too
unexplained and I felt a responsibility to try to provide as much historical information and context as I
felt was needed.
Respectfully and Sincerely,
Roseann Mikos, Ph.D., Former Moorpark City Councilmember (2000-2020)
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From:Claudia Leotaud-Carroll
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library project
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 12:46:06 PM
Good afternoon,
I am unable to attend the city council meeting this evening but wanted to express my support with moving forward
on the library project.
I have been a resident of Moorpark for almost 10 years and the library and its new plans have been an ongoing
discussion since we moved here. I have 3 children who have benefited from various programs that the library offers,
and have long hoped that our Moorpark library could expand their space to rival some of our neighboring city
libraries, where I also take my children to explore.
Claudia Carroll
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Esha Kamra
To:Moorpark
Subject:In Support of the Library Project
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 12:46:15 PM
Hi,
I’m writing to submit written comment for today’s City Council meeting. I was raised in
Moorpark and love the community, and fully believe we need to invest more into our library.
It is an essential public service, allowing access to education and community programming.
Please move forward with the library project.
Best,
Esha
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From:Caitlyn W
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:COMPLETE THE LIBRARY: DON’T WASTE $9.35M
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 1:18:39 PM
Hi,
I grew up in Moorpark, this is my home.
I stand strongly with the new Moorpark Library project.
The building has been needing to be upgraded to reflect how nice Moorpark is in itself, for far
too long.
The Camarillo library is excellent; Why not Moorpark?
Why would Moorpark be okay with having such a run down and sad looking building,
representing how we view our own community?
These upgrades must be made to reflect how nice Moorpark is. Especially with the location at
the end of High Street where there is already so many upgrades being made.
We need to take pride in our Library!
Thank you,
Caitlyn W
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From:Sara McMullin
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 1:39:11 PM
Dear City Council,
I want to express my support for the library. I completely understand that it is a lot of money, and coming in at a
higher price tag than originally planned, but a library is a vital component for a community.
As you probably know, our school libraries can only provide so many books, and often have long wait lists for the
most popular titles, meaning kids are having to wait to read a book they are eager to read. In my opinion, our
children deserve better. Having volunteered at Walnut Canyon’s library for the last few years I can attest that all
children LOVE to come to the library, and are truly excited - they deserve a community library that excites them just
as much, if not more, than school.
Again, I understand the concern about the increase from a business/numbers perspective, however, communities are
not just about dollars and cents, they are about opportunities to create an environment for all to come together and a
library is a vital component of that. However, from a business perspective, every time a Moorpark family goes to
another City’s library, they are probably also spending money to eat out or shop, meaning Moorpark is losing out on
that revenue.
Please vote “yes” tonight for the library.
Thank you,
Sara McMullin
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Jennifer Lamberson
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 1:41:46 PM
To those who will listen,
As a Moorpark born and raised resident who is now raising my own family, I am extremely
disappointed to hear the library project is now in question.
Our town deserves a safe, modern, and accessible place for students, families, and groups to
learn and gather. As a frequent guest of the library I can tell you first hand that it is not a
reflection of our amazing community. The building is old, the AC is fighting to cool, the
chairs and tables are worn, and the space is too small. I know several people that leave our
hometown to go to nearby libraries because ours is lacking.
Please help the project to move forward.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lamberson
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From:Jamie Kay
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library support!
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 1:46:53 PM
Hello,
I am writing to enthusiastically endorse the new Moorpark Library plan. I have lived in
Moorpark for 4 years and became a home owner here in Moorpark in January of 2025. A
new library is very important for this town as a place for learning, creating, gathering, and
refuge. Our libraries play a crucial role in the community on many levels and this should be
a priority for Moorpark. I understand that this is opposition to the funds but I support this
endeavor 100% and I urge the city council to move forward.
Thank you for your attention and your service to the town of Moorpark!
Jamie Kay
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From:tina little
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 3:12:11 PM
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Sent from my iPhone
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From:GARY BAUER
To:Moorpark
Subject:New Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 2:02:05 PM
Please accept this email as my 100% support for building our new library.
Cat n I have lived in Moopark since 1986 and have enjoyed every day! The new library will
enrich the community and provide years of enjoyment for every Moorpark resident.
Build it!
Send your comments to Moorpark@moorparkca.gov
tenraeb
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From:Lou Langkusch
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Please build our library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 3:01:20 PM
Dear Mayor Enegren and Moorpark City Councilmembers,
Many thoughtful comments have been made in support of moving ahead with building a new
City Library. I am in agreement with these library supporters, so I'll not repeat those
comments here.
I only wish to add...Our amazing library staff makes do with minimal facilities - no room for
storage, cramped spaces for presenting programs, even less available space to manage special
events. We think they work miracles everyday as they provide quality, innovative
programming for all ages, interests, and abilities. The number of library patron visits per year
- 45,000 in 2024! - says it all. Furthermore, Friends of the Library bookstore volunteers are
crammed into a tiny space with barely enough room to perform their tasks without first
moving something out of the way, usually several heavy boxes.
The time is now to move forward with all the positives that a new library will bring to
Moorpark. This project has been approved, is fully funded, and is shovel-ready. Please do not
disappoint Moorpark residents who have worked so hard for so many years to make this
dream a reality.
I appreciate your service and your continued leadership in guiding our city's future.
Thank you,
Lou Langkusch
Board Member, Moorpark Friends of the Library since 2015
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From:Mary Ellen Cosenza
To:City Council & City Manager
Cc:mfotlpresident@gmail.com; mom2jt@sbcglobal.net
Subject:Moorpark City Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 3:21:10 PM
Dear City Council Members, Mayor, and City Manager,
I am hoping to attend the City Council meeting this evening but family issues may make this
difficult today. So I am sending this message to ensure that my voice is heard regarding the
new Moorpark City Library.
A few weeks ago I send an email to all of you encouraging you to move forward with the low
bid at that time. In that email I noted that I didn’t think I needed to emphasize the importance
of our public library. Since the decision was delayed, it has become obvious that there are
other voices clamoring for different uses for this money and resources. So in this email will
share why I think our library is so important.
Public libraries serve as far more than repositories of books. They function as democratic
institutions that provide free, equal access to information and resources regardless of
socioeconomic status. In an era of growing inequality, libraries offer internet access, computer
training, and digital literacy programs to those who might otherwise be left behind in our
technology-driven society. Perhaps most importantly, libraries champion intellectual freedom
and serve as guardians against censorship. They ensure that information remains accessible to
all, supporting informed citizenship and democratic participation. Librarians are trained
professionals who help navigate the overwhelming sea of information available today,
teaching critical thinking skills and information literacy that are more crucial than ever.
The Moorpark City Library also serves as a community anchor, providing a safe space for
people of all ages to gather, learn, and connect. From after-school programs for children to job
search assistance for adults, from quiet study areas for students to social activities for seniors,
the Moorpark library addresses many of our community needs under one roof. The
programming offered by our library extends far beyond traditional services. There are special
programs for Teens, Adults, book clubs for all ages, a lending library of musical instruments,
crafts and many other great activities.
As you consider budget priorities and community investments, I encourage you to remember
that supporting public libraries means supporting equity, education, and the democratic ideals
that strengthen our society. If this project does not move forward now it will be a waste of
money already spent and dedicated to the new library. Having overseen the construction of
houses and large biotech laboratories in my career, I know that delaying will only cost more
money over time.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Cosenza, Ph.D.
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From:Maria Lozano
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Support the New Moorpark Library – Approve the Lowest Bid
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 3:25:48 PM
Dear Mayor Enegren and Members of the City Council,
My name is Maria Guadalupe Lozano, and I have been a proud resident of Moorpark for 44
years. I'm writing to express my disappointment in the recent decision not to approve the
lowest bid for the new city library at last week's meeting. I urge the City Council to
reconsider and approve the lowest bid at the special meeting on August 6th.
Libraries are a vital public resource. They are open to everyone and central to a thriving,
educated community. Our current library is outdated, lacks air conditioning, and no longer
meets the needs of our growing population. This long-overdue investment will benefit
residents of all ages.
As a long time resident; the library has had 1, maybe 2 renovations in the years I have
lived, and utilized the library. The improvements were minor, a new fire exit, new entrance,
and parking. I have hoped for our library to be equal or at least equitable to the larger
libraries in neighboring cities. As a parent and Booster volunteer for Flory Academy, I know
first hand that our relationship with Moorpark City Library has supported our Read Across
America Week, which also helped bring back literacy night for our families. They have been
one of our popular activity stations during STEAM night with the NASA telescopes. They
supported our book exchange during literacy night with donated books for our students to
have access, increasing literacy and awareness to the library resources... we had 25
students and their families register for a library card at our literacy night in April last Spring.
This Summer, Flory and the library facilitated the weekly "pop-up library" and other mobile
resources for families and students during Summer Free Breakfast. As a STEAM based
school in this community the relationship with the library is essential, and the library having
the space (i.e. meeting rooms) and structural improvements/extensions, etc will also
increase and improve programming for our schools. We know that the city supplements our
schools educational needs with city partnerships; in this case the city library.
In the wise words of Mr. Rogers:
“I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said ‘yes,’ when all it meant was
extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to somebody else.”
Thank you for your time and service to our community. I hope you'll support a fiscally
responsible path forward that prioritizes access, equity, and education.
Sincerely,
Maria G. Lozano
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From:Irma Barragan
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Support for Library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 3:41:23 PM
Dear Council Members,
This letter expresses strong support for the Moorpark City Library and its value to the
community.
The library is an important resource for people of all ages. It offers many programs
and services that support literacy, education, and community involvement. The library
provides access to books, resources, and the internet. It also hosts programs like
Lunch at the Library, summer reading challenges, and early literacy outreach.
Through these programs, the library shows its commitment to lifelong learning and
improving the lives of Moorpark residents. The new library project was approved by
the City Council in February 2024. This project will improve these offerings by
providing more space for collections, areas for children, teens, and adults, and rooms
for community use. It will also support programs like "Play for All," which supports
early learning, and "Book to Action," which promotes community dialogue and civic
engagement.
The new library is a crucial investment in Moorpark's future. It will continue to provide
equal access to information and educational opportunities for everyone. It will also be
a key community hub, promoting cultural enrichment and reflecting local heritage.
Support for the Moorpark City Library's continued growth and success is encouraged.
Sincerely,
Irma and Art Barragan
Moorpark, CA 93021
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From:tatki74905@aol.com
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:New library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 4:00:40 PM
Hi,
I am writing to give my support for the new library. The old library is outdated and really is
not kid friendly. We have already spent a lot of money on the new library and it would really
be a shame to not move forward on this project. Thank you so much for listening.
Teresa Atkinson
Moorpark
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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From:dave walsh
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Save the Library project
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 4:07:42 PM
Please vote in favor of new Library project.
It is an important investment for future generations of Moorpark residents.
Thank you,
David Walsh
Principal EM Systems
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
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From:Diane Orellana
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:Complete the Library Project: Don’t Waste $9.35M
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 4:16:49 PM
Dear Moorpark City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for moving forward with the
construction of the new Moorpark City Library.
We are already so close to realizing this vital resource for our community.
With $4 million already spent on pre-construction and over $5 million in
grants at stake, halting the project now would be a costly mistake. The bid
may have come in over budget, but I urge you to see the long-term value
the library will bring to residents of all ages.
Libraries are more than buildings, they are community hubs that provide
education, connection, and opportunity. Moorpark deserves a library that
reflects our values and supports future generations.
Please vote to continue construction and complete this important project.
Let’s not waste the $9.35 million already committed.
Sincerely,
Diane Orellana
Moorpark, CA 93021
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From:jacball@verizon.net
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:support for library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 4:23:34 PM
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
My name is Julie Ball, and I am a Moorpark resident and a MUSD elementary school
library technician.
I am writing to you all today to voice my support for moving ahead with the new city
library.
My children and I have been involved with this project from early on. We have attended
community meetings, in person and virtually. We have followed the progress of this
project on the city’s webpage. We were even involved in the voting process to choose
the style of the library.
It is very exciting to see all the improvements happening on High Street, and we are
looking forward to seeing the library anchor this revitalized area of our city.
We believe the new library is worth the investment.
Thank you for your consideration,
Julie Ball
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From:Sharon Walsh
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:New library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 4:31:06 PM
To Moorpark City Council Members,
Please move forward with the plans for Moorpark’s new library. A library is a great equalizer in society. It is open
and available to all people. It will great for the city of Moorpark to have an upgraded space so its residents can take
advantage of all the services a library can offer. Libraries provide much more than just books. They are an
essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country.
Sincerely,
Sharon Walsh
Sent from my iPad
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From:steve lousen
To:City Council & City Manager
Subject:good afternoon, from Parks and Recreation Commissioner Steve Lousen
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 4:37:24 PM
A tremendous thanks to all who put so much time, effort, diligence , cross checking, into all
these reports . Kudos !!!!
Its a big job and challenge in keeping Moorpark where it is today as we head to the future with
the capitol improvements as well as the new Library...Its not easy and with the funds available
its truly a challenge...
My concerns with the Library is the overall cost, while noting how things have gone up.. this
new Moorpark Library could be one of the most expensive to build in so cal and ventura
county. WE NEED A LIBRARY. Its important for our younger generations to come to learn
and grow from... but we have to be careful of the costs...and the future costs of maintaining
this facility.. etc etc
There are many projects that need to be done thru out the city especially with all our beautiful
parks .. The future youth sports, care facilities, an now the fastest growing sport in the USA
pickleball. While the AV multi courts , Miller courts and Tierra Rejada are always being
used, the number of people coming here to play just this sport is growing day by day... Its
amazing, and a new challenge as well..
suggestion with all the hard courts thru out Moorpark....please steam clean twice a year to
prevent injuries and liabilities, please staff the Av center for the weekends so the bathrooms
can be available, this has been a huge issue long before pickleball with the tennis players will
gladly chime in,.. this will go a long way in promoting pickleball tournaments that raise a lot
of money for the City of Moorpark and individual entities, ( thus new people to Moorpark,
visiting and spending monies )
Thanks all for those long hours...Feel free to contact me at anytime
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From:Alison Moreno
To:Moorpark
Subject:Support for new library
Date:Wednesday, August 06, 2025 5:07:11 PM
Dear Mayor and City Council Members of Moorpark,
It is my understanding that there will be a vote tonight todetermine whether to go forward with the existing plans for anew library to be built in downtown Moorpark. I stronglysupport this project going forward and believe that the longterm benefits outweigh the cost. I've lived in Moorpark forclose to twenty four years and have been a regular user of thelibrary. When my now adult children were growing up, weregularly visited the library and took advantage of all of thewonderful programs that were offered there. I continue to viewthe library as a wonderful resource for myself and thecommunity, as a place that has something to offer residents ofall ages and different socioeconomic statuses, and as a placeto feel connected to the community. While I appreciate thelibrary as it is, I think that building an expanded, modern,aesthetically pleasing new library will greatly benefit thecommunity as a whole. I hope you will take my point of viewinto consideration.
Respectfully,Alison Moreno
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