New library wanted, but not that much

Commissioners rank it high on a list of projects, but question its soaring cost.

By ERIC STIRGUS

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 30, 2000

LARGO -- More than $20-million is just too much to spend on a new library, Largo city commissioners say.

In a discussion last week about several long-range projects, commissioners talked about several ways to curb the cost of building a new library.

"I don't think anyone felt real comfortable with it," Commissioner Marty Shelby said of the estimate, which was between $16.5-million and $22-million.

City officials had initially estimated it would cost $8-million to $10-million. But that was when they were talking about building a 68,000-square-foot structure. At a special work session in July, commissioners agreed with a consultant that it would make more sense to build a 93,000-square-foot library.

Clearwater plans to spend $20.5-million to build a library about the same size at Osceola Avenue and Drew Street.

City Manager Steven Stanton said the $16.5-million-to-$22-million range would build a facility of 100,000 square feet. Mayor Bob Jackson accused Stanton of purposely raising the estimated cost to discourage commissioners from supporting the construction of a new library.

"I thought he was trying to scare us," Jackson said.

Stanton denied the charge.

Several commissioners later suggested lowering the planned size of the facility to about 75,000 square feet.

"I think it's got to be done. But I'm not too sure if it needs to be 100,000 square feet," said Commissioner Jean Halvorsen.

No decisions were made last week. Commissioners will wait until an architect's presentation next month to discuss two potential sites for the new library. The first proposed site is adjacent to the Largo Cultural Center. The other site is on vacant land on First Avenue SW once used for a city hall.

Jackson said he was buoyed by the discussion. The mayor had been concerned that his fellow commissioners were not fervent supporters of building a new library.

But his fears were dispelled when commissioners were asked to rank the importance of various long-range projects. The library rated high on the list of the commissioners, except for Pat Burke, who questions whether a new facility is needed and whether there is enough community support for the project.

Several infrastructure projects ranked high on the list. Among them is a $1.7-million plan to prevent future erosion and minimize flooding along McKay Creek from the Pine Crest Golf Course to Eighth Avenue SW.

Another is to spend $1.4-million during a four-year period to resurface roads in the city. The replacement of deteriorated and falling pipe within the city's drainage system is another project that received high marks from all of the commissioners.

"Infrastructure is an important thing we have to take care of," Shelby said.

Low on the list is a $2-million project to move traffic signals from concrete poles and span wires to galvanized steel mast arms that could resist 110 mph winds. Another project that did not fare well among commissioners is a proposed 800-square-foot building for neighborhood children who go to the Lake Villa Outreach Center near Clearwater-Largo Road.

Also low on the priority list is a plan to build an overpass from Largo Central Park to the Bayhead Tennis & Athletic Complex. From the complex, the city would create a route for joggers and bikers through downtown Largo to the Pinellas Trail. That project would cost $2-million.

Shelby, however, ranked that project high on his list.

"I certainly would like to see a link between downtown and Largo Central Park," he said.

The rankings were requested so city staff know how commissioners want city funds spent. Though some of these projects ranked low, city officials may look for other ways to get them completed by seeking grants or asking residents to engage in fundraising efforts.

The rankingsrepresented a reversal of roles. The city's staff usually decides which projects to pursue and asks the commissioners in the spring for their blessing. Some commissioners complained that the city staff proceeded with plans without asking them for their thoughts.

This was the first time commissioners were given an outline of projects and asked for their comments.

Shelby, who has beena critic of the process, was pleased with the different approach.

"I think it was useful for city brass and staff," he said. "I think it gave staff the opportunity to reflect on what will be presented to the commission (before budget negotiations)."

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