MEETING DATE: 3/8/2022
DEPARTMENT: COUNTY LIBRARY
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: Nora Conte
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Erin Baxter
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 80
SUBJECT:
COUNTY LIBRARY - N. CONTE
Adopt Resolution authorizing: (1) submission of a grant application with the California State Library for a Building Forward: Library Infrastructure Grant for the County's Library Safety First Project, requesting $10 million with a $5 million match, for the capacity expansion of the San Benito County Free Library; (2) acceptance of grant funds; and (3) execution of a grant funding agreement.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 80
RESOLUTION NO: 2022-33
AGENDA SECTION:
CONSENT AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
At the October 26, 2021 Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board authorized County Staff to submit a preliminary application for the California State Library's Building Forward: Library Infrastructure grant for life-saving infrastructure projects in libraries with a 4-0 vote. The official application for this grant is now open and due March 21st, 2022.
This grant is a result of California Senate Bill 129 and is for life-saving infrastructure projects in libraries. The maximum grant amount is for $10 million, that would have to be matched by on a dollar-for-dollar basis (with an option to apply for a 50% match waiver) by the jurisdiction. If you would like more information on this grant, the webinar was recorded and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWbGVJrvaE
The life-saving infrastructure projects at our library should help to minimize the safety hazards that exist due to the limited physical space and overcrowding entailed in serving a population of over 60,000 in a facility that was built in 1960 and with a maximum capacity of 43.
This capacity issue could be addressed with a new construction addition to the existing library, adding approximately 6,000 square feet in a two-story structure and renovating and expanding the western side of the library toward West Street. This expansion will cost approximately $15 million, including a seismic review of the existing library, with a $5 million match commitment from the County.
The County Librarian is recommending that a grant application be submitted by the County to the State Library, requesting $10 million with a $5 million match for the expansion of the San Benito County Free Library.
This application is required to be submitted by the jurisdiction and not by the Library nor Friends of the Library. The full application period will close in March 21, 2022 and the first round of awards tentatively will be issued in Spring 2022.
RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
Yes
CONTRACT NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
No
CONTRACT AND RFP HISTORY:
N/A
LAST CONTRACT AMOUNT OR N/A:
N/A
STATE IF THIS IS A NEW CONTRACT/ HOW MANY PAST AMENDED CONTRACTS/ OR N/A:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
BUDGETED:
N/A
Budget Adjustment Needed: N/A
Unfunded Mandate (Is this a mandate not funded by the State): N/A