BOARD MINUTES, 28 January 1999

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Welch. Present were Welch, Maxson, Nelson, Mesch and Brown. Senger and Pratt were absent. Also present were McGuire and Buchanan (Staff). Judson arrived at 5:45 p.m.

McGuire briefly explained the purpose of the meeting, which was to discuss possible uses for the library’s facility on Sixth Street. He explained that two years ago an architectural assessment of the building estimated that the cost of renovations to bring the building up to code would be about $150,000. That figure now would probably be about $200,000. It would cost about another $300,000 to change the configuration of the interior to make it comfortable for other than library use and to make the entire building climate-controlled.

The meeting was opened for public comment on this issue. The following groups expressed interest in using part of the building: Rotary Charities, represented by Joe Muha; Con Foster Museum, represented by Ann Hoopfer, proposing the idea of a History Center to include Con Foster Museum offices and storage, Railroad Historical Society of NW Michigan, Grand Traverse Pioneer & Historical Society and Maritime Heritage Alliance; Cherry Capital Cable council, represented by Tom Shea; tctv2 public access television, represented by Mike Kroes; Traverse Area Arts Council, represented by Stan Silverman; Northwest Michigan Artists and Craftsmen, represented by Pat Ford.

The following people addressed the Board supporting the use of the Carnegie building by some or all of the above-mentioned groups: Marilyn Vlach, a neighbor; Bob Russell; Bryan Crough, Downtown Development Authority, which would like to facilitate the process of finding a suitable use of the building; Peg Jonkhoff, representing a group called Friends of the Carnegie Building; Dan Jonkhoff, of the same group; Diane Viskochil; Bill Novesky; Clint Kennard and Ellie Long.

The trustees thanked everyone for the thoughtful consideration given to the reuse of the building. Judson pointed out that any decision will necessarily be influenced by zoning and deed restrictions. City representatives will need to be involved in the discussion. Judson and McGuire hope to be able to meet with City representatives in the next week and to have a report for the next Regular Board meeting. Brown requested a summary report of proposed uses.

The meeting was opened for further public comment. M. Vlach addressed the Board again. There was no further public comment. Welch declared the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

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