RTC-116 Attachment

2002-0082 - City of Sunnyvale [Applicant]: Consideration of revisions and updates to the Library Sub-element of the General Plan. This document contains information about community characteristics, description of services, goals and policies for the library over for the next ten years. (Negative Declaration) DO (Also to City Council on 04/08/03)

Victoria Johnson, Director of Library, introduced Karen Willes, Library Manager, and presented the staff report. She noted the six major goals for the future of the Library Sub-element: 1) Provide a broad and diverse collection of books and other library materials to meet the varied needs of the community; 2) Provide library services to help the community find and use the materials and information they need; 3) Provide library programs to educate, enrich and enlighten library users; 4) Maintain library facilities and materials that are easily obtainable and appropriated based on changing community needs; 5) Use new technology to optimize the development and delivery of library services and 6) Foster a collaborative organization to attain a high performance and customer focused library. Staff reported the extensive public outreach efforts and that a needs assessment survey was conducted. She also stated that appropriate notices were made prior to the Board of Trustees Meeting, Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Ms. Johnson provided the alternatives and recommended Alternative 1 - to adopt the Negative Declaration and recommend approval of the Library Sub-element.

Comm. Satterlee asked Ms. Johnson about the significance of the community condition indicators noted in the Sub-element. Ms. Johnson responded that the numbers represent current rate. Ms. Ryan added that the numbers are baseline and that all sub-elements have community condition indicators, an effective tool for budgeting.

Comm. Moylan asked staff what is the status of the Socio-economic sub-element update. Staff responded that it is on the study issue list; however, was not ranked high enough for the current year.

Comm. Moylan asked staff why there is a need for environmental study. Ms. Ryan explained the CEQA requirements and stated that actions such as book mobile could have a potential impact to the environment and therefore the document is subject to CEQA.

Comm. Moylan commented that there appears to be a conflict between the USA Patriot Act and the freedom to view and asked whether the sub-element should address this conflict. Ms. Johnson responded that the sub-element is to provide information about federal legislation that is currently in effect and the need to be aware of this legislation and is not intended to suggest how to deal with conflicts. She explained the USA Patriot Act and its intent and the conflict with the American Library of Congress endorsing the freedom to view/access and noted other laws all of which could be challenged. Ms. Ryan added that the City will address issues when they surface but not through the sub-element as it would be difficult to address far advance these changes or uncertainties.

Comm. Swegles asked staff what ways were explored to expand the use of the bookmobile. Ms. Johnson responded that a study issue was completed and was presented to City Council. She noted that staff experimented with different routes and a variety of locations in the city and visited schools, parks, retirement homes and through these efforts, the demand areas were identified and changes were made accordingly.

Comm. Swegles asked if staff could provide the bookmobile to certain events or for seniors if there is a need. Ms. Johnson responded that the bookmobile has been to some city events and added it would be challenging and noted the difficulties such as cost and staffing a bookmobile. However, she stated that with advance notice she may be able to provide the service.

Comm. Swegles asked if volunteers could help staff the bookmobile. Ms. Johnson responded that the bookmobile needs two people, the driver and the librarian and those responsibilities cannot be assigned to volunteers.

Vice Chair Babcock opened the public hearing.

There was no one in the public to speak on the item.

Comm. Swegles thanked staff for the fantastic job.

Comm. Chu complimented staff for a job well done and stated that as an active user of the library, he is pleased with the self checkout feature that the library offers noting he is a frequent user.

Comm. Moylan complimented staff for a well-written sub-element. He liked the clear statements.

Vice Chair Babcock echoed her fellow commissioners for an excellent report.

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