HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2004-04-12 Item 4H - Discussion - Tukwila Library Issues COUNCIL SYNOPSIS
-' .................... "- .................... ITEM NO.
Meeting Date Prepared by Mayor,s review Cou..ncil review
4/12/04
ITEM INFORMATION
CAS Number: 04-005 I Original Agenda date: 1/19/04
Agenda Item Title: Discussion of Library Issue
Original Sponsor: Council x Admin.
Timeline:
Sponsor's Summary: After a meeting of the Mayor and staff with the Library District's Bill Ptacek and his
staff, a Council Committee discussed library issues. The entire COW can now discuss
the merits of protesting the recent changes and trying to change them, or not.
Recommendations:
Sponsor: Discuss issue
Committee: Community and Parks had no recommendation after their discussion
AdministraUon: Same as sponsor
Cost Impact (if
knownS:
Fund Source (if known)
RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
Meeting Date Action
1/~.o/04 COW discussion
4112104
APPENDICES
Meeting Date ~ Attachments
4/12/04 Memo from L. Lauterbach dated 3-12 regarding library services
Summary of meeting notes of meeting with library staff and director
King County Library Plan for Tukwila Library
199! Interlocal
Community and Parks Committee minutes (3-23-04)
To: City Council
From: Lucy Lauterbach
Date: March 12, 2004
Subject: Tukwila Library
In February the Council discussed the recent changes that were being made to Tukwila
Library. Several citizens were in the audience, and they were clearly unhappy with the
changes. At that time the Council expressed their displeasbre at the changes that had
been made seemingly without any input from the community. The general consensus
was for the City group meeting with the Library Board, to protest the changes and ask
that the provisions of the 1991 Intedocal be enforced.
As a result of the meeting with the Library Board, Jim Haggerton reported that their visit
had been well received, and that the Board seemed receptive to honoring the Interlocal.
They had asked that their staff meet with Tukwila staff as a first step in resolving this
conflict.
At the March staff meeting that was attended by Mayor Mullet, Rhonda Berry, Alan
Doerschel, Bruce Fletcher, Rick Still, Lucy Lauterbach, Bill Ptacek and two of his staff,
Bill said that although there had been the perception of missed communication between
the library and the city, they had tried through their usual methods to get the information
about changes out. Part of the problem may have been not so much the fact that the
library was being changed, but that wholesale changes would be made, and that the
library would be radically changed.
The Library staff said at that meeting that they thought the new arrangement could
serve both the youth and the larger community. They assured the City they were putting
in books for all ages, as well as magazines and newspapers, and more computers.
They made the point in the meeting that the Library System is an independent authority
that works with but does not answer to cities. They see their work as crossing borders,
and are more concerned with providing service to all the citizens in King County than
with any specific library. Tukwila Library is an anomaly in the system, with another
library within a mile, and the City owning the building, for example.
Staffing is a difficult issue as the Library practice dictates the use of two librarians at
each library for safety's sake. Activity and circulation had increased at Foster Library, so
a Tukwila librarian was moved to help up there. Bill Ptacek thought it could be possible
to use only one librarian if some arrangement could be made for regular checks on her,
or for her to access immediate help if she needed it. Keeping the Library open during
Baby and Me sessions could add about 5 hours, for a total of 25 hours a week.
A final point is that the City Attorney has said that the 1991 Interlocal is not a very
strong document to rely on. It wa~ intended to be a temporary intedocal, and she
thought it might not hold up in court.
The City has two options for responding to the Library System:
1. The City can visit the Tukwila library, assess the changes and how well they are
working, and can adopt a "wait and see" attitude to let the System prove that it can work
in its current mode.
2. The City can decide it wants to enforce the provisions in the 1991 Interlocal and
request the Library Board act to remove the furniture, carpet and stuffed toys that are in
the space now; restore more shelves with more books to the Library, and increase
hours to the 31 hours that were open in 1991.
Meeting Between City and Library Staff 3/17/04
Attending: Mayor Mullet, Rhonda Berry, Alan Doerschel, Bruce Fletcher,
Rick Still, Lucy Lauterbach -City; Bill Ptacek, Nancy Smith, Kay Johnson-
KCLS
Bill Ptacek started the meeting by saying there had been a great deal of
misinformation between the Library and the City. The City had questions
about library issues as well, which is where the discussion started. The
first issue of hours brought the comments from Mr. Ptacek that Tukwila
Library did not get visitors during its open hours before the changes. He
said the Library counts circulation in the number of items checked out, but
also keeps tabs on the numbers of people coming in just to read the paper
or work on computers. He had a comparison of similar sized libraries such
as are in Black Diamond, Carnation, Duvall, Fall City and Snoqualmie. Of
all those libraries, the Library system spent as much on Tukwila as on the
others ($55, 264 in 2003), but circulation was less than half of most of the
other libraries. He argued that the biggest users of the Library had been
youth who came after school. There is an issue with librarians and
somewhat with union rules, that encourage two librarians to work together.
However, he thought if some kind of system like relying on the next door
fire station personnel could be counted on to respond in an emergency,
they could work something out.
The City raised the issue of restoring newspaper and magazines to the
Library, which Nancy said was already being planned to be done. She said
videos, music and computer access will all be available. In fact, they are
increasing the number of computers from 3 to 11. They will also have
books for all ages, including their Choice Picks of the most popular titles.
Books can also be picked up and dropped off there.
Other questions the City had were why the Baby and Me program had
been moved from Foster. Nancy sa~d they had asked al the partic pants
and all but three could easily get to Tukwila Library. Foster had run out of
room, as the program outgrew the conference area and spilled into the
regular library. She asked if the City had any transportation to help the
three moms who couldn't make it to the new location.
Communication needs to be improved, and Mr. Ptacek acknowledged it
hasn't worked well recently. He thought Alan Doerschel knew about the
planned changes, and the Library Board also knew. He said it was in the
newsletter the Council gets as well. There was discussion about the extent
of the changes that were mentioned, as no one in the City knew the
wholesale change that would be made. Mr. Ptacek said he would let Bruce
who will be the new liaison to the Library Board, know about issues.
Mr. Ptacek said staffing is an issue, because Foster has needed more
librarians as their number of visitors has increased. He has taken from
Tukwila Library staff to be used at Foster. He talked about the addition of
the Mall library, meaning there will be three libraries in the City. Though the
space was bought by the Library Foundation, it will be operated by the
regular Library system, and is viewed as a Tukwila Library. They have
planned that for a long time, as he claims people from the Mall make up
many of the people who visit the Tukwila Library. That will be the library
with the most materials for adults, as Tukwila is geared 90% toward kids
from babies through high school and Foster has mostly middle and high
school kids.
Nancy introduced material that addressed misinformation about the Library.
They included only circulation being used to judge it a Iow use library, when
librarians have reported only 25-30 people use it each day.
As far as the rumor only old and dusty books were there, they said they
spent as much money replacing old books there as at any library, and that
they did regularly rotate old books out and put new books in. They said
they've spent $165,000 in the past three years at the Library.
As far as the need to increase advertising at the Library, they said they
have used their normal avenues in the newspapers including the Voice,
Des Moines News and Highline Times. They also send information to
schools, and postcards were mailed to all residents in Tukwila in 2003 to
invite them to, a meeting to talk about Tukwila Library's future.
Mr. Ptacek raised the possibility of using wireless internet access, which
they have been invited by a Phone company to try out. They had
considered Tukwila, as wireless could go from the Library to City Hall in
one direction, and down the hill to Riverton in another direction. This would
allow people with laptop computers to more easily access the internet.
In conclusion, they said they-would look into increasing hours at Tukwila
Library if they can get just one librarian to work. They asked about the
building condition, including wiring, an unstable and uneven floor, and
water under the building that causes mold issues. Kay said the restrooms
were quite bad. When asked specifically why they were bad, she said
people should go look at them. She also raised the issue of the building
being ADA accessible. Rhonda said it is not a requirement for the building
to be accessible, though it would be desirable. After some discussion, it
was admitted there is a ramp through an emergency door now.
If the security of one worker there can be resolved, it would be easier to get
more library hours. Again, Mr. Ptacek said the Fire Station is right there,
and he thought they could just check in with the staff on a regular basis.
Rhonda said she would see what options could be worked out.
Finally, they talked about the possibility of a sign on the 147th entrance to
their parking lot. They have standardized library signs, though they don't
have one at Tukwila Library. As the City maintains that building the Library
staff do not have keys to it.
Mr. Ptacek encouraged everyone to wait until all the changes now being
made are completed. New carpeting is being put into part of the building,
and toys and furniture will complete the space. When the Mall library is
open and Tukwila Library has operated serving children for a while, it can
be assessed more fairly than right now.
Prepared for: The Honorable Mayor Steve Mullet
City of Tukwila, January 14, 2004
KZNG COUNTY I.]BRARY SYSTEM Tukwila Library Plan - Executive Summary
On 3anuary 1, 200~,, the Tukwila Library's focus and open hours changed. The Library's new focus is in service
to children and is open 20 hours weekly, reduced from thirty-six, lin addition to those open hours, several
Family Place programs will take place while the Library is closed to enhance the experience for those attending.
Several factors converged to make the decision to reduce Tukwila Library's open hours and change its service
focus. As a full service library, Tukwila was one of the least used in the King County Library System with a cost
per check-out of $10.90. In contrast, Burien's per transaction cost is $5.07 and Fosters is $8.03.
Tukwila Library's use was limited primarily to after school visits by children to use computers, read and do
homework and averaged about 1~; kids daily. Weekday mornings and evenings had very little traffic, usually 5
visitors or fewer. Saturday was busier with families visiting together, averaging about 25 people. Children's
story times were never successful at Tukwila with little or no attendance and were discontinued several years
ago.
At the same time, the use at Foster Library was growing past the ability of that staff to provide appropriate
service. The Family Place grant program was popular with growing attendance but was taking more space than
the Library could continue to offer. Staff changes made it impossible to continue to open the Library on Friday
nights for grant programs.
The Tukwila facility seemed a perfect spot to develop a children's library, thereby acknowledging the primary
users of that building, and to move the Family Place program there to have adequate dedicated space and be
able to continue the evening programs.
KCLS is revamping the interior with new carpet, furniture and computers scaled for children; a colorful play
space with oversized stuffed animals and a new collection of popular titles for adults at the Ubrary with their
children. Tnformally, the City has agreed to address some of the physical issues with the building.
Bottom line considerations:
· Foster Library had growing use creating a critical shortage of staff to serve the residents using that
building and maintain its 56 open hours weekly.
· The Family Place grant program had outgrown the Foster meeting room space originally dedicated to
the program and spilled over into all areas of the Library, with considerable crowding and confusion.
Staff changes made it impossible to continue the Friday night Family Place programs.:The program
would~ have to be scaled back both in space and evening programs.
· Tukwila Library was not,being used sufficiently to warrant the number of staff needed to keep it open
36 hours weekly.
Therefore:
· Best use of resources dictated the switch of staff to Foster Library with commensurate open hours
reduction at Tukwila Library.
· Continuation of The Family Place grant program hinged on moving it to the Tukwila Library.
· Re-focusing Tukwila Library to serve children in an outstanding way addressed its current users.
960 Newport Way NW [ssaquah, WA 98027 425-462-9600 w~n~.kcl$.org
TI-lIS AGREI~'ENT is dated the 19th day of December 1991, and is entered into by end
between King County Rural Library District, herelzmlter re~erred to as the "District", and the
City of Tukwlia, hereinaher adled the "City":
~, the City owus the buflcling housing the Tukwila Library, at 14475 59th Avenue
South, and
~, the District owns the building housing the Foster Library, at 4205 South 142.nd,
and
~AS, the City currently pays an annual contract fee to the District for provision of
library services within the City, and
~, the City by Ordinance No. 1619 will initiate the process for annexation of the
City into the Dlslrlct pursuant to Section 27.12.360, RCW, end
WHEREAS, the District will not realize en¥ direct tax revenue for operation of the Ubrariss
and provision of library services until the 1993 calendar year, end
WHEREAS, the City end the District desire to make provisions for continued lundin§ of
library operations during the calendar year 1972, now, therefore, the parties agree as follows:
1. The Dislrict will continue to assume maintenance and utility costs for the Tukwila and
Foster Libraries in 1992.
2. The District will hold the City's 1992 contract at the 1991 fee level of $564,021.
3. The Dis~'ict recobmlzas the importance of neighborhood Ubraries to the City of Tukwlla
and consequently ag~s to maintain library set, cas at both the Foster and Tukwilaiibraries.
4. The District agrees that if the City chooses to annex to the District, the District will be
r~sponsible and pay for the construction and all related costs of at least a 5,000 square foot
library expandable to 7,500 square feet, including furnishings and materials and appropriate
surface parking exclusively for library patrons, and an anticipated completion date in early
1995 (replaces exisiing Foster branch). This will be a full service Ebrasy which will have
maximum hours, programs and services commensurate with similar sized libraries.
5. The Tukwila Library at 14475 59th Avenue South will be maintained at a minimum of
current service levels.
6. The District will provide or pay up to $400,000 for suitable land (the sits) for the structure
and parking with the requirements that:.
a) the site be chosen jointly by the City and the District and will have convenient access
:with good visibility.
b) the deeign and construction will be consistent with the standards of current District
building projed~s and be in keeping with the desired neighborhood concept.
7. The City shall be the designated SEPA leed agency for all Sr~PA reviews.
8. Any off-site public improvements such as street, sidewalk, storm draix3age and/or mility
modifications as may be required as a result of the construction of the library shall be paid
for by the District.
9. All on-site work and improvements, such as site preparation, grading, landscaping, shall
be paid for by the District.
10. The City by its Mayor shall designate CitY administration personnel to participate in the
District's d~sign review process for the library, and to act as coordinator with the District
during the planningt dasi§n and consl~uctton proc~ssas. ·
11. The District will continue to reimburse the City for the library's poriion of maintenance
and utility costs for the library's portion of the existing Tukwila Library building at 14475
$9th Avenue South. District will pay $1 per year for an annual lease.
2
1'0242
1'ii. If the City chooses to annex to the Dis~ict, then within 60 days of the date of certiiqcation
of the results of the annexation election, City and District by a supplemental interlocal
governmental agreement shall either supplement or emend this agreement to more
~pecilically set forth gae terms and conditicr, s relative lo hhe Matters set forth in Paragraphs 1
throu§h 11 above.
General Recitals
1. This agreement is to de.,ine the rlghts and obligations of the parties in the event
annexation of the City to the District is approved at a special election to be held prior to May
26, 1992. Included in the purposes of this agreement is the provision for continued funding
by the City ol~ library services within the City during the period bet'ween January 1,1992 and
December 31, 1992. If annexaiion to file Dlsh'ict is not approved at said election, fids
agreement shall be ol~ no further force or effect.
2. Should annexation to the Libra~ Dis~ict fail to pass, and the City chooses to'enntinue te
contrac~ with the Library District for services, it is understood that:.
a) The contract rate for library services for gae calendar year commencing lanuary 1,
1993 will be according to the phase-in formula, and
b) The conh'act rate for library services for the calendar year commencing lanuary 1,
1994 and for calendar years thereafter will be 100 percent of the full comparable rate
assessed taxl~a)~ers in the King County Rural Library District.
3. In the event the City chooses to appoint a Tukwila Library ltoard of Trustees dur~g any
time l~etiod when the City is annexed to the District, the District shall reb, ularly solicit input
from the lioard on issues relating to all aspects of library services and facilities for the
residents of Tukwila.
C~,,,,~nity and Parks Cmte (Mar~h 23, 2004) - Page 2
permits, and l0 were removed. Two notices have been sent to 5 other container owners, and' the
City's heard no reply. Three of those five did not apply for a "grandfather" permit; two could be
· legal if they can be screened properly. Three new applications for cargo containers have been
received. One was denied, another doesn't meet screening requirements so far, and the third
applied too late. Steve brought up the issue of the containers at Showalter not.m[eting the
requirements for both size and for applying on time. Pam L said those containers are examples of
how they should be screened. Even though they are too long to be legal, she thought it could be
possible to change the length requirement to allow them. Steve thought if containers can be
screened, it may be possible to take away the 30' restriction. Information.
/,~ 4. Update on Library Issues The packet had included information about the meeting held last
week between the Library administration, the Mayor and City staff. Pam L clarified that the
minutes of the meeting were written by Lucy, and not by the Library staff. Lucy and Rhonda ,
reported that the Library is an independent agency, and that because the daily staff of Bill Ptacek
does the mo~t work on libra~ issues, the King County Library Board has some input but is not
as involved in policy making as the Library Administration. The Librmy System made it clear at
the meeting that Tukwila Library was not used often according to comparisons with other
libraries its size, and that the changes they are making is their solution for not closing the
Library. Tukwila staff thought it unlikely that the City could persuade them to return it to its
former state. Para C said Ptacek has ignored the 1991 Interl0cal, but Rhonda noted our attorney
has said it is not a strong enough document to be able to enforce easily. Pam said libraries, like
schools, are the heart ora City. Joe felt strongly that the Library had dismissed the feelings of the
citizens, and that the citizens really wanted the previous arrangements. Bruce said he had visited
the Library, and that is does look like the improvements are quite nice. There are lots of
computers, he said, and the space is really coming together. He did say the restrooms need to be
upgraded. The Committee.talked about the programs now being held there, and Pam C
calculated there were about 23 families in programs, three of whom will have a hard time getting
to that library. Rhonda asked if the Committee thought the City would want to be a co-sponsor
of the Library Grand Opening April 10, and the consensus was that they would not. When Pam C
wondered why the Council had not been invited to the Grand Opening, discussion about the
Library System and their lack of political sensitivity was explained. The last issue was whether a
sign could be put on S. 147th. Staffwill check on that. The Committee's consensus was that even
if Mr. Ptacek came to a Council meeting, the outcome would remain the same. They were
reluctant but moving towards being ready to accept the Library System's suggestion that the City
wait to see how it is, and give the new configuration a chance to work for a few months before
they declare it a failure..Information.
~'~./Committee Chair approval