Moving the Rosseau Library – Staff Report & My Recommendations to Council See Staff Report page 50 The Report Summary puts out two options: In summary, options for consideration include: 1) Move the Branch Library to the Wellness Room. This will require the allocation of funds from the Township reserves. The construction work to be done would be subject to the Township’s Procurement By-law and tendering process. Consultation with the users of the Wellness Room and the community in advance of this move is appropriate. 2) Further consultations with the Library and community groups who use the Rosseau Memorial Hall to assess their needs and work co-operatively to develop an “Accommodation Strategy”. This will result in the most effective and efficient use of space for the Library needs and those of Rosseau residents within the Memorial Hall or elsewhere in the village. This may include additional space for the Branch Library in the lower level of the Memorial Hall and consideration for a separate community meeting room on that level. The strategy could also include greater community utilization of the upper level of the Memorial Hall and other facilities in the village such as the Wellness Room and the Field House. Jack Hepworth’s Comments regarding Report No: AD-2016-010 Moving the Rosseau Library The Situation: The Rosseau Library needs more permanent space to deliver services and expand its programs and mandate. Council approved a library move to the Ruth Dare Wellness room on the premise that the hall would be rented from March 28 to August 5. Eyewitness did not complete that agreement with Seguin. Instead they will rent the hall on filming occasions that require the Sheriff’s office set. The Library Board prefers relocation to the Wellness Room. No approved budget exists for this move. Very little public consultation has taken place regarding stakeholder preferences. Both facilities currently host activities that are site specific, ie the Hall hosts community groups meetings, rentals, and a branch library. The wellness room hosts health related exercise and wellness programs, small group meetings, gatherings & rentals. The Council recommended location decision will necessitate the community be aware of and encouraged to develop an Accommodation Strategy. The challenge to Council is to make a recommendation that serves the best interest of the greater community, showing due diligence, re public consultation, budgetary solvency and respect for all parties affected by our decision. We are not there yet. The Complications Neither facility is compliant with Current Accessibility requirements. The users at each facility will be impacted by either choice that is recommended and certain accustomed uses will not be able to continue. Greater public engagement with a public meeting for informed recommendations and public consultation is required. The costs required to accomplish the Ontario Building Code (OBC) change of use for the Wellness Room are currently unbudgeted, substantial, and contested. Recommendations Refine the staff report to address the concerns expressed by documents and public comments received to date. Conduct a public meeting in Rosseau, with Library Board, Council, Staff and an appointed moderator to seek public input on the library location. Revisit this issue when the above recommendations have been completed. Actions Refine and clarify the cost estimates of the Wellness Room OBC Compliance requirements. Conduct a Public Meeting hosted in Rosseau to receive community input. Reconvene when 1 and 2 are completed.