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BACKGROUND The Library and Community Services Departments were combined into the Library and Recreation Department on July 1, 2018. One of the goals identified early on by the City Manager and the Director of Library and Recreation was to have staff, particularly management staff, of the newly formed department work together in close proximity. This remodel project was identified as the means to accomplish that goal. The project would also allow the City Council priority of removing the modular building located at 200 Old Bernal Avenue to move forward as it would no longer be needed for the LRD staff. Plans and specifications for the project were prepared and competitively bid. Sealed bids were opened on October 15, 2019. CWS submitted the low bid in the amount of $823,000. City Council awarded the contract to the low bidder at their meeting on November 5, 2019, and also authorized the Director of Engineering to approve contract change orders up to a not-to-exceed amount of $165,000 (approximately 20 percent of the bid amount). The authorization of the relatively high percentage amount for change orders was recommended by staff, and approved by City Council, as it was anticipated there would be a significant change order to prepare the foundation for, run underground electric to, and receive and set an 8.5-foot by 40-foot storage shed purchased separately by the City. The shed was needed by the library to store materials that were being displaced from the remodel area. Due to some issues with the design of the foundation and seismic restraints needed to mount the shed, it was undecided at the time of bid as to whether it would be a part of the project or installed by one of the City's on-call contractors. DISCUSSION The library remodel project relocated several walls within the existing office area. The project also slightly expanded the office area into the public library space. Library staff reconfigured collections and programs that were within the area of expansion so that no public library uses were permanently affected. The remodel upgraded the office and modular cubicle work areas that existed in the renovated area for all LRD staff currently working in the space, as well as provided office space and modular cubicle work areas for the LRD staff that worked within the modular building behind 200 Old Bernal Avenue. Although more staff are now in the library building, the seasonal items that were stored in the library facility are now relocated to a storage shed located between the library and police station. Although not part of the construction contract, the project included purchase and installation of low-profile modular furniture, which creates a more open feel to the remodeled space. The relocation of staff from the modular building at 200 Old Bernal Avenue to the library included the relocation of the public counter for customers seeking information or making transactions related to the City's recreation programs. The construction of the counter space at the library was included in this project and designed as a "staffed" counter, accessible by the public from within the library. The two restrooms within the staff area were also remodeled, bringing both back into service (only one of the two Page 2 of 5