Last Night's Library presentation to the planning board

[Jay T.]

Dan Mulligan and I attended last night's meeting between the library and the Planning Board. The purpose of the meeting was for the library to review the options for a future stand alone library and to request help from the PB in determining a site.

Speaking for myself only at this moment, though I believe Dan agrees, I was impressed with the presentation and thought it was a well done overview. I was also impressed by the PB members, two committeemen (Richard Stannard and Win Cody) and the residents in attendance as the dialogue was open, honest and fair. Considering the interest in the community on this topic, I wanted to share my notes for those unable to attend:

- The library presented different alternatives- renting space, buying space, staying where they are today, and building a location. They showed the pros and cons of each.

- The library discussed their new foundation which they want to use to raise funds to build a library. They stated their intent is to raise the funds to support a stand alone library and not look to the town for the funds. However, to begin raising funds they do need help from the township in order to determine a site.

- There is apparently an offer on the PNC bank building at the moment, so it does not look like the building would be donated at the present time. While a seemingly moot point now, a free evaluation was conducted by a town resident who is a professional and it seemed the building would support the book load and is meeting ADA requirements. It would need a sprinkler system installed.

- In terms of looking at the location to build a stand alone library they, the PB and Mr. Stannard and Mr. Cody (along with all the residents there) agreed that they did not want to spend money on professional fees to conduct an analysis at this time. They would look to a subcommittee of PB members, library officials, and residents to determine an appropriate place and then have a public forum to discuss the possible locations.

- One person, who I won't name, but who is on the BOE said that the BOE has not and will not be asking the library to move out. I do not want to name that person based on the simple fact I am unclear as to whether this is an official position, though the impression is that it was the BOE position. The context of the statement was only made with regard to the 5 year lease the library signed and whether the library would be asked to leave in the near term.

[Cat Lover]

Jay - Thank you for the honest and insightful update.

[Stephen]

Jay and Dan,

I want to thank you for attending these meetings and giving us feedback. It's good to see people committing to their statements of action. Your attending these meetings and then sharing with us shows your willingness to learn the issues, support the residents and fairly report back. I also want to say as someone with small children at home I thanbk you for taking the time and I understand what you're giving up to represent us if elected.