Thus far, a City Council majority has (1) directed city management to invite private developers to present their qualifications for the tear-down/private profit operation; and (2) refused to second a motion by Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske to discuss banning contributions from Council-chosen private entities who'd be part of the transaction.

At the same time, the Council hasn't directed city management to seek qualifications or proposals for the more economical City Hall/Library repair and seismic refurbishing.

On Saturday June 29, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske will hold a community meeting -- open to residents citywide -- on "Visioning the Future for the Main Library." The meeting will take place at the El Dorado Branch Library. 2900 N. Studebaker Rd., on Saturday June 29 at 12:30 p.m.

In a meeting announcement, Councilwoman Schipske says she "called the meeting after several residents expressed concern that the public had not be given the opportunity early in the process of discussing what they want and that the process would be developer driven." The announcement adds that she personally thinks "the City should retrofit and refurbish the Civic Center and Library which would be less costly, [and] I really think it is important that the residents provide input on what they want these facilities to look like and what services they should provide and where they should be provided. I invite the public to attend so we can have this discussion."

Councilwoman Schipske says in the announcement that "staff was told by City management that they could not participate in this community meeting -- such as expressing an opinion or providing data on the Main Library. I will provide as much information as I can gather for this meeting."

Community meeting / Residents citywide invited
Visioning the Future for the Main Library
June 29, 2013, 12:30 p.m.
El Dorado Branch Library
2900 N. Studebaker Rd.