HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1812 (2)IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
APRIL 7, 1998
LIBRARY CONSULTANT'S PRESENTATION & AGENDA BRIEFING MINUTES
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on April 7, 1998, 4:30 p.m., for a
presentation concerning the Iredell County Library and at 5:00 p.m., for an agenda briefing. Both
meetings were held in the South Wing Conference Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC 28677.
Present: Chairman Sara K. Haire
Vice Chairman Steve Johnson
David A. Boone
Alice T. Fortner
Alice M. Stewart
Staff: Joel Mashburn, County Manager; Susan Blumenstein, Finance Director; Rodney
Proctor, Chief Deputy; William Allison, Planning Supervisor; Steve Messick, Library Director; Don
Wall, Social Services Director; Evie Caldwell, Purchasing Agent; Ron Weatherman, Solid Waste
Director; and Jean Moore, Clerk to the Board.
Chairman Haire called the meeting to order.
PRESENTATION BY PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATES IN REFERENCE TO THE
IREDELL COUNTY LIBRARY STUDY: Dick Waters, a library consultant with Providence
Associates, Inc., accompanied Steve Messick, the Iredell County Library Director. Waters visited
the library staff on April 6, 1998. Ile also talked to staff members of the Mooresville library and
with Rick McLean, the Town Manager. Waters said he had a reasonable understanding of the
growth occurring in the County. In reference to the Mooresville library, he said he felt the character
of the building would be destroyed if it was expanded. He said he also understood the building was
to revert back to the Town if it no longer served as a library facility. Mr. Waters said that with
growth occurring in this area that it might be prudent to purchase land and just wait until the
appropriate time to build. He did discuss ajoint venture between Iredell County and the Town of
Mooresville with McLean. Leased space is always an alternative - -especially on a short-term basis.
Commissioner Johnson asked how much land Mr. Waters was suggesting. Waters said it was
too early to give a clear answer to the question.
Commissioner Fortner asked Waters' opinion of placing a public library on school grounds.
Waters said accessibility was a key component. Certainly some costs could be deferred, and if it
was a high school there was usually sufficient parking. However, heavy traffic, especially in the
afternoons can be a problem. Some people (older adults) prefer not to be close to high schools
because of a fear Factor. He mentioned that some studies have proven that people do not visit
libraries if they are near schools. This is a problem, because the real cost effectiveness of a public
library is in its usage.
Commissioner Fortner said leased "storefront" property might be suitable for the present. The
staff could test the market and see how much usage was occurring. This could be done along with
purchasing property and working on a joint venture with Mooresville.
Commissioner Johnson asked i f Mooresvi Ile would abandon its present library. Mr. Messick
advised that the Town Manager stated the present sentiment was to retain the downtown facility.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the County would continue to fund the facility. The county manager
said this would have to be addressed in the future. Waters said he felt the Mooresville downtown
library, if retained, should have a limited role - - a children's center or the location for popular
periodicals. There wouldn't be an extensive collection of reference materials and this facility