CCMIN120997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Dennis appreciated the testimony. She felt it was important to continue to discuss this issue. Many of our services are being regionalized and we are talking about localizing the library. She is not sure what discussions will bring out, whether to provide services through a municipal library or through a joint powers authority relationship with the County. She appreciated the fact that people are happy with the services so far. She believed the origin of this situation occurred when the major budget cuts came from the state. The library system was severely stressed and everyone has tried to do the best they can with the resources available. She believed the citizens are aware of the city' s 25 % contribution and the fact that the city built the library building. Some people may not be aware it is a County library. She agreed the question is not about money; it is how to have the best library in the future. Ms. Michelotti assured the citizens that the City will maintain the same services and quality and to try to enhance them. She envisions this to be a win/win situation for the City and hopes to have the help of the County. She was happy to hear Linda Woods volunteer assistance in the transition. Tonight the decision is to go into the next phase of reviewing alternatives. She commended the Library Commission members and all the time and work they have done. Some of the objectives are to increase library hours, increase services to schools, communication and networking with the health library and other things the County system has also been reviewing. She agreed there has been a cutback in hours through no fault of the County system, but the City stepped up to fill the budgetary gaps. She felt Council and staff will review all the information available before making a final decision. She does not see a complete disassociation with the County system. She referred to the San Ramon city bulletin, which included a section entitled "Library Times" which tells about special programs in the library and suggested that be included in Pleasanton's next Activities Guide. It was moved by Ms. Ayala, seconded by Ms. Dennis, to approve the items in the staff recommendation as follows: 1) forward the letter, included as Attachment A to the staff report, to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors which outlines the City's issues related to current library services and which states the City's intent to withdraw from the Alameda County Library no sooner than December 31, 1998, if the issues are not addressed to the satisfaction of the City; 2) authorize staff to have discussions with Alameda County regarding its position on the transfer of property taxes and materials (i.e., books, magazines, etc.) from Alameda County to the City; 3) authorize City staff to begin discussions with the City of Livermore regarding the potential of partnering/contracting with Livermore for library services; 4) authorize an allocation of up to $10,000 for consultant services which may be needed to assist staff with carrying out the above recommendations; and 5) direct staff to work with the Library Commition to submit a report to the City Council detailing the most appropriate option, i.e., acceptance of a County plan for addressing existing issues resulting in the City remaining a member of the Alameda County Library, partnering with the City of Livermore, or establishing an independent municipal library which may contract some services with Alameda County or Livermore no later than June 1998. Pleasanton City Council 12/09/97 Minutes 7