HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/22/2011 - RESOLUTION 2011-030 SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE OF A CI DATE: March 22, 2011
STAFF: Darin Atteberry • - • •
Resolution 2011-030 Supporting the Passage of a Citizen-Initiated Ordinance Amending People's Ordinance No. 2,
1975 Pertaining to Construction in Library Park.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Expand Our Library Committee gathered sufficient petition signatures to place a citizens initiative on the April 5,
2011 municipal ballot to modify a 1975 ordinance that limits the footprint of buildings in Library Park to 5%of the total
park area. The modified ordinance would require that 85% of Library Park remain as open space with up to 15%
allowed for buildings, including the historic cabins and driveway/parking that have been added since 1975. Project
plans include an interior remodel and a 6,000 square foot expansion that will be accomplished by building down from
the library's second-floor overhangs.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The Main Library building, constructed in 1976, is a 34,000 square foot structure that the community has outgrown.
More square footage is required to meet the needs of a larger population and collection. The remodel and expansion
project also addresses the facility's need for modernization.
The 35-year old building has undergone only minor refurbishing since its original construction. The remodel will include
state-of-the-art technology, easier access to materials and redesigned space including a multi-use meeting room,
expanded children's area, group and individual study rooms and a cyber caf(§with vending machines.
What changes will be made to the original building?
The exterior design is congruous with the original building style which emphasizes horizontal and vertical lines. The
new first floor walls below the second floor overhangs will be built with masonry and light-colored glass. The windows
will bring more light into the interior and allow better views of the surrounding park.
What changes will be made to Library Park?
The history,value and local pride associated with Library Park will be preserved. There will be strategic enhancements
to the exterior walkways and landscape. The majority of existing trees will be retained. Shrub and perennial beds
located along the east and south sides of the building will be renewed and enhanced after the construction is
completed.
FINANCIAL/ ECONOMIC IMPACTS
The Poudre River Public Library District will use existing funds to pay for the remodel and expansion. The District has
set aside funds for this purpose and will not need additional money from taxpayers to accomplish the project. The
project budget for the expansion and remodel of the Main Library is $4.2 million.
A revitalized Main Library will bolster its role as a community center and destination place for downtown Fort Collins
and beyond. The project will enable the library to bring community members together with expanded programming
space, to better meet the increasingly diverse needs of customers and to contribute to the cultural and economic
vibrancy of Fort Collins.
March 22, 2011 -2- ITEM 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
RESOLUTION 2011-030
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE OF A CITIZEN-INITIATED ORDINANCE
AMENDING PEOPLE'S ORDINANCE NO. 2, 1975 PERTAINING TO
CONSTRUCTION IN LIBRARY PARK
WHEREAS, on April 8, 1975, the electors of the City approved People's Ordinance No. 2,
1975,which limited the construction of additional buildings or parking facilities on Block 142,City
of Fort Collins, now known as Library Park; and
WHEREAS, in 2009,pursuant to a 2007 Intergovernmental Agreement among the City,the
Poudre River Public Library District ("District") and Larimer County,the City conveyed the Main
Library, located in Library Park, and most of Library Park to the District; and
WHEREAS,the District would like to renovate and expand the Main Library in accordance
with its facilities plan by building down from the existing overhangs of the Main Library, thereby
adding six thousand square feet of useable floor area to the Main Library(the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the District has set aside funds to pay for the Project
and will not need additional funding from the taxpayers; and
WHEREAS,on February 1,2011,the City Council adopted Resolution 2011-009,submitting
to the electors of the City at the municipal election on April 5, 2011, a citizen-initiated ordinance
amending People's Ordinance No. 2, 1975 to increase the allowable building area in Library Park
(the "Ordinance"); and
WHEREAS,the Project would help the Main Library modernize to meet the needs of a larger
population with improved technology,more room for collections,and additional programming space,
while still respecting the history and purposes of Library Park; and
WHEREAS,the Project would contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of Old Town
and Downtown Fort Collins.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS,that the City Council hereby declares its support for the Ordinance and encourages voters
to approve the Ordinance at the regular municipal election on April 5, 2011.
Passed and adopted at an adjourned meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this
22nd day of March A.D. 2011.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk