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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A - PL/Savage Area Library AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: SUBJECT: DATE: INTRODUCTION: DISCUSSION: ISSUES: STAFF AGENDA REPORT /7 ..... ,--. ------. 5-A ('/~. \' FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER-A' ' FEASIBILITY OF JOINT PRIOR LAK \ VAGE AREA LIBRARY JUNE 20, 1994 For some time now, the community of Savage has been debating how a library will be provided to their residents. The debate first started when a facility owned by the City and used as a library was rejected by the County as substandard. Savage subsequently leased a facility for library use which is in use today. Given community growth and development, the Savage City Council wants to provide new, modern facilities to its residents which will serve community library needs into the future. Since the Prior Lake library will some day need to be expanded or relocated, the County felt it appropriate to commission a study to determine whether it would be feasible to construct and operate a Savage/Prior Lake area library rather than continue the operation of two separate but smaller community libraries. Janet Williams, Executive Director of the Scott County library system, will be present at the Council meeting together with Mary Knowlton, Prior Lake's representative to the Scott County Library Board. Janet will summarize the results of the study. Attached for Council information is a copy of the study which was completed by David Smith, who is a nationwide a consultant. Mr. Smith has previously been Director of Library Services for Hennepin County Library System and with the Hopkins Community Library. Mr. Smith evaluated three alternatives: 1 . Construct the Savage library. 2. Construct the Savage library and administration offices and continue to support the Prior Lake library. 3. Construct a Savage/Prior Lake area library. Numerous issues are raised by the library proposals. Some of those issues are discussed below: 1. Any improvement to the Savage library will likely act to the detriment of the existing Prior Lake library. If a new Savage library is substituted for the existing facility, it is likely that individuals presently served by Prior Lake will begin using the Savage facility. The consultant's figures document that of the Scott County users of the Burnsville library, Prior Lake and Savage residents constitute 83%, or 11,271 people. More than half of these patrons are from Prior Lake. A reduction in patrons of the Prior Lake library will ultimately mean a cutback in library services and hours. This will -1- 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNllY EMPLOYER T' 'r T'" ACTION REQUIRED: eventually spell the demise of the Prior Lake library. 2. The area library proposed will be more than the sum of its parts. The existing Savage and Prior Lake libraries provide 7444 square feet of library facility. The new library is expected to provide 24,750 square feet, 18,000 square feet is to be devoted to general library space, 2000 to reference and collection services and 4750 for county library administration services. In short, from a taxpayer's perspective, the addition of either a Savage library or Savage/Prior Lake area library will be seen as an increase in services. 3. Two locations are being discussed for the area library. Both are in the vicinity of State Highway 13 somewhere along C.R. 42. It is generally recognized that C.R. 42 will continue to have greater significance to both cities in the future. The probability of the library being located at the intersection of T.H. 13 and C.R. 42 is unlikely. The two sites presently under discussion appear to allow for a joint siting of the library and elementary school contemplated for location in Savage. 4. The County is apparently willing to pay for the vast majority of the cost of the land, building and operation of the area library. They do want some level of financial support from the participating communities since all cities in the County do presently provide a contribution. 5. On a more strategic basis, the loss of the Prior Lake community library could be a gain for the City. Various building usage options would become possible for the existing building. The upper level could be used for meeting room purposes. In the alternative, the upper level could be used for expansion space for city offices to "buy" more time before we are forced to build. Another alternative would be for the city to lease the facility to fledgling businesses to use as an incubator for new businesses. Over the very long term, this land can do nothing but appreciate given its strategic location next to C.R. 21. Retaining the parcel in city ownership improves our ability to create a civic center in down town for future years. 6. From a taxpayer's perspective, there is likely to be economies in operating one newer and larger library facility rather than in two smaller older facilities. Efficiencies are likely in terms of staffing, book collection and energy costs. The new facility will be better able to serve the growth in Savage and Prior Lake. The purpose of this presentation is to help the Council become more familiar with an issue that has been long debated in Savage and at the County. It appears clear that, at minimum, a Savage library is to be built. From Prior Lake's perspective, there may be no alternative but to support an area library. -2- The remaining steps in the decision process are: 1. Assure that the Prior Lake City Council is comfortable with the study process and results. It may be worthwhile to ask the Prior lake Community Library staff to conduct a survey of patrons to see how they view the area library proposal. 2. A committee of Savage, Prior Lake, School District, Library and County staff are reviewing specific land needs and potential parcels for acquisition. 3. The Savage City Council has invited the Prior Lake City Council to a joint workshop tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Savage City Hall. The purpose of the workShOp is to discuss the pros and cons of the area library. These steps should flesh out the issues and allow the Council to take a position on this subject in the coming weeks at a regular Council meeting. FBAGSWRT -3- T' 'r",.,~ ",. SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM COURTHOUSE 428 S. HOLMES ST SHAKOPEE, MN 55379-1395 (612) 496-8330 JANET WILLIAMS Director DATE: May 31, 1994 TO: City of Savage Officials Gordon Vlasak, Acting Administrator City of Prior Lake Officials Frank Boyles, Administrator Mike Schons, President Savage Friends of the Library FROM: Mark Spreyer, President Prior Lake Friends of the Library Janet Williams, Director ~ . Scott County Library syste~ Enclosed is a copy of "A Study of Potential For An Area Library, Scott County Library System," by David R. Smith, Consulting Librarian. An informational meeting on the study will be held on June 7, 1994 at 4:00 p.m. in the County Board Room, 1 st floor of the Scott County Courthouse, 428 S. Holmes, Shakopee, MN. Mr. Smith will be in attendance to answer questions. Questions before the meeting may be referred to me at 496-8331. On behalf of the Scott County Library Board of Trustees we look forward to seeing you at the meeting. JW:jlc Enclosure cc: Scott County Commissioners Library Board of Trustees Cliff McCann, County Administrator Savage, Prior Lake Branch staff An Equal Opportunity I A/firm~:di/Jt Action Employtr t .' Scorf COUNTY AREA LIBRARY TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Summary of Findings and Conclusions .............................. S _ 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Location - User Travel Time/Distance ................................ 2 General Planning Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Library Planning Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Existing Scot( County Library Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Interviews - Savage, Prior Lake, and Scott County - Points of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Scott County -- 1990 - 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 General Public Library Location and Site Criteria ........................ 13 Public Library Construction Costs/Budget ............................. 15 Operating Costs/Budget ........................................ 17 Attachments Metropolitan Council Forecasts. 1990 - 2020 Maps Scott County Library Location Scott County Townships and Cities , I' Seorl' COUNTY AREA LI8RARY SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS The Scott County Library currently serves 61,960 residents through seven small locally owned or leased facilities. Scott County citizens, 22 % of the total population, make heavy use of the Burnsville Library - Dakota County. The population of Scott County is projected to double to 115,000 in the next twenty-five years. Most of these residents, 75 %, will live in the northern tier of townships, approximately 25 %, of the county area. The need for a new large Savage Library has raised the possibility of the feasibility of main Scott County Area Library. This limited study examines the relevant issues and questions. FINDINGS Savage - In this community where most of the population growth is and will be occurring, a proposal to construct a 15,000 square feet library on County Road 27 or County Road 42 is being considered. No site or funding has been committed. Community representatives have evidenced a willingness to participate in a larger combined facility. Prior Lake - The present 4,500 square foot library needs approximately $207,000 in modifications to meet Americans with Disabilities requirements. Based on potential cost and an interest in retaining a "downtown" Prior Lake Library, there appears to be low interest in panicipating in a combined library. Scott County - Some Scott County Commissioners and the County Administrator appear interested in becoming active partners in a Scott County Area Library located in the vicinity of County Road 42 and State Highway 13. Other county departments might locate a public service office here. Panicipation could range from acquisition of property to actually constructing and owning the building which would also house the Scott County Library Administration. This could require gross square footage of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 square feet. ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE Since Scott County will be responsible for the operations of this library and its relationship with the other libraries in the County, it makes the most sense to establish and operate this as a county facility. This will facilitate the future expansion which will be inevitable. The library needs to develop a plan of library services and operations and criteria for evaluation of library services throughout the county. S - 1 Scorr COUNTY AREA LIDRARV OPERATING COSTS AND FUNDING An area library implies a substantial size collection and staff unlike any existing public library facility in Scott County. Given substantial hours of service, collections of materials, and use of technology, the minimum operating costs would run $500,000 to $700,000. The present County allocation for public library service in 1993 is $545,481 - $8.80 per capita - for all seven libraries, support, and administrative service. The seven county metropolitan area average is $20.78 per capita from local recipients. There will be a substantial impact on the total operating budget from any major library construction. SIZE OF FACILITY There will be, by the end of 1994, 27,700 square feet of space devoted to library service in Scott County. The recommended 15,000 square foot Savage Library would add 11,900 square feet if constructed. This alone would be a great improvement. An area library of 24,750 is proposed: Square Feet Library - General Services Area Reference Services County Library Administration and Support Services 18,000 2,000 4.750 24,750 At $140 per square foot for construction, furnishings, and fees, this facility would cost at least $3,500,000, plus site costs. A smaller facility could be built; however, one should keep in mind that given at least three to four years until occupancy and the continued population growth that decreasing the size of the facility could result in an undersized library the day it opened. GENERAL LOCATION State Highway 13 and County Road 42 are major transponation routes in the County. Based on a good deal of analysis which began in 1987 with the original Savage Library study, an area library located at the intersection of Highways 13 and 42 would be, now and in the future, the most convenient and accessible location to the greatest number of county residents. ANTICIPATED BENEFITS 1) Scott County does not have a single strong, full service public library. Either an area library or a new Savage Library would accomplish this. S - 2 T .' SCOTT COUNTY AREA LIBRARY 2) Very limited space is currently available for suppon and administrative services and this would improve. 3) The relocation of the main reference services from Shakopee would provide access to a larger number of users. ANTICIPATED LIABILITIES 1) Funds - A substantial commitment of both capital and operating funds is required. 2) If the level of use at some existing libraries drops substantially, continued operating support may have to be reduced or eliminated. RELATED OUESTIONS 1. Should Scott County construct and pay for the area library? This is the practice in all other metropolitan libraries except for Carver County. Or, should a more complicated pannership or lease arrangement be pursued with the cities of Savage and Prior Lake? 2. Will the necessary operating funds be available? An area library of this size could cost at least $500,000 to over $700,000 a year to operate. 3. Is the County and the Library ready and able to make the substantial changes In organization, policy, and funding which will be required? OPTIONS Option 1 Construct a large, 15,000 square foot, branch library for the City of Savage. The County could be the mortgage holder. This represents a gain of 11,700 square feet of library space. Option 2 A Savage Library combined with Scott County Library Administration offices, 19,750 square feet. Lacking Prior Lake suppan; the continued suppon of that library by the county would most likely continue. This represents a gain of 15,950 square feet in library space. Option 3 Scott County Area Library is constructed and operated by the county. This represents a gain of 20,450 square feet of library space. Space provided Sq.Ft. General library space - Savage, Prior Lake and Shakopee users. The latter two libraries remain in service. 18,000 s - :\ SCOTI" COUNTY AREA LIURARY System Reference Collection/Service 2.000 Scon County Administration Headquarters 4,750 Total 24,750 Scon County Non-library Services space unknown CONCLUSIONS There is no question that an area library greatly strengthens the resources and services of the SCOll County Library. This is the time for Scott County to act if an area library is to be created. Any major capital expenditures for libraries in Savage and/or Prior Lake may eliminate or substantially complicate the option of an area library in the future. · Although interest in a new library is very high in Savage, the necessary capital funds remain to be approved. Scott County appears to have both the capacity and the interest in proceeding with the capital project. · The construction of at least a new Savage or an area library will require a major increase in operating funds -- $500,000 to $700,000 per year. Is the county committed to this allocation and the need to acquire a substantial number of new collection items for the opening day collection? · Does the Scott County Library follow the course of other suburban metro county libraries in its approach to services or remain a collection of seven small limited resource local libraries under the county's oversight and suppon? Beyond the question of the feasibility of an area library, the SCOlt County Library should establish a long range plan which addresses the library's needs of the rapidly growing population. S-4 T .' ScenT COllNTY AREA LIBRARY INTRODUCTION At the request of the Scott County Board of Commissioners, a focused brief examination of the feasibility of combining the Prior Lake and Savage Libraries into a single Scott County Area Library was conducted. The major considerations and process involved the following: · Review of background materials on the communities and present libraries - primarily city planning reports, projections of population of the two cities, and library budgets, tables of organization, and annual reports. · Visit to the two communities to: · Interview librarian and tour the library · Interview city administrator and planner · Interview the county commissioners representing the community · Interview representative of Friends or citizens · Prepare a concise written report to cover the practical considerations in consolidation of the two libraries · Organization and governance of the library · Operating costs/funding · Size of facility · General location · Anticipated benefits and liabilities . Present and discuss report with county and city representatives The information gathering and interviews took place between February 28 and May 8. The report was completed on May 17, 1994. The gathering of information and scheduling of visits, interviews, and meetings was coordinated by the Scott County Library Director. SCOT" COUNTY AREA LIURARY LoeA TION - USER TRAVEL TIl\IE/DIST ANCE Major conditions to be addressed in the location of a public library facility, particularly a large facility, is the ease of access by the greatest number of potential users. Geographic centrality is less important than: a. Location in the traffic pattern on a major arterial cOMecting residential areas with retail, employment, and Olher community services. b. Visibility of the facility insures high level of use. c. Attraction of adjacent commercial/retail activities. The study of the best location for the Savage Public Library in 1988 and 1993 identified County Road 42 and Coul1ly Road 27 as the major arterials in 1993 and Vernon and County Road 42 in 1988 as the best locations. For the purposes of locating a Scott County Area Library (Savage - Prior Lake and other communities), County Road 42 in conjunction with State Highway 13, appears to meet library location and site criteria the best. An area library located east of State Highway 13 and County Road 42 would be well situated in the traffic patterns both to serve existing populations and to meet the growing population needs developing to the southwest and west. Time and distance to the junction of State Highway 13 and County Road 42 from: Library Distance (miles) Time (minutes) Shakopee Library 10.5 15 Prior Lake Library 3.4 5 Burnsville Library/Dakota County 4.4 7 Savage Library - existing 3.75 7 For purposes of locating the Savage Branch Library or a larger Scott County Area Library. the major arterials to focus on are State Highway 13 and County Roads 27 and 42. A library located on or in close proximity to one or more of the transportation corridors will allow convc:nient access and high visibility to the largest number of Scott County users. 2 .' ' ~._,~.,.<'".'"...,. "'"....,.P..~"---,,...~~-,,..'... ~.."..'.^'.,~,_~'..~_._ -_ .. r" ... ....~~~.....,............._'""""'___,~.._ , I' SeOTI COUNTY AREA LIlJRARY ANALYSIS The major growth, numerically and proportionatdy, in Scott County, 1990 - 2020. is projected to take place primarily in the cities of Savage, Shakopee, and Prior Lake in the northern tier. Many of the residents of the middle and southern tiers will travel to the north and east through the county for employment, shopping, entertainment, and other activities. RECOMMENDA TION The best location for a Scott County Area Library is on County Road 42 between State Highway 13 on the west and County Road 27 on the east. 3 SCOTr COlINTY AREA LIllRARY GENERAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS · The Scott County Library currently serves a population of approximately 63,000 - 50% are suburban and 50% are rural. · Substantial population growth, 15% to 30% - 10,000 to 20,000, just in the Savage area is anticipated in the next fifteen or twenty years reducing the rural portion to 30% to 35 % of the total population. · The new ferry bridge provides a convenient, direct link between Scon County and occupational, commercial, and leisure activities to the north will further enhance and promote population increase and residential growth along this corridor. · The demographics of the Savage/Prior Lake area population is favorable to heavy and increasing use of public library service. · Well educated · Affluent · Families with children seeking good educational opportunities · Adequate leisure time and diverse interests 4 .... .' Scon COUNTY AREA LIBRARY LIBRARY PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS · The Scon County Library currently makes a substantial contribution to the capital costs of each new or improved local library in addition to providing the operating income each year for staff, collections, and services. For example, the cost of furnishing the Belle Plaine expansion this year and last year's renovation of the Shakopee Library were paid for out of county funds. · The Scon County Library had 38,682, 61 %, registered borrowers from the county. As of May, 1994, 13,584, 22% of the Scott County residents were registered as burrowers at the Dakota County Library, 11,271, 83 %. · Of these County residents using the Burnsville Library, 11,271, 83 %, were from Savage and Prior Lake. · The automation of the library's catalog and circulation system has provided for convenient access and efficient use of resources throughout the system · Approximately 19% to 20%, 150,000 as measured in circulation in 1993, of the total use of the Dakota County Library - Burnsville Branch comes from Scott County residents. This 22,000 square foot library will be renovated in 1994. The heavy and growing use by Scott County residents stems from the prime location at a major regional shopping center and absence of adequately sized libraries in Scott County. Dakota County Library officials feel the use of this library is too heavy and should be reduced. · The Burnsville Branch is not of sufficient size to accommodate Dakota County users let alune the growing number of Scutt County users, up over 11 % in the last five years. The Dakota County Library has been building large branch libraries in central and east of the county. These libraries are approximately four miles apart. · The estimated 1993 operating budget of the Burnsville Library is: Staff Collection Building, utilities and system services estimated at $440,000 179.000 $619,000 16.5 F.T.E. 90.000 $709,000 5 Scorf COUNTY AREA LIBRARY EXISTING SCOTI COUNTY LIBRARY BUILDINGS The Scott County Library operates seven small branch libraries located in Belle Plain, Jordan, New Market, New Prague, Prior lake, Savage, and Shakopee. The library administration is located in a small building adjacent lO the Scon County Courthouse in Shakopee. With the exception of the Scott and Carver County Libraries, all of the county and city libraries in the seven-county metropolitan area, all of the public library buildings are owned and/or leased by the operating jurisdiction. In Scott County, the municipalities provide the facilities which account for their size (frequently too small), location (specific to given community and available budget), and conditions (also budget specific). Although the Scott County Library has been successful, even with a low per capita level of library support, in maintaining some progress technologically, an up-lo-date automated card catalog and circulation system, Internet, distant database connections, and document delivery, the basic library resources -- collection, staff, and facilities -- have not kept pace with the rest of the metropolitan area libraries. SQUARE FOOT AREA OF SCOTI COUNTY LIBRARY: Library Gross Square Feet Belle Plaine 5,200 new building planned for opening in 1995 Jordan 2,590 city owned building, basement, and meeting room New Market 816 included in city office complex New Prague 4,500 city owned building Prior Lake 4,300 former bank building, city owned Savage 3, 144 leased store front Shakopee 6,000 city owned building Administrative offices 1.150 county owned building Total Square Feet Available 27,700 The library square footage available per capita is approximately .45 square feet and decreasing. A desirable minimum objective is .7 to .8 square foot per capita. With the present population, this would require an increase in library space of 15,700 to 21,900 square feet. 6 1 I' SCOTI COUNTY AREA LIBRARY ANAL YSIS A vailable public library space in Scon County is determined and controlled by those communities which have elected to provide space for the Scon County Library to equip, maintain a library materials collection, staff, and operate. This assembly of small seven libraries is available to rural and suburban residents who also use the Burnsville Library in Dakota County. 7 SeOTI COUNTY AREA LIBRARY INTERVIEWS Scott County, Savage and Prior Lake officials and library representatives A series of interviews was conducted in which citizens elected and administrative officials were asked to comment on the possible proposed consolidation of the Savage and Prior Lake Libraries into a single area facility. This does not constitute a referendum on the issue but a broad rcpresemation of opinion. PRIOR LAKE · Although the Prior Lake central business district has declined in vitality and aUractions as a commercial area, continuing to operate a library here was viewed favorably by some. "Retain a sense of community, local autonomy." This is similar to the Savage position seven years ago. Others felt this was no longer a major issue. · The size of the library. its collection and services is not a major concern to some. "A small town cozy atmosphere, not present in larger libraries." Bigger is not necessarily better. · There is adequate area to expand the existing library. if needed. · The Americans with Disabilities deficiencies may not be addressed due to cost and the access to fully accessibly libraries in the area. · The cost of any expanded library facility and service is a concern. · County should provide library service and facilities like Dakota, Hc:nnepin, Ramsey, Washington and Anoka Counties. The current Prior Lake population is estimated at 12,300 and may grow to 20,500 by 2010 (3 % to 5 % annually). Community development at Mystic Lake may include a cultural center and library facility. Summary - Although there was recognition of the potential benefits of an area library. the status quo, keep things as they are, appears to be the majority position. SAVAGE · Presem leased library facility should move to a better location on County Road 42. Particularly desirable with the Burnsville Library closing in June for nine months. · There would be substantial benefit to the immediate area, Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee if there was a large Scott County Area Library located at State Highway 13 and County Road 42. 8 ."~"'___.~_'.~'_'."'_"''''~''''''.'_''~'_'''~''_;o.._,.._~",,_",.""",""-,_ ...... , , .' Scarf COUNTY AREA LIBRARY Summary - There is strong support in Savage to get the construction of an adequately sized, well located public library completed. The library has been deferred to other projects too long and too many times. SCOTI COUNTY . While there is a concern regarding the cost, county residents are expecting more services such as libraries. . An area library would benefit residents of smaller communities and provide in-depth backup to the branch community libraries. . The County could bond for building and property. Ownership could be retained or possibly "mortgage" shared with Savage and Prior Lake through a joint powers agreement. . Consolidation and combination of county library and possibly other county services could result in beuer, more efficient services. . Scott County should take greater responsibility for library service. . County Administration Office needs - current space of 1,150 square feet - necessary additions to this space include: Staff Specialists Work/Office Sq.Ft. 300 750 Library Automation/Computer Center Children's service Automation Branch manager Material selection Del i very /Shipping/Receiving Storage 300 400 400 Technical Services/Processing - additional space Restrooms/Break Area 300 Unassigned Area 550 2,950 3,000 Garage ~ Scur.. COUNTY AREA LIURARY POPlJLA TION DISTRIBUTION Scon Coumy is roughly in th~ form of a triangle with the angled side following the Minnesota River valley. There are three tit:rs of similar N/S dimension of cities and townships running across the Coumy. The least amount of area and the most densely populated tier is at the north part of the Coumy. Southern Tier Includes New Market, Cedar Lake, Helena, Belle Plaine, and Blakely Townships and the cities of New Market, Elko, and Belle Plaine. The 1990 population of this tier is 11,905 and projected to grow by 2,335 to 14,540 by 2020. l\liddle Tier Includes Credit River, Spring Lake, Sand Creek, and St. Lawrence Townships and the cities of Jordan and southern Prior Lake (20%). The estimated 1990 population is 12,841 and is projected to grow by 4,759 to 17,600 by 2020. Northern Tier Includes Jackson and Louisville Townships and the cities of Shakopee, Prior Lake (80%) and Savage. The 1990 population was 33,100 and is projected to grow by 50,140 to 83,240 by 2020. Population by Tier 1990 2020 Northern Tier 33,100 57% 83,240 72% Middle Tier 12,841 22% 17,600 15% Southern Tier 11. 905 21 % 14.540 13% 57,846 115,380 ANAL YSIS The major growth, numerically and proportionately, in SCOlt Coumy, 1990 - 2020, is projected to take place primarily in the cities of Savage, Shakopee, and Prior Lake in the northern tier. Many of the residents of the middle and southern tiers will travel to the north and east through the county for employment, shopping, entertainment, and other activities. 12 -"------.-..-......_-,~...........~~,.~_.._.-"-.,....~..."~~~--._~~.""".<<,._._~-----~.,_.....~"_._,...~ T .' SC01T COUNTY AREA LIBRARY GENERAL PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCATION AND SITE CRITERIA The essential requirement in selecting a public library site which is common to all the research on the subject is that a puhlic lihrarv should be as accessihle as possible to the greatest number of users. Libraries, like most public buildings, generally must serve for half a century or more and can use any possible advantage to insure that the library's full public service potential is realized and maintained. The location of the library and its relationship to present and future social, transportation and business patterns will have a direct effect on the extent the general public will make use of its library resources. Convenience of access will build up the volume of use and this greater volume will decrease the per user cost of service. Public library sites should be evaluated in much the same way that a business person researches desirable retail locations. There are two primary criteria which normally have some absolute limitations. These criteria are: 1. Size and Shape of Propeny. The site must be of adequate area and appropriate configuration to allow construction of the programmed building and necessary parking. 2. Cost and A vailabil ity. The property must be available to either negotiated purchase or through condemnation at a price the library is willing and able to pay. These two factors must be considered first since the size and the cost of the propeny are givens which must be met before other criteria can be considered. Additional and related criteria which should be applied to any prospective location under consideration in descending order of importance are: 1. Relationship of the location to the entire library service area population. 2. Vehicular access within the area served, relationship to major anerial highways. 3. Visibility and ease of identification of the building and its services. 4. Access to parking: on-site, street or municipal. 5. Pedestrian traffic and ease of access in the immediate area. 6. The drawing influence of adjacent activities - retail, public, and private services. 7. Amenities: aesthetic factors and potential enhancement to an area, scenic view, replacement of deteriorating structures. 8. Liabilities: unsuitable neighboring activities, flood plain, industrial area, etc. 13 Scon' COUNTY AREA LIBRARY ANAL YSIS All of the major cities or combination of cities and townships in the county have a public library. There are few areas in the south and middle tier cities and townships which will not be within five miles and/or fifteen minutes driving time of a public library. It appears that due to the present and projected population growth, improved traffic routes, and the location of employment and commercial activity that a SCOll County Area Library would be best located at the intersection of State Highway 13 and County Road 42. The greatest number of Scott County residents will have convenient, regular access to such a facility. Based on Metropolitan Council population projections, approximately 85,000, 74%, of SCOlt County residents will be within a maximum of 15 minutes driving time and eleven miles of this location. From experience in locating libraries in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Anoka Counties and other suburban counties across the country, visible sites on major roadways close into the direction of major travel will attract the greatest amount of use. People are attracted to make use of libraries as they come to shop or travel to other activities in the metropolitan area. Placing a library on less expensive rural property near the geographic center of the county would be a poor investment in terms of use and per unit cost of service. Library locations in school, park or residential areas or on secondary streets should be avoided if they do not meet these criteria. In evaluating a library location, a number of specific factors should be reviewed. If desired, these factors can all be weighed and a comparative value of each prospective site under consideration can be determined. 14 -..- , .' SCOTI COUNTY AREA LIBRARY PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION COSTS/BUDGET For the purposes of estimating the potential costs of constructing, there can be wide variation even within the metropolitan area depending on: 1. Competition for projects on the part of the building contractors. 2. Type of design and construction. Special design or materials for aesthetic or energy consumption features have a price tag. 3. Many materials used may be affected by manufacturing and shipping costs from outside this area's economy. Based on similar projects and information gathered regionally, the following mmlmum construction and associated building project costs are recommended for a project which would be started in 1995. (Calculate inflation at 5 % per year.) New construction Per Square Foot General, Electrical and Mechanical suo Shelving, Equipment and Furnishings 20 Fees Architects, Engineers and Consultants (9 - 11 %) --.-ill Total S140 For a 24,750 square foot Scott County Area Library, a preliminary cost estimate for construction, fixtures, and fees would be: New Construction 24,750 sq. ft. x $140/sq.ft. $3,465,000 Site acquisition and development costs are not included. In establishing a budget for a library, building project, the following items must be included: 1. Demolition/site development; 2. General construction, including electrical, mechanical, and structural; 3. Library equipment, shelving, and furnishings; 15 SCUTI COL'NTY AKEA LIUKAKY Structural/Walls Mechanical - 20% 600 Existing Area 1.150 4,750 Total minimum gross area needed for Scott County Library Administration offices _ 4,750 square feet. This assumes a meeling art~a and olher spaces would be shared with the library. Summary - There appears to be strong support for the assumption of Scott County for a higher level of public library service and the necessary operating support. 10 ,.,__"~_._h-'''''',_"~_,,,,,,,,,,, """"'~"'_"'_' _"""'A,.._,.~..,....,-.""....~..".".._,...,,,,,_.,.,...w...'~"'_'_'''''''''''''''~'.~'''"''~'''''''''___'_''''''''';''''''''_''''''''''''''_''''''~''~~~~~~""",__ --.- " .... Scorf COUNTY AREA LIIJRARY SCOTI COUNTY - 1990 - 2020 Thirty years is a relatively short period of time in terms of institutional growth and development. What is projected (0 happen in Scott COUnly that will have a bearing on planning for public libraries today? POPULA TION Metropolitan Council Forecasts, 1990 - 2020, issued July 20, 1993 show a projected increase in population of 57,534, almost 100+ % during this period of time. Population 1990 2000 2010 2020 Scott County 57,846 77,410 96,550 115,380 Households are projected to grow from 19,637 in 1990 to 45,540 in 2020, an increase of 36,173, + 135%. Employment is projected to grow from 20,035 in 1990 to 31,280, an increase of 11,245, + 56%. A simple interpretation - suburban population growth with an increasing number of homes occupied on average by fewer people. Many Scott COUnly residents will cOnlinue to travel to the north and east for employment. Less information is available on the development of the transportation systems and commercial! reta il development. HIGHW A YS At the borders of the COUnlY, Highway I-35W/65, 169, and 19 will serve as major transportation arteries. Within the County, State Highway 13, State Highway 21, County Road 27, County Road 42, State Highway 282, and other state and county roads will be upgraded to meet needs of vehicular traffic within and through Scott County. Improvements at the Minnesota River crossings in Shakopee and at the Bloomington Ferry Bridge will greatly improve access to employment, shopping, and other activities to the north. COMMERCIAL/RETAIL DEVELOPMENT With four major regional shopping centers to the north and east, retail development within Scott County is more likely to occur along major routes such as Highways 13 and 42 with discount stores or supermarkets being the major anchor. 11 Scon' COUNTY AR~A LIBRARV 4. Architect, engineering, and consultant fees; 5. COnlingency - 5% to 10%; 6. Supplementary purchases for the library materials collection; and 7. Automation or upgrade of public access computer catalog and circulation system. Once a specific building size and site IS determined, a tentative project budget can be established. 16 , . SCOTI COUNTY AREA LIBRARY OPERATING COSTS/BUDGET The major cost of a major public library operation is the cost of staff. For example, the 22,000 squar~ foot Burnsville branch of the Dakota County Library has a staff of approximately 16.5 F.T.E. at a cost of $440,000 and an expenditure of $179,000 for collection materials. the total cost to Dakota County is estimated to be at least $700,000. Starting at a lower level of use than the Burnsville Library would require a minimum annual operating budget of at least $500,000 to $600,000 to operate a Scott County Area Library. What impact will these operating costs have on the allocation of funds of other Scott County libraries? If the use of the Prior Lake Library drops substantially as the result of the area library, will the Scott County Library change (reduce) the allocation of resources? 17 HtfR~OlIT/H COL~Cll 'C~ECAS1S. t990.2~2Q Jut y ZO, 119J .............-POPUlAfION.............. 1990 2000 2010 2020 SCOI' 00.;."1 8&llE PlAI~e 1, '~9 3.450 3,650 J,950 SEllE PUI~E , 69. 690 680 660 8lAKElfY T 456 470 '60 440 CEDAst LAa f 1,68$ t.~O 1.950 2,050 CREOI' JU\'E1t T 2,054 3,700 ',200 4,600 ilKO m 2$0 280 310 H'ElEHA T I, 107 ','00 t,100 '~IOO JACKSON T I.JS9 .,)SO t,lOO 1,250 JOlto,.., 2,909 3,100 3,300 3,550 LOUISVILLE T 9.0 960 900 990 NE\4t(A"~T 221 2JO 230 2]0 H!II HAAKfT , z,ooa 2,200 2,3S0 2,500 NEU PRAcce (PA~') 2,J56 '1,600 2,950 3,300 PRfo.t LAkE 11,46Z 14,600 la,1~ 20,000 Sf. lJ\\."REHct , 418 '60 '70 500 IANO CREE" T t,SH f , 5CQ ',SCO 1,500 SAVACE 9,906 19,COO 21,500 3S,500 SHAJ(OPEE ",n9 t6.30a 22.100 29,500 S,_ I NQ L>>:E , l,DS] :S,IOO ],250 J,'SO torAl S7.~6 17,410 96,550 , ", leG ,..."'_..",....",....~._.,....;."".~_..~_'"......~'''~.~,...,,.-...w,_"_..'_'_~__""""""..._......."'~.,,'~.._______.......,"_'"'".""'"'.".~.,,~,""~_,~"-".'" ..' 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