06/17/2002 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Miller for his eagerness to have Landmarks' input. Mr. Barker mentioned that the board has been discussing the library issue for a long time and they approached the administration quite a while ago to have some input. He indicated that did not happen. He said he senses from other boards that there should be no involvement. He said it was pointed out to Landmarks that the green space is in the historical district and they really wouldn't have any impact on the building. Mr. Miller said he respectfully disagrees. The issue of a library alone in North Olmsted is a historical issue. He mentioned the Oxcart Library and said that the impact of a library in North Olmsted offers the board the opportunity to have input on the area closest to Butternut Ridge and on the library itself. He said the architects have indicated they looked at other historical buildings and they are trying to make it blend. They have cited Old Town Hall as an example of the style they are looking at. Mr. Miller said if there is to be a historical blend, of all the boards and commissions, Landmarks may be the most valued in that regard. Mr. Dubowski said, as he understands it, the school property all the way back to the high school is in the historic district because it is one continuous piece of property. He said it is the same with the Biddulph house which goes all the way back to I-480 and is in the historic district. He said he believes the library is, in fact, in the landmarks district because it is one continuous piece of property, from Butternut through to Lorain. It has been combined legally. That action brought it in to the landmarks district and the board should offer any advice that Council and the administration may find helpful, Mr. Miller said the issue was not originally brought to Long- Range Planning. He took a look at it knowing the issues involved and the long-range effect to the city. He asked that it be presented to the Landmarks Commission and instead it was presented to the Planning Commission with other colnmissions and boards being invited. It may have been to assist the architects so that one presentation be done rather than several. He added it may not have been conducive to a question and answer session. People can be intimidated to speak in front of large groups. Mr. Miller emphasized that they need the board's input. Mrs. O'Rourke asked if any changes were made. Mr. Miller indicated he is not certain what changes may have been made. He knows of requested changes but he hasn't heard what changes were originally out there. He said going back to when the plan was originally presented to the voters, it is now several thousand feet smaller. He does not believe that is legally binding in the community in his opinion. He said it was a concept of "here is what we would like to do" and it was presented by the administration in the planning process. The amount of square footage originally hoped for is now designated space on paper as future expansion plans. Mrs. O'Rourke pointed out it is 6000 square feet. She asked for the difference is size from the old library. Mr. Miller said it is significantly larger but without the plans he can't be sure. He said he believes it will be 30,000 square feet, which was set when the bond issue was passed, as was the elevation. He said Old Town Hall was used as the model. He referred to the minutes from the May 28, 2002 Planning Commission meeting. It was pointed out it went from 12,000 to 30,000 square feet with a potential for 36,000 square feet. Mrs. O'Rourke said the circulation, the number of books, was not going to be increased according to what was said at that Planning Commission meeting. It is a branch library. She said if there will be that much more space it doesn't make sense and seems like they are just adding floor space. Mr. Miller mentioned there is a sizable meeting hall planned, and a secondary hall as well. He said there are times students need access to reference materials and need _ to do a project involving 2-4 students. They have had to wait for reference books. He would like to see smaller booths so students can prepare presentations for class and have access to materials. He mentioned other features that were presented. He suggested the board look at the plans, including the plastic model of the library to get a good concept of the layout. There was discussion about how to get the materials so the board can meet to review them. Mrs. Lord asked for confirmation that Council wants the board's coinments regarding the entire parcel. Mr. Miller confirmed that. Mrs. Lord said one thing that has never come up is that they know the green area on Butternut that is facing the historic district, there are plans for something there. She said one thing that needs to be there is the sign that is currently in front of the library that was purchased by the city regarding the Oxcart Library. She said the sign goes with the books. Mr. Miller said now is a good time to bring 4 L`