The Moniteau County Library Board focused on pressing issues regarding the future of the library building after its 2022 tax levy hearing on Wednesday.
After the board tentatively set a tax rate at $0.12 per $100 evaluation, the conversation took a long detour toward an old topic.
Board President Mike Staton brought the building's structural evaluation to members. Staton explained library Director Connie Walker, treasurer Paul Bloch and Staton participated in a Zoom meeting with Allstate Consultants lead engineer David Weber and SOA architect Nick Borgmeyer to discuss the findings from the investigative report on the structure of the library building.
The discussions determined two areas of the building should be addressed as soon as possible. The first referred to the exterior wall at the southwest corner of the structure. He said an area of bricks is moving outward from the library and it would need to be repaired to stabilize the building.
The other recommendation referred to stormwater drainage affecting the southeast wall as well. A report from the meeting said land alongside the building would need to be regraded to improve drainage away from the library's foundation.
Staton said the Zoom meeting was more intense than anticipated. It is clear to him - building on the existing library is now out of the question. The 158-year-old structure would not be able to support additional construction, especially with the additional repairs required to continue operation.
The three library representatives asked if the library's patrons or staff were in any kind of danger or if it needed to be evacuated. Weber told board members there is no immediate danger to occupants, however, to ensure the building remains functional they would need to adhere to the necessary recommendations.
Staton said if members fixed the issues with the current building it would only be "putting a Bandaid on for the time being." The repairs would give the board enough time to find a new area to build the Moniteau County Library.
The age of the building is the most important factor regarding the future of the library. Although there have been modifications and repairs since its founding in 1864, it appears to be heading toward the end of its intended use as a library. Although the structure could potentially still be repurposed for a future owner, the weight from necessary materials inside the library, such as steel shelving down perimeter walls and 25,000 books throughout the area, contribute to the issue.
The library board received an investigative report from Allstate Consultants detailing the condition of the building. It is currently available to the public on the library's https://moniteaucountylibrary.org website with hard copies available at the front desk of its 501 S. Oak St. location.
Board members understand there is a lot of sentiment toward keeping the Moniteau County Library in its current location, however, with the information they've been given it seems impossible. Staton said if the board starts putting together a long-range planning committee it would need to be geared toward, "Where do we go in the future?" and "Where is the library going to be in a few years?"
The board brainstormed on where it could potentially take the library. While ideas for a specific location are still up in the air, members expressed they would like to remain close to the local elementary and middle schools in California.
Staton said the board would need to start making plans soon. He said establishing a new library does not happen overnight. The process would take two to three years, and construction could add 18 months. He said although members are realistically looking at something for several years anyway, they will have to be proactive.
We need to get moving. I think community support will be big, I think that more people, now that we have this report, will understand it and I think that will help," Staton said.
The Moniteau County Library Board will be forming a planning committee to discuss what they would need to do moving forward. The committee will include board members, citizens and representatives from local organizations such as the Elia Wood Paegalow Foundation and the Friends of Moniteau County Library Services. It will aim to have information ready for presentation and the committee meeting set up by mid-to-late September.