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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 14, 2017 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 A. Roll Call by City Clerk An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, February 14, 2017, commencing at 7:12 a.m., at the Lodi Public Library, 201 W. Locust Street, Lodi. Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi Absent: Mayor Kuehne Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, and City Clerk Ferraiolo NOTE: Council Member Chandler left the meeting at 7:57 a.m. B. Topic(s) B-1 Library Annual Report for 2016/Overview of Teen Scene Construction Project (LIB) Library Services Director Dean Gualco and Literacy & Volunteer Manager Yvette Herrera provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Library's 2017 Annual Report. Specific topics of discussion included role of the Library; 2016 accomplishments; Homework Help Room; 2017 goals; programs - Adult Literacy, Homework Help (grades K-8), Computer Learning Center, and Teen Scene Homework Help; need for Teen Scene; vision; proposed Teen Scene; cost; and timeline. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Gualco stated that the security cameras were recently updated from the old analog system, the feed is on a 24-hour loop and is maintained for three weeks, and the footage can be viewed from a phone or a computer. He confirmed the feed does not go directly to the Lodi Police Department, but the Library has the ability to send video if need be. Mr. Gualco stated the Library has nine additional cameras scheduled for purchase. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Ms. Herrera stated that the literacy tutors are primarily volunteers that are either solicited by Library staff or who offer their services; the Library attempts to match volunteers to the best program fit; and the Library typically has a significant pool of volunteers, but when the job market changed some time ago, they lost a number of skilled volunteers. In response to Council Member Johnson, Ms. Herrera confirmed that all volunteers go through a background check, regardless if they work with or around children. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, City Manager Schwabauer confirmed that, during a background check, fingerprints are taken at the Lodi Police Department and run through the Department of Justice. He stated that the City of Lodi does not conduct background checks for private entities, but it does run checks on all City employees and volunteers who have authority over children. In response to Council Member Mounce, Ms. Herrera stated that, to avoid functioning as a babysitter, the Library's policy is that children under the age of 14 cannot participate in programs without an adult and the time is structured with homework, games, and computer learning, along with a Wii gaming system, which is offered on a reward basis. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Ms. Herrera stated that the Library does not collect 1 census data on who attends the programs because it is primarily a drop-in opportunity; however, 90 percent of the attendees are students in the Lodi Unified School District. Mr. Gualco stated he would research data on issued Library cards to ascertain how many are Lodi citizens and how many reside outside of the community. In response to Council Member Chandler, Ms. Herrera stated there is no specific data on whether the programs are improving school grades, but feedback from the parents indicate their children are benefitting from the Library's programs and assistance. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Ms. Herrera stated that the School District supports the Library's programs by providing the K-8 classroom books, which is a cost savings for the Library and ensures the content is current with the school's curriculum. She stated the Library serves as supplementary support and enrichment for students. Mr. Gualco further responded that the School District also offers assistance programs, such as the Mamas and Papas tutoring program in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, but its programs are limited to State funding opportunities, which is capped, or grant funding. He stated that the Library supplements the School District by offering access to books, technology, and materials, much of which is paid for by the Library Foundation or the Friends of the Library. Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi questioned if schools have their own libraries, to which Mr. Gualco replied that school libraries are almost decimated because their resources are extremely limited, hours have been cut, and there are no full-time librarians. Sam Harper, architect with WMB, presented information regarding the Teen Scene via a PowerPoint presentation and reviewed the schematics and designs. In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Harper stated that carpet tiles are the preferred method for carpeting spaces, versus the rolled good, because spots or stains can easily be replaced and the product is durable. He further confirmed that the outside patio area includes provisions to address rain and excessive drainage. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Gualco stated that the new Teen Scene will not displace any heavily -utilized areas. Much of the area is currently filled with teen books that do not need to be separated from the adult book section, so those will be moved, and the area currently used for magazines will be moved to another area at the back of the Library. He stated the current area is greatly underutilized and there is a growing need to serve the teen demographic in this community. Council Member Mounce expressed concern with the Library's proposed media room, stating she fears the money originally designated to convert Hutchins Street Square into a media hub to broadcast large Council events and other occasions would be diverted to this project instead. Mr. Schwabauer stated that the project at the Square is still proceeding and explained that the Library's media room will be utilized for public access programs on the government channel to advertise community events and activities. He stated the Library's technology will also be available to the City. Mr. Schwabauer reported there is $550,000 in the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (DIVCA) fund, which will be divvied up among the Library's project, work at the Carnegie Forum, and the Hutchins Street Square project. Mr. Gualco stated the hope is that the media room will serve as the City's studio for use by the City and community to broadcast public service announcements and other events live on the government cable channel. He stated that he will return to Council soon for approval to purchase additional cameras and that he met recently with the audio-visual technicians to finalize the details. In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Harper stated that the mechanical equipment being moved is relatively new and will cost $15,000 and the emergency generator is no longer necessary because the Library does not function as the emergency operations center. They are in the process of relocating the generator, but there may be an additional cost of $10,000 to $15,000 because of existing infrastructure below the generator. In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Gualco stated the Library generates very little in rental revenue each year, roughly $1,000, because the concept is that the Library should be free 2 and open to the community. Priority in rentals is given to non-profit groups over paying organizers, and for-profit rentals are free if the event is open to the public. Mr. Gualco summarized that the Teen Scene project will cost $500,000 and that $240,000 is from the Library, $110,000 is from DIVCA funds, and $150,000 is through a donation to the Library. Council Member Mounce asked Mr. Gualco to address the recent complaint he received regarding the Library's policy against leaving belongings on tables or in spaces within the Library. Mr. Gualco explained that the Library has a behavior policy, which is posted in the building, addressing rules such as no drinking beverages that can spill, no talking on the phone, no sleeping in the Library, and no leaving belongings in one space for a period of time. He stated that patrons were taking up an entire table with personal items and leaving for hours, which made the space unavailable for others and opened the door for theft of property. After receiving a complaint from a patron who was penalized for leaving her belongings while she used the restroom facilities, he stated that he realized the policy was too strict. Since then, that rule has been relaxed to 15 minutes, which enables patrons to use the facilities or find another book without having to move belongings. C. Comments by Public on Non -Agenda Items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk 3 CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA ITEM B -I AGENDA TITLE: Library Annual Report for 2016/Overview of Teen Scene Construction Project MEETING DATE: February 14, 2017 SUBMITTED BY: Library Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive presentation on the Library Annual Report for 2016 and overview of Teen Scene Construction Project. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Each year the Library has presented an annual report of its principle accomplishments for the previous year along with goals for the coming year. In this presentation, the Library will discuss its meritorious accomplishments, its plans for 2017, and highlight three programs that have served the community well in the past year. Additionally, the Library will present the final construction plans for the proposed Teen Scene, upon which the City Council is scheduled to vote on February 15, 2017 to authorize the request for bids to construct the project. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. Dean Gualco, Library ' rector MA APPROVED: 1 ►i: dfilvillb tephen Schwa:. uer, City Manager . • - • -••••,-• • Lodi Public Library February 2017 Library Annual Report Agenda • Role of the library • 2016 Accomplishments • Homework Help Room • 2017 Goals • Adult Literacy • Homework Help • Computer Learning Center • Teen Scene • Cost and timeline The Role of today's Library: • For centuries, the library's TASK remains the same (disseminate knowledge)but MECHANISM (books)has changed. • Through books/videos, games, trainings/programs, libraries — create a more knowledgeable person that makes the right decision at the right time and for the right reason; — contribute their talents/gifts to the betterment ofothers, — build a more decent and honorable community with charity, compassion and goodness in its people. 2016 Accomplishments • 250,000 annual visitors • Homework Help room completed • Homework Help attendance up 34% from 2015 to 2016 (4,067 sessions in 2015 to 5,548 in 2016) • 9,000 new materials added in 2016 (up over 50% since 2013) • Almost 3,000 computer attendees in 2016 v 2,042 in 2015 (up almost 50%) • 2,364 eBooks in last 6 months of 2016 vs. 38 in 2015 • Library hours open remain most in SJ County • 240 volunteers donated 27,000 hours annually • Reduced FT staffing 35% since 2011-12 (14 to 9) • Reduced PT staffing 36% since 2009-10 (11,309 hours to 8,568) Homework Help Room 2017 Goals • Construct Teen Scene • Design/complete lobby mural • Create video to promote the library • Install 9 additional security cameras in library • Move entry doors in community room • Invest in staff and staff development • Create parameters for new Teen Scene Homework Help Program • Install art on corner of Church/Locust Programs Adult Literacy Computer Learning Center Homework Help (K-8 grades) Teen Scene Homework Help (9-12 grades) Common Program Themes: • Free and Equal Access • Exclusively Volunteer -staffed • Operating Cost are minimal • Low-Risk/High-Benefit Operating Model • Building Self -Confidence and Self -Esteem • Supportive and welcoming environment Adult Literacy • Free, confidential, one to one tutoring • Fundamental skills in reading, writing, and comprehension in English • Illiteracy affects approximately 20%-25% of the US population Goal: • Short-term goal is to increase the Adult Literacy tutors by 10% and the number of adult learners by eight (8) • Adult Literacy attendance has increased 16% from 2015 4111K- Computer Learning Center • Free access to technology • Full range of classes ranging from Computer Basics to Intermediate Excel • A public service program that contributes to Lodi's job competitiveness, overall skill levels, and better adaptation to the technological world • Incorporates the senior community into everyday technological advances Goal: Offer a specialty class like Greeting Cards Class attendance has risen from 2042 in 2015 to 2993 in 2016 Homework Help (K-8 grades) • Available year round Monday through Thursday-3pm-6pm • Primary subjects Math, Science, and English • Includes technology in the form of laptops, iPads, Chromebooks, along with the ability to print Goals: • Increase the number of volunteer tutors • Beta -testing additional tutoring on LUSD Minimum Days for AIONIMMINEMINIMI the 16/17 school year • Offer a coding/STEAM computer course targeted for Homework Help students In 2013 we had 3,000 tutoring sessions, and in the year ending 2016 we had 5,458 session (up 10 percent from 2015 alone!) 4 Teen Scene -Homework Help (coming early 2017) • Extension of the library's free Homework Help program, in early 2017, we will launch the Lodi Public Library's Teen Scene for high school students • Anticipated subject matters are Math, English, and Science Goal: Solicit a sufficient number of volunteer tutors • •FI.V,r14-2:bhiLl . eg.r : -: • :-: ' Teen Scene The Need for a Teen Area • One of few libraries without a teen area — currently "lose" teens after childhood &before adulthood — nearly impossible to build lifelong learning — 10,000+teens, 8 middle and 9 high schools • Few options for teens at library to: — interact/network/converse with other teens — find a safe place to study, tutor/be tutored, re la x — work on college applications/write resumes • What teens want in a teen area: — teens want own dedicated, unique area in the library — attracted to bright, colorfulareas with new technology — coffee, media, computers, large work areas — HOMAGO: hang out, mess around, geek out I Our Vision: Our vision for a Teen Scene is of a new, interactive, and technology -laden area that best prepares teens to become functioning and capable members of our community Proposed Teen Scene • Most transformational change in the library — actually CREATING a new teen area • Teen Scene projected to be approx. 2,600 sq ft — 1,800 sq ft ofcurrent library space; 800sq ft patio renovation — Dramatic media room w/ TVs, surround sound, game consoles — 2 group (10 person) student study rooms — 2 group (4 person)computer stations/cubicles — 2 large "Apple-store/lab" tables — Comprehensive "homework help center" to include printers, scanners, paper/pens These ambitious goals are a reflection ofhow Lodi is working to create a better community by preparing future generations to dealwith some ofthe problems they will confront as adults ADMIN. OFFICES PATIO 31'x29' MECHANICAL 19' x 16' X mAH COMER L[LILJLILJLILI BOOTH BOOTH LODI PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN SCENE EID TEEN LOUNGE 24' x 33' I 1 CIRCULATION DESK GROUP STUDY 13' x 9' .40410 4111111114 •••• HIGH TABLE MEDIA ROOM 27' x 24' nnnn HIGH II11 TABLE�' 1-11-1U1-1 11 11 11 PUBLIC USE COMPUTERS R GROUP STUDY 12'x9 ❑ ❑ ❑ COMPUTER LEARNING AREA LODI PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN SCENE LODI PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN SCENE Parameters/Cost/Timeline • Raise education levels through a high/middle-school homework help program • Develop programs specifically aimed at teens: — present online seminars, SAT/ACTprep courses, resume/cover letter workshops — events that are much larger (80-100 people,poetryreading, speakerpresentation) — events that offer food/beverages — events that are louder (Girl Scouts, Ukulele, Tuesday Tunes) — events to promote/fundraise for the library • Teach/use innovative media (socialmedia, video games, the Internet, smart pads) • February - City Councilbid approval(hope ful)&June — City Council select appropriate bid • July - construction begins &October - construction completes • Projected cost: $ 495,000 ($140,000 from Library Foundation, $ 240,000 from Library funds, and $ 95,000 cable revenue funds) Weare only limited by our dreams of a better world and our determination to make it come true