Agenda Item C.1
CPMS DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director PREPARED BY: Elizabeth Saucedo, City Librarian
SUBJECT: Goleta Valley Library Interior Design Funding Plan: Capital Campaign Authorization and Friends of the Library Donation Acceptance
RECOMMENDATION:
A. Authorize staff to pursue the launch of a capital campaign to raise funds for upgraded interior furnishings for Goleta Valley Library; and B. Accept and acknowledge the donation of $175,000 committed by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library in support of upgraded furnishings, and approve a corresponding budget appropriation and donation revenue increase of $175,000 for Goleta Valley Library , Americans with Disabilities Act , Safety, and Building Improvements Project, as described in the fiscal impact section of the report.
BACKGROUND:
Goleta Valley Library (Library) has been serving patrons at its current location at 500 North Fairview since its opening in 1972 and has not experienced significant facility upgrades during this time. In October 2023, the City of Goleta received a Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program (Building Forward) grant in the amount of $4.2 million from the California State Library to make several much -needed infrastructural improvements for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 9130 – Goleta Valley Library ADA, Safety, and Building Improvements Project . The project is focused on bringing the building up to the current code standards and improving accessibility, safety, and sustainability measures. The following improvements will be included as part of the Building Forward grant:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restroom upgrades Modernizing and replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC) systems
ADA path of travel
Life safety and security installation and upgrades
Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting retrofits
1 Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
Doors/windows replacements and upgrades
Fascia repair and exterior paint
The grant excludes all furniture and fixtures as an eligible cost ; furnishings (such as carpeting, seating, tables and shelving) are not considered allowable. However, many of the furnishings currently inside the building are not ADA compliant and are at the end of their useful lifespans. Although the entirety of the interior space has been well-maintained for decades, it does not optimally meet the modern needs of the entire patron community.
The Building Forward grant-supported project presents a highly rare opportunity to update the space to align with community needs while the Library is closed and completely vacant due to construction.
In late Spring 2025, cost savings from Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget were reallocated toward interior design services . This allowed for the creation of a more modern and enriching library environment for patrons to experience upon the reopening of the facility after construction.
Library staff invited input for the interior design plans in July 2025 to identify community aspirations for this highly used public space . Patrons were encouraged to complete a brief survey to share how they used the library prior to its temporary closure for construction and what they would most like to see upon its reopening . The survey received almost 750 responses that reflected the community’s vision for a n updated facility that retains the warmth, charm, and identity of t his treasured space . Trends in feedback included the need for modern and accessible seating, interactive elements for children, and spaces conducive to independent study and laptop work.
This input was shared with the architectural team, Jeffrey Miller Architecture and Design (JMAD), to inform the overall interior design process and to ensure improvements are relevant and responsive. Input has also been collected from Library staff and the Board members of the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library (Friends), presented and discussed at the August 4, 2025 Library Advisory Commission Meeting and shared with the project team for inclusion . A conceptual first draft of the interior design plans with community input incorporated was presented to Council at the August 19, 2025, meeting.
As staff shared with Council at that time, the Friends have been quite generous in funding various elements of the project related to both infrastructure and furnishings . Their donations to date are listed in Table 1.
Table 1—Project Donations from the Friends to Date
Item Estimated Cost
ADA Restroom Renovations $250,000
Service Desk $15,000
Computer Tables $20,000
Select Mobile Shelving $90,000
Exterior Book Drops and Modern Bike Racks $50,000
TOTAL $425,000
2 Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
It is also important to note that on March 18, 2025, Council accepted a donation of $20,000 from Yardi Systems, Inc. The majority of these funds were used toward preparing the temporary Library (“GVL Express”) for usage and strategically purchased ergonomic workstation desks and an interior book drop that will be repurposed in the renovated Work Room at the Fairview location after construction. Remaining funds have been reallocated toward interior design costs.
DISCUSSION:
As staff continue to engage with JMAD on the interior design, a list of key upgrades have been identified to bring the furnishings into alignment with accessibility standards, human behavior and user experience principles, and community interests. Table 2 lists these items in order of priority.
Table 2—List of Key Upgrades
Item Description Estimated
Cost
Carpet replacement
throughout the
facility
Current plans indicate carpet replacement only
in areas impacted by construction; carpet
replacement is needed library-wide to create a
cohesive and sanitary look.
$275,000
Interior public tables
and chairs
Mobile/modern interior furniture allows for a
flexible floor plan and increased comfort/use.
$90,000
New Teen space Shelves, dynamic seating, tables, rugs, and technology will create this new area.
$80,000
Study pods Individual spaces for private work meet a wide range of computing and group needs.
$90,000
Audio-Visual (AV)
system in the
Community Room
Modern systems increase programming
opportunities, improve renter experience, and
attract more reservations and revenue.
$60,000
Upgraded adult
shelving
Modern and accessible shelves would
streamline access in select areas.
$50,000
Public Address (PA)
system throughout
facility
PA systems increase safety and improve
communication of information.
$40,000
Miscellaneous
expenses
Artwork, technology upgrades, accessories, etc. $25,000 TOTAL $710,000
Each of these additions correlates to increased access to Library services, including collections, programming, information and technology, and space usage. Together, they improve upon the existing strengths of a facility that has been well used by patrons for decades and ensure that safe and enjoyable access will continue for generations to come.
Existing materials would be complemented by new additions, with aesthetic updates such as varnish and paint applied as needed to create a cohesive look throughout. 3 Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
To secure funding for these furnishings, staff request authorization to pursue a capital campaign to request support from the local community (individuals and businesses) as well as philanthropic organizations to help us bring the community’s vision to life. Due to the specialization and scope of the project, staff recommend applying to a fiscal sponsor, or a private campaign manager for administrative campaign support. Staff would maintain oversight of the campaign and play an active role in donor engagement and recognition.
The anticipated timeline of the campaign w ould span from Fall 2025 through December 2026. Internal coordination would be performed in partnership with the Community Relations Division to increase awareness and encourage participation in the campaign , as well as with the Finance Department to develop and implement a tracking mechanism for donations received directly. The campaign would also be implemented with the support of the Friends, whose nonprofit charter and volunteer capacity traditionally align more closely with programmatic and operational supp ort. They have generously committed to considering relevant grant opportunities and recently applied on behalf of the Library for the Deckers Gives philanthropic grant in the amount of $100,000.
At project completion, the total amount of funds secured fo r Library furnishings is estimated to exceed $1,000,000, with the exact figure finalized during the fiscal sponsorship process . Due to the generous donations already received to date , the campaign would begin with almost 40% of the goal committed. See Table 3 below for the funding status of each upgrade.
Table 3—Upgrade Funding Status
Item Cost Status
ADA restroom renovations $250,000 Funded (Friends)
Carpet replacement throughout the facility $275,000
Service desk $15,000 Committed (Friends)
Interior public tables and chairs $90,000
Computer desks $20,000 Committed (Friends)
New Teen space $80,000
Study pods $90,000 Applied (Deckers)
Mobile children’s shelving $90,000 Committed (Friends)
Exterior book drops and modern bike racks $50,000 Committed (Friends) AV system in the Community Room $60,000
Upgraded adult shelving $50,000
PA system throughout facility $40,000
Miscellaneous expenses $25,000
Work Room desks and interior book drop $16,000 Funded (Yardi) TOTAL $1,151,000 38.31% Secured
At the March 21, 2024, Council Meeting, Council accepted a donation of $250,000 from the Friends to fund the City’s Grant Match for the ADA restroom improvements portion of the project. Staff recognize and appreciat e the significant s upport of the Friends , and 4 Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
request Council acceptance of the $175,000 in additional funds that have been committed toward Library furnishings (Attachment 1).
As shared in prior staff reports, the project must be completed by June 30, 2027. To secure funding for furnishings in alignment with the tight construction timeline, staff is requesting Council authorization to pursue the launch of a capital campaign w ith administrative support from a fiscal sponsor organization or private campaign manager.
GOLETA STRATEGIC PLAN:
City-Wide Initiative: 2. Support Community Vitality and Enhanced Recreational Opportunities
Strategic Goal: 2.5. Strategic Goal: Support the Goleta Library as a robust community resource
City-Wide Initiative: 5. Strengthen Infrastructure
Strategic Goal: 5.4. Protect and maintain our City-owned facilities and critical operational assets (vehicle and computing infrastructure)
City-Wide Initiative: 8. Enhance the Efficiency and Transparency of City Operations Strategic Goal: 8.2. Maintain transparency in all aspects of City Government
City-Wide Initiative: 9. Ensure Equity, Inclusion, and Access in City Programs, Services, and Activities
Strategic Goal: 9.2. Create a culture of learning and awareness at the City, and a workforce committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and access in the provision of City services
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The fiscal impact of this item is tied to the amount of additional funds raised through the capital campaign. Future donations processed through a fiscal sponsor will be subject to an estimated 3% administrative fee, which is anticipated to be within the City Manager’s approval authority. While donations will offset the additional project expenditures, the overall project budget will increase as furnishings and enhancements are added, estimated in a range of $710,000 to $1.15 million.
In accepting the current additional donation of $175,000 from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library for upgraded furnishings as part of CIP Project No. 9130 – Goleta Valley ADA, Safety and Building Improvements Project, staff recommends approving the following budget appropriations:
Table 4—Recommended Budget Appropriations
Fund Type Account Type Account To Amount
General Fund Revenue 101-90-9130-46003 $175,000
General Fund Expense 101-90-9130-57040 $175,000
5 Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
Future budget appropriations will be brought forward as additional donations are received, whether directly by the City or passed through the fiscal sponsor.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may elect not to authorize staff to pursue a capital campaign for interior design furnishings, and existing outdated furnishings would be used in the renovated Library . A funding source would need to be identified to purchase replacement items currently at the end of their lifespan and those noncompliant with ADA regulations.
Council may also direct staff to pursue a City -led capital campaign without the administrative support of a fiscal sponsor , or private campaign manager . However, the professional expertise, established fundraising procedure and mechanism, and alleviation of administrative staff time would be immense benefits to the success of both the campaign and existing Work Program initiatives.
LEGAL REVIEW BY: Isaac Rosen, City Attorney
APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Donation Acceptance Form: Friends of the Goleta Valley Library 6 ATTACHMENT 1
Donation Acceptance Form: Friends of the Goleta Valley Library 7 NOTE: The City of Goleta cannot guarantee future funding for repair, maintenance, use or replacement of donated items. cc: City Council, Finance Department, City Clerk
CITY OF GOLETA
DONATION ACCEPTANCE FORM
Name of Donor:_Friends of the Goleta Valley Library_________________________________________ Address:_P.O. Box 635___________________ City: _Goleta_______ State: _CA___ Zip:_93116-0635 Description of donation: Monetary commitment to contribute to the upgraded furnishings at Goleta Valley Library as part of the Goleta Valley Library ADA, Safety, and Building Improvement Project._____ Donor estimate of current value: _$175,000____________________________________ ____________
Potential immediate or initial acquisition or installation cost, any on-going maintenance or replacement cost: _N/A________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Intended use: The donated monies will fund an upgraded service desk, computer tables, select mobile
shelving, exterior book drops and modern bike racks._________________________________________ Conditions of acceptance or donor designation: The funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis, not to exceed $15,000 toward a service desk, $20,000 toward computer tables, $90,000 toward mobile
shelving, and $50,000 toward exterior book drops and bike racks._______________________________ Remarks: __________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ City Department receiving donation: Neighborhood Services - Library Division_____________________
APPROVED / DISAPPROVED
________________________ ______________________________ Date Department Head Signature
________________________ ______________________________ Date City Manager Signature
________________________ ______________________________ Date Submitted to Council Date Approved by Council
________________________ ______________________________ Date Mayor Signature
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