Issue Statement: On June 20, 2018, the City Commission approved a Resolution for the application of the 2018 Public Library Construction Grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. The granting agency requires specific language be added to the original Resolution. The grant would provide funding for the construction of the library on City owned property. The project has been ranked #5 on the Florida Department of State’s Fiscal Year 2019-20 Public Library Construction Grant Applications list. Should the City be successful in securing the grant, $500,000 in funding would be anticipated in July of 2019.

Recommended Action: The City Commission adopt a resolution to support the City’s grant application for a 2018 Public Library Construction Grant to fund the Public Library Project.

Background: The Florida Department of State through the Division of Library and Information Services provides funding for the development of public libraries. The maximum award per application is $500,000. As presented to the City Commission and at multiple community meetings, the City’s Facility Study identified deficiencies to the current library facility. Deficiencies identified, include but are not limited to, lack of fire sprinklers, extensive system upgrades needed to be compliant with current Florida Building and Life Safety Codes, deficient roof structure, roof leaks, inefficient plumbing system, routinely backed up, and an open floor plan makes it noisy and functionally inadequate.

On May 2, 2018, the City Commission approved that language be placed on the November ballot for the voters to consider a bond that will enable the City to address deficient facilities. In order to assist with the bond effort and reduce costs to tax payers, staff will continue to aggressively seek grant funding. The funding provided by this grant will assist with construction activities for the upgraded City Library. The City can make final site determination up to 90 days after the date of the grant award which is scheduled for July 1, 2019.

Staff examined the information provided by the Florida Department of State with respect to the type of projects that can be funded and as identified above, the project recommended for submission is the Public Library Project. The project has been ranked #5 on the Florida Department of State’s Fiscal Year 2019-20 Public Library Construction Grant Applications list.