HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-21 MinutesFayetteville Public Library
Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Master Plan for Services and Facilities 1998-2020
December 21, 1998
Present were Board members M. Thomas, S. Singleton, L. Gottsponer, L. Brewer, M. Goff, M.
Lawrence Staff present was L. Schaper. Members of the press were Scott Johnson, NWA
Times and Sarah Post, Morning News. Govemment Channel videotaped the session. Neighbors
present included Richard and Jenny Alexander.
Meeting was called to order at 4 p.m. in the Library's Community Room.
II. L. Schaper distributed a list of decisions to be made regarding the Master Plan.
III. M. Thomas invited the Alexanders to speak. They expressed their concern about the
possibility of expanding the site through property acquisition. They live next to the Library
in a home previously owned by Walter Lemke and do not want to be forced to move.
They spoke positively about living next to the Library and support its expansion. Mr.
Alexander said he was against any proposal of demolition of any historic structure, but
said he did not have a problem with demolishing this building.
IV. M. Lawrence moved and L. Gottsponer seconded a motion to accept the service goals as
recommended in the draft Master Plan. All voted aye.
V. S. Singleton moved and L. Brewer seconded a motion to accept that in this expansion
only one main library will be pursued. All voted aye.
VI. The Board members agreed to set-up a liaison structure with City Council so as to keep
communications about this project flowing. The following liaisons were established:
A. L. Gottsponer and M. Roberts: Bob Davis and Trent Trumbo, Ward 3
B. M. Goff: Robert Reynolds, Ward 1
C. L. Brewer: Ron Austin, Ward 1 and Kyle Russell, Ward 2
D. S. Singleton and M. Lawrence: Cyrus Young and Kyle Russell, Ward 2
E. M. Thomas and M. Goff: Kevin Santos and Heather Daniel, Ward 4
VII. L. Schaper presented various means of communicating with the community including a
newsletter, website, government channel coverage and special interview with architect.
M. Thomas said he would ask Melissa Blouin if she would volunteer her time to do a
newsletter.
VIII. L. Schaper said that the architect, Mr. Scherer, offered to come for another public hearing
at no cost because he would be in the area for the ground -breaking of the Ft. Smith
Public Library on the 16t". All agreed to having additional public hearings on the 14'".
The focus of this meeting(s) is whether to keep or remove the existing building; shared
parking; and site expansion.
IX. Discussed a decision to go to the City Council to take next steps (massing model) but
agreed to wait until the Board makes a recommendation on the fate of the existing
building.
X. Discussed fundraising briefly.
Xi. There was a general agreement to form a campaign committee. The following Board
members agreed to contact various community members to get recommendations for
members: M. Goff would contact R. Woodruff; M. Thomas would contact John Lewis,
Jim Holladay, and Jim Glenn. Louise would find out who ran the "penny for parks" and
town center campaigns.
XII. L. Schaper said City selection committees were being set-up for underwriter and bond
counsel and that she and L. Gottsponer would be members of those committees.
XIII. L. Gottsponer moved and M. Lawrence seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting
adjourned at 6 p.m.