CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
October 1, 2024 {{section.number}}d
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RECEIPT AND APPROPRIATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2024- 25 TARGETED STATE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,000 FOR THE CORONADO
PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENT AND STUDY ROOM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT RECOMMENDATION:
Find the project exempt under CEQA Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and approve “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado Authorizing the Acceptance and Appropriation of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Targeted State Grant in the Amount of $150,000 for the Coronado Public Library Event and Study Room Improvements Project.” BACKGROUND:
The Coronado Public Library is one of the busiest in the county with over 30,000 cardholders. It provides an after-school facility to students from the adjacent Coronado High School and nearby Coronado Middle School. The Coronado Public Library serves as a central gathering space within Coronado. It currently hosts 723 programs with over 34,000 attendances per year. The Library’s Veteran’s Resource Center also requires a private space for confidential counseling during the day.
Study rooms at the Library support quiet, focused study for individuals, facilitate group work and collaboration, and provide a space for tutoring and instruction. They provide a setting for activities that require privacy and encourage community engagement by providing an additional space for community organizations, local clubs and civic groups to meet.
ANALYSIS:
In order to better provide improved space within the Library for study rooms and flexible meeting space, in November 2023 the City submitted a request for State funding to Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s Office to help fund much needed improvements to the Library. On January 4, 2024, the City was notified that through the State budget process, grant funding had been provided to the City of Coronado in the amount of $150,000 via the California State Library to create two study rooms and add a door to the historic reading room. Assemblymember Boerner’s support of the project was instrumental in securing funding for this project.
The improvement project also provides much needed additional event space and revitalizes an important historic space. Built in 1909, the historic Spreckels Reading Room was the first reinforced concrete building in western United States and is an important California landmark.
Sound proofing allows repurposing of the underutilized room to host events without disturbance to library patrons.
Staff recommends City Council approval and appropriation of the State grant funding from the California State Library.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Library Grant Improvement Project funding will be appropriated and made available within the budget account 2452000.9700 which has been established to track project expenditures per grant requirements. The total project cost is anticipated to be $157,890. The California State Library has provided $150,000 in grant funding to the City for the project. The additional balance of $7,890, specific to fire life and safety systems integration costs, will be funded from the Public Services and Engineering Facilities division budget account 10030005.80030.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may choose not to accept the grant funds.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Categorically Exempt per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guideline; Class 1, Existing Facilities.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2024-59
Submitted By: Library Services Department / Shaun Briley