Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: June 3, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SUBMITTED BY: Judy booth, Library director
PREPARED BY: alec maclennan, administrative analyst
Cheri PApe, local history archivist
SUBJECT: NON-CAPITALIZED HUNT LIBRARY FURNITURE Appraisal
SUMMARY
The City Council directed staff to appraise Hunt Library surplus following an initial attempt to donate the items.
PROPOSED MOTION
Authorize the Director of the Library to sell surplus property up to the appraised price of the furniture pieces and donate any surplus furniture not sold.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends receiving the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
The City Manager recommends approval of proposed motion.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statement:
Infrastructure and City Assets.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Library paid approximately $4,900 for the appraisal.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Library will renovate the Osborne Auditorium as a part of the Main Library Building Forward #2 grant and seeks to relocate the unused furniture stored in the auditorium. Master Architect William Periera designed the 10,500 square foot steel and aluminum building in 1962 with an emphasis on glass. Norton Simon and the Hunt Foods Foundation selected the original furniture to complement the mid-century modern building with items by acclaimed furniture designers of the era, notably Jens Risom. Staff moved furniture to the Main Library during the Hunt Library revitalization over the past few years. This furniture no longer serves the repurposed Hunt Library and has no use in the Main Library.
The Library sought City Council permission to donate some surplus furniture to a non-profit museum on January 7, 2025. City Council requested staff to have the furniture appraised. The Library began work with William Novotny Appraisal Services in February 2025.
The appraisal process valued the furniture up to $15,930 if all pieces sold at appraised value. The Library also had pieces appraised that the Library does not intend to sell. The appraiser was excited about the furniture pieces and thought the story behind the furniture could increase value but warned staff could find it difficult to find a buyer for the lot of furniture in the current market. The City would not necessarily receive the appraised fair market value. The custom-made furniture was designed for library use and some design factors may limit market demand. The City may need to accept lower offers to liquidate the furniture.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Final Appraisal Report
Attachment 2 – City of Fullerton Purchasing Policy No. 4.1.6 cc: City Manager Eric J. Levitt
Hunt Library Furniture Disposition
June 3, 2025 - Page 2