November 19, 2024
Public Works
DATE: November 19, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, PE, Public Works Director
Robert Armijo, PE, Deputy Director Public Works / City
Engineer
Mubeen Qader, Deputy Director Finance
Wendy Wellbrock, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Subject:
Appropriation of $4,100,000 for the Revitalizing the
Historic Main Library Project (Main Library Project).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Additional appropriation from the General Fund of $4,100,000.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
October 4, 2022
May 16, 2023
May 28, 2024
October 1, 2024
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Main Library Project was initially estimated to cost approximately $30 million. However, cost estimates
developed during the programming and design phases
have exceeded this initial figure. To fund essential
building improvements, the project now requires an
additional $4.1 million in funding.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to appropriate $4,100,000 from the
General Fund to the General Capital Fund to the
Revitalizing the Historic Main Library Project – Public Works (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/Wendy Wellbrock
510-307-8108).
AGENDA
REPORT
November 19, 2024
DISCUSSION:
Summary
The Main Library Project, initiated in 2022 with multiple funding sources and an original estimate of approximately $30 million, now faces a $4.1 million funding gap due to higher-than-anticipated costs identified during the design phase. City staff requests an additional appropriation from the General Fund to cover the anticipated funding shortfall in the project.
Background
The Richmond Main Library building opened in 1949 as part of the historic Richmond Civic Center. The building was not included in the 2009 renovation of other Civic Center facilities, and instead pursued statewide library construction funding for a new library building through Proposition 81. Proposition 81 failed to pass and no statewide funds were available to fund much-needed improvements at the Main Library. Since then, significant deferred maintenance of the Main Library has resulted in missing floor tiles, fraying carpet, non-functioning single-pane windows, an inadequate electrical system, and unhealthy interior air quality during adverse air quality events.
In October 2022 the California State Library awarded a $9.7 million grant to the City of Richmond. The City of Richmond appropriated 50 percent matching funds to create an almost $15 million budget to address critical life-safety and maintenance issues in the historic Main Library.
The City staff is committed to improving the Main Library so that it remains the jewel that it was when it was originally constructed. This includes the repair and upgrading of building systems and structures, many of which have not been improved since the building was constructed in 1949. The proposed project, initially conceived with an estimated cost of approximately $30 million, includes funding to enhance the library’s accessibility, sustainability, and safety. At the time of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) adoption, the project faced an estimated $15 million funding shortfall.
In May 2023 the City Council appropriated an additional $15 million to create opportunities for further renovations of the Main Library building.
The proposed work includes but is not limited to:
Upgrading of public and staff restrooms to make them ADA accessible Replacement of acoustical ceilings to reduce noise
Installing improved lighting and controls throughout the building Replacing asbestos-containing floor tiles with new resilient flooring Replacement of the existing electrical power system
November 19, 2024
Installation of a new HVAC system; installation of a new fire alarm and sprinkler system
Providing safety and accessibility improvements to the library entrance Replacement of the existing staff-only elevator with a new ADA compliant elevator accessible to the public
Replacement of existing windows throughout the building with new energy- efficient windows
Seismic upgrades to increase the safety of the building in an earthquake.
The approximately $30 million project is currently funded through a combination of a State Grant, American Rescue Plan Act funds, General Capital Fund, and Developer Impact Fees, as shown in the table below.
Funding Source Amount
State Grant 9,712,979
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2,258,113
General Capital Fund 16,898,377
Developer Impact Fee Fund 1,064,188
Total 29,933,657
Additional Appropriation Request
Between October 2023 and June 2024, cost estimates for the design plans exceeded the available funding. Addressing additional structural and system issues within the building is estimated to cost approximately $4.1 million. This additional funding will cover the following improvements:
Replacing the roof - the roof is 15 years old and leaks. A major renovation to the building without replacing a roof that is nearing its lifespan may be a disservice to the community and not recommended for a long-term solution. Replacing the photovoltaic system (solar panels) - the panels are not working properly and need to be replaced.
Upgrading the generator - the current generator cannot power the Library building during power outages due to capacity limitation and requires upsizing to meet the Library electricity needs and support the building as a resiliency center. New trash enclosure - building a dedicated trash enclosure will help with keeping the facility clean. Currently there is no trash closure for the building. Water proofing in the basement - the Library has a tunnel/crawl space around the perimeter of the building which connects to a central basement location under the building. Improving the water proofing system will mitigate and prevent water damage.
November 19, 2024
Exterior Cleaning and Patchwork – gentle cleaning methods and techniques will prevent damage to the historic building and improve the overall finish look of the project.
City staff believes that the additional funding for the project will help deliver a modern, structurally durable, and environmentally sustainable Library building to the community.
Next Steps
The Main Library Project is planned to go in construction phase in the summer of 2025 and completion is expected around the spring of 2027. Library operations will be relocated to a temporary facility during the construction phase. Staff will continue to provide updates to the City Council as the project moves forward.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATTACHMENT 1 - RESOLUTION