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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5332-01-2021 A Resolution NO. 5332-01-2021 ADOPTING THE FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY'S FACILITIES MASTER PLAN WHEREAS,the Fort Worth Public Library was established by Chapter XVII of the City Charter; and WHEREAS, since the first library opened in 1901 the Fort Worth Public Library has expanded to become a library system of sixteen locations; and WHEREAS,the City of Fort Worth is the thirteenth largest city in the nation serving nearly 900,000 residents; and WHEREAS, on June 25, 2019 the City Council authorized the Library to enter into a professional services agreement with Group 4 Architecture Research+Planning(M&C P-12354) to develop a library facilities master plan; and WHEREAS,the Plan, hereby designated the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan, was completed and publicly presented to the City Council on February 18, 2020; and WHEREAS, the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan findings are: that library buildings are well-maintained; library space is not keeping up with population growth patterns; library buildings in Fort Worth aren't aligned with 21"century service; the Central Library has potential for better connectivity and bigger impact; and WHEREAS,the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan makes recommendations to: renovate the Library's existing branches; build more libraries; enhance library access with alternative service delivery and partnerships; relocate selected library functions; and WHEREAS, adoption of the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan by the City of Fort Worth demonstrates vision and commitment to providing 2 1"Century library services that meet community needs into the future; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS: The Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan is hereby adopted in its entirety and shall be incorporated into and made a part of the City's Comprehensive Plan and/or other planning documents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, THAT: Adopted this 121h day of January 2021. s ORl!? ATTEST: By: U Mary J. Kayser, City Secretary ' •TEXAS City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 01/12/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0062 LOG NAME: 84LIBRARY FACILITIES MASTER PLAN SUBJECT (ALL)Adopt Resolution for the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution for the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan,and incorporate it by reference into the City's Comprehensive Plan and/or other planning documents. DISCUSSION: The City Council adopted the new Fort Worth Public Library Strategic Services Plan 2019-2021 on February 5,2019(Mayor and Council Communication(M&C G-19479)). The adopted Strategic Services Plan identifies new directions and goals for 21st century library services, organizational development,and community impact. Many of the strategic goals and objectives from the services plan have clear implications for library facilities. The Fort Worth Public Library currently has 16 locations and two new libraries under construction and/or design. In order to ensure that its buildings are in alignment with the strategic initiatives and community needs,the Strategic Services Plan was used as a foundational guide for the development of this facilities master plan. On June 25,2019,the City Council authorized the Library Department to enter into a professional service agreement with Group 4 Architecture Research+Planning, Inc.to develop a facilities master plan for the Fort Worth Public Library(M&C P-12354). The objectives for the plan were: • Assess condition of current library facilities; • Assess capacity for 21st century library service; • Explore alternative service delivery models and partnerships; • Recommend current facility improvements and new location needs; • Identify near-term and long-term priorities; • Identify appropriate metrics to guide action;and • Develop a realistic,implementable,and flexible plan. The eight-month planning process covered the period from July 2019 to February 2020 and included three phases: (1)analysis of current facilities for providing 21st century services;(2)development of strategies for the library system,improvement options and implementation;and(3) recommendations for priority projects and long-term projects. The consultants engaged with Library Department leadership staff as well as representatives of select City department partners,including Park and Recreation, Neighborhood Services and the City Manager's Office. The process considered the roles and space needs for a Central Library and the branch libraries to provide services based on the new strategic service plan. It also considered the current and projected population growth patterns over the next 20 years in relation to facility locations for library services. On February 18,2020 the City Council was briefed on the plan,including the following findings and recommendations: Findings: • Library building are well-maintained; • Library space is not keeping up with population growth patterns; • Library buildings are not aligned with 21 st century service;and • Central Library has the potential for better connectivity and bigger impact. The Plan identifies the following general recommendations that create the vision for 21 st century libraries that are places for people and programs over the next 20 years(2020 to 2040): • Renovate the Library's existing branches; • Build more libraries to provide more square footage/capita; • Enhance library access with alternative service delivery and partnerships;and • Relocate selected library functions. Details about the findings and recommendations can be found in the plan that is available on the Library's website at:www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library. A Form 1295 is not required because:This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity. FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION: The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds. Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Dana Burghdoff 8018 Originating Business Unit Head: Manya Shorr 7706 Additional Information Contact: Marilyn Marvin 7708