SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve Option 2 the Clearwater Main Library Imagine Clearwater Construction Scheduling. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
At the August 6, 2020 city council meeting, staff was provided direction to move forward with the construction component of the Main Library renovations in conjunction with the Imagine Clearwater Plan.
In working with contractor Skanska, staff has developed two construction options:
Option 1 - This option will allow for limited use of the library by patrons by bifurcating construction work on the first floor with a temporary wall. The construction timeline for Option 1 is roughly thirteen months. Keeping the library open during renovations the City will incur additional costs due to the protracted construction timeline.
Option 2 - This option calls for closing the main library for approximately 9 months to all patrons. This option allows the contractor to complete their construction in almost 1/3 of the time as mentioned in Option 1. Saving additional time and money with a proposed project completion of 9 months instead of 13.
Due to the operational and financial impacts of Option 1, staff is recommending that Council pursue Option 2 which would result in a full and complete closure of the main library for 9 months. City Administration and Library staff feel that the library system is well positioned to absorb this impact. To offset patron impact to the library system, staff is planning to temporarily reassign staff from the Main Library to North Greenwood and Beach Library branches to provide increased operational hours while the Main Library is closed due to renovation.
At the August 31 work session, there was council consensus to proceed with the shorter timeline. Staff was directed to proceed with Option 2.