Minutes of Library Commission Meeting
August 15, 2002

Minutes of the meeting of Thursday, August 15, 2002.

The San Francisco Public Library Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2002 in the Koret Auditorium, Main Library.

The meeting was called to order at 4:03PM by President Higueras.

The following members were noted present: Commissioners Coulter, Higueras, Streets, and Strobin. Vice President Steiman was excused attendance. Commissioner Chin joined the meeting at 4:16PM. Commissioner Bautista joined the meeting at 4:18PM.

AGENDA ITEM #1 RICHMOND BRANCH DESIGN RECOMMENDATION

Bond Program Manager Marilyn Thompson provided the Commissioners with a brief overview of the proposed $7.1 million renovation and 40% expansion project proposed for the Richmond Branch Library. Ms. Thompson then introduced the members of the Architects panel, Philip Sowers, Bureau of Architecture, Gerry Takano, TBA West, and John Thomas, Bureau of Engineering for a detailed presentation on the design proposal recommended for the Richmond Branch Library.

Mr. Phil Sowers, Bureau of Architecture, Department of Public Works outlined the goals of the project to strengthen the currently seismic safety rated 4 structure to withstand earthquakes, to preserve the historic character of the Carnegie Building, and to bring the building fully up to date regarding ADA accessibility and other current building code requirements. Mr. Sowers called attention to the opportunities created to expand the Richmond Branch’s collections and programming with the latest technology provided by the additional space in the new additions as well as reorder and make useful and efficient both the public and staff spaces in the original building. Mr. Sowers then briefly outlined the history of the project, gave a summary report on the community design workshop, presented the four alternative schemes proposed, and reported in greater detail the "wings" scheme deemed best by the community participants.

Mr. John Thomas then discussed in some detail the proposals for landscaping the 29,000-sq. ft. of open space around the Richmond Branch. Mr. Thomas proposed a civic formal ceremonial/monumental treatment for the 9th Avenue side of the building, with a similar but more neighborhood, recreational, and informal treatment for the 10th Avenue side. Mr. Thomas noted that neighbors had made maintaining cross access a priority and this design did so, as well as providing the requested additional outdoor seating, an improved children’s play area, and better site lighting. Mr. Sowers followed this presentation with a description of the proposed interior of the original building. Mr. Sowers reported that as the community had requested the re-arrangement maintained separation of children’s and adult service areas, met all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility requirements, provided for the needs of new technologies, and created expanded adult and teen services areas.

Mr. Gerry Takano next presented a report on the steps to be taken to preserve the historic character of the original 1915 building while enhancing the ability of the structure to meet the needs of library staff and neighborhood users. Mr. Takano discussed the ways that the proposed additions to the structure could be made sympathetic in form and materials so as to enhance and compliment the original building. The preservation architect called attention to the ways that the wintergarden proposed for the 10th Avenue side of the building blended the old and the new preserving the original entrance and allowing views of the original building through its transparent surface. Mr. Takano additionally reported that efforts would be made to bring back many of the historic elements of the original building, its grand entry area and the original finishes in the Adult Reading Room. Mr. Takano explained how the access doors between the old and new would be placed under the existing windows and skylights opened to brighten the interior. The designers’ responses to community input were then outlined. It was noted that as requested: the front and rear open spaces areas were preserved; the new building would be accessible from both levels; the formal 9th Avenue entry was preserved, separate service desks for adults and children were maintained; the Main Reading Room was preserved; additional adult reading space was provided; a separate teen room was created, the use of spaces within the building was made more efficient, and an enlarged community meeting/program room was provided. The design panel then outlined the next steps in the process of the renovation and expansion of the Richmond Branch Library over the next few years.

Ms. Thompson then introduced the Peer Review Panel members: Hillary Gitelman, Presidio Trust, Karen Bevelander, MG West, and David Hobstetter, Kaplan, McLaughlin, Diaz for a critique of and comments on the proposed design. Ms. Gitelman complimented the serious effort devoted to doing a thorough planning process for this project and called attention to how the proposed designed met the identified goals for the project. Ms. Gitelman found encouraging the proposal’s effort in distinguishing between the 9th and 10 Avenue sides of the building. She suggested that details of the 10th Avenue landscape, particularly the Children’s Play area, merited more attention and noted that perhaps a differential approach to streetside parking, such as angled spaces, might be considered on that side of the building. Ms. Gitelman suggested that the plan did a good job of adding to the Carnegie Building without distracting from it, but pointed out that in one area the addition should be re-sited so that it did not cut an existing window opening in half. Ms. Gitelman noted that the 10th Avenue addition’s elevation without a cornice gave appropriate prominence to the original building.

Mr. David Hobstetter found the proposed design a good start and preferred the 10th Avenue version 1 proposal without the distracting dormers on the wintergarden. Mr. Hobstetter noted that there were still unanswered questions regarding the materials to be used to make the additions compatible with the original building and suggested that the original 10th Avenue entry be retained as a block rather than as a pasted on "storefront". Mr. Hobstetter recommended that careful attention be paid to the glazing used in the wintergarden suggested that the top glass be filtered to shade the rear wall and that the glass be hung so as to float on the metal grid. Mr. Hobstetter recommended that the interior stairway be moved away from the wall and treated as an object within the space, and that the wintergarden area be treated as a porch mixed-use space. Mr. Hobstetter also recommended that the wings be positioned so as not to half block an existing window opening, but noted that overall the plan just needed some fine-tuning.

Ms. Karen Bevelander echoed her colleagues’ remarks concerning the worthy effort put into planning and its responsiveness to community input. Ms. Bevelander noted the plan’s increases in space for adult and children’s collections and the creation of a new separate space for teens. Ms. Bevelander additionally pointed out that the library would now be fully accessible from both sides, with an enlarged program room with a new exterior access. She further noted that the proposed design respected the historic character of the original building, preserved the separation of adult and children’s service areas, more clearly and efficiently laid out the staff areas, and met the community’s requests for improvements. Ms. Bevelander also applauded the preservation and enhancement of the Main Reading Room. Pointing to an area of concern with the proposed design, Ms. Bevelander recommended: restoration of original types of lighting fixtures; efforts to bring in more natural light while making sure that such light was filtered; and increasing light levels throughout the building> Ms. Bevelander also suggested paying very careful attention to surface finishes, floors , walls, and ceilings so that the choices made maintained the historical feeling but addressed practical concerns with acoustical issues and ease of cleaning when subjected to heavy use. Ms. Bevelander found most impressive the design’s direct responses to the community’s input.

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #1 RICHMOND BRANCH DESIGN RECOMMENDATION

An anonymous member of the public expressed unhappiness that seating had been reserved for the Commissioners to view the presentation and suggested that compliments on the process were undeserved, that the process had been conducted under duress following the rejection of the initial proposal. This person also questioned the lack of availability of explanatory documents suggesting that time was needed to review the information ahead of time. This person also questioned the proposed increase in space for the adult library asking what this meant. Mr. Ed Regan commented that some suggestions were not well received in the workshops that he had attended and recommended that the branch include senior citizens and pamphlet rooms. Mr. Jay Manzo, Richmond resident, remarked that the library was very dear to the community and that the effort that had gone into planning was appreciated. Mr. Manzo made suggestions for the glazing on the 10th Avenue façade and for skylights in the Main Reading room. He also suggested looking into the installation of solar cells as had been done at the Argonne School as a way of enhancing the renovated building. Richmond Branch Library Manager Tim Williams, observed that the planning had been responsive to the community but that there was concern regarding the size of the staff working areas and that given the very great need in handling adult materials the upstairs staff area might need to be reconsidered. Ms. Barbara Berman, Friends & Foundation and a Richmond resident commented that the Library had conducted a good community process and that the community was committed to going forward. Mr. Tim Kelly, President of the San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board lauded the process, found the review panel comments informative and useful, and thanked the Library Commissioners and staff for their efforts. Mr. Peter Warfield remarked that a good deal of effort had gone into this proposal after a rocky start but expressed concern that there were few details concerning books and spaces for books. Mr. Warfield commented that differing figures had been offered describing the size of the Richmond branch book collections and questioned whether 65,000 books represented an increase in the size of the collection. Mr. Warfield further observed that proposals to increase light might not be good for books. He additionally questioned the lack of availability of explanatory materials in advance of the meeting and expressed concerns with relocating the service desk in the branch.

Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #1 RICHMOND BRANCH DESIGN RECOMMENDATION

In response to questions by Commissioner Streets, Ms. Hildreth reported that a small increase in ongoing maintenance costs associated with maintaining the proposed expanded and renovated building and landscaping were expected and that these costs would continue to be addressed the Library’s annual budget. The Bond Program Manager additionally noted that materials and plantings would be chosen with the long-term maintenance concerns in mind. Responding to questions about the uses of the wintergarden area, Mr. Sowers explained how circulation within the building would be enhanced by access to the wintergarden addition. Commissioner Coulter called attention to the good work on the proposed landscape design and noted that this process had been very useful in identifying what the community wanted. Commissioner Bautista called attention to the importance of security in the children’s areas of the building, suggested that the redesigned play area be carefully considered, and observed that many children used this branch and that staff might consider creating an outside reading area for children. In response to questions by Commissioner Bautista, Mr. Sowers explained the safety features of the glazing that would be designed to withstand earthquake damage. Commissioner Bautista additionally suggested that public art could be placed in the wintergarden or that landscape topiary figures might be considered for the grounds. Commissioner Bautista called the architect’s attention to the proposed framing of arched windows with a rectangular form suggesting that the contrast be softened so that the eye would focus on the historic façade. In response to questions by Commissioner Strobin, Mr. Sowers outlined in detail the multilevel wheelchair accessibility included in the proposed design. Commissioner Strobin commented that the manner in which the wings joined the original building should be carefully done so that they did not appear to be pasted on to it. In response to a query by Commissioner Chin, Mr. Sowers discussed the 3,200 sq. ft. in the additions as well as the 800 sq. ft. in the 10th Avenue wintergarden. In answer to other questions by Commissioner Chin, the relocation and upgrading of play structures in the children’s play area was discussed. Commissioner Chin remarked that there were three schools in the immediate area of the branch library and that special efforts should be taken to involve these children in branch library programs. Commissioner Bautista expressed concern with the amount of staff storage space available and recommended that a better break room be considered.

President Higueras noted that the glass wall concept had to be very carefully executed and suggested that the 2nd floor of the wintergarden area be made more functional. He noted that the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for making additions to historic structure specifically discouraged mimicking the existing structure in favor of creating sympathetic additions that remained distinct. President Higueras also noted that each functional area should be evaluated and that attention to the staff areas was important. In response to a question by President Higueras, it was reported that the Prop. 14 (State Library Bond) application would outline in detail the furnishing for each of the spaces. In response to a question by Commission Streets, Ms. Hildreth reported that there were ongoing discussions concerning ways to minimize any problems that could develop from providing seating in the surrounding open space area.

MOTION: Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Coulter to accept the design recommendation proposed for the Richmond Branch Library.

MOTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Chin, Coulter, Higueras, Streets, and Strobin)

AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM MANAGERS REPORT

Branch Bond Program Manager Marilyn Thompson began noting that her report would not include an information presentation at this meeting. Ms. Thompson then presented the regular budget reports, noting no changes in the Bond Program Budget since her last report. The Bond Program Manager next noted there had been no changes in the program schedule previously reported. The Bond Program Manager reported site acquisition activities regarding the Martin Luther King Middle School site for the Portola Branch, that an offer had been made for the site selected for the Ingleside Branch, and that locations were still being sought for the Visitacion Valley Branch. Ms. Thompson next reported on the ongoing active projects, updating the Commissioners concerning recent activities at the Richmond, Excelsior, Noe Valley, Marina, and Parkside Branch Libraries. Ms. Thompson then provided information concerning community outreach meetings including: a Mission Bay artist’s outreach meeting on August 26th; a Richmond Branch Community meeting on August 29th; and a Noe Valley Branch Community meeting on September 21st. The Bond Program Manager noted that response to a RFQ (request for qualifications) were due on September 3rd and that she hoped to have a pool of five design teams in place by October. The Bond Program Manager informed the Commissioners that there would be no special report at this meeting and informed the Commissioners that the next quarterly reports would be made in October. Lastly, Ms. Thompson noted that the Bond Program Website was active and that the 2nd edition of the Bond Program newsletter was available.

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM MANAGERS REPORT

An anonymous member of the public commented that there was a problem in that the precise names of the explanatory documents were not provided so as to make sure that everyone had the same documents that were being presented in the report. This anonymous member of the public commented that while the active phase of the Marina Branch project was being discussed, no specific materials on that branch had been provided. This person additionally expressed a desire that the reports were presented in larger type so as to be more readable. Mr. Peter Warfield commented that the Commission should be concerned because documents presented in the report had not been available in advance of the meeting.

Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM MANAGERS REPORT

None offered.

AGENDA ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 2002 COMMISSION MEETING

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 2002 COMMISSION MEETING

An anonymous member of the public found it unfortunate that the Commission had not addressed these Minutes at the beginning of the meeting as they contained an interesting discussion of the Richmond Branch design workshop. This anonymous member of the public commented that their remarks concerning funds for the art enrichment and the size of the book collections at the Richmond Branch were eviscerated suggesting that a fuller reporting would have been useful in the meeting’s discussions about the Richmond Branch.

Mr. Peter Warfield noted that it was the norm under Roberts Rules of Order to take up "old business" such as approval of minutes before "new business". Mr. Warfield found numerous omissions in the reported discussion of the Richmond Branch, including unreported remarks he attributed to the anonymous member of the public, to another person who spoke of pressure on librarians, and among his own remarks. Mr. Warfield remarked that the Commission had in his view lost control of the Glen Park Branch project. Mr. Ed Regan commented that his remarks were accurately reported.

Commissioner Chin left the meeting at 5:55PM.

Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 2002 COMMISSION MEETING

MOTION: Commissioner Streets, seconded by Commissioner Strobin that the Minutes be approved.

MOTION: AYE 5-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, Streets, and Strobin)

The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting. 1

AGENDA ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 18, 2002 COMMISSION MEETING

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 18, 2002 COMMISSION MEETING

An anonymous member of the public noted that their public comment summary statements had been provided to the Commissioners but not to the public and identified a number of areas where their comments were inaccurately reported. This anonymous member of the public called attention to page 7 comments offered on the Bond Program Manager’s report and corrected a Public Comment mention of a film role they had attributed to "Lightin" Hopkins that was in fact played by Heddie Leadbetter. Mr. Peter Warfield commented that his concerns noted on page 2 were not clearly reported, and that the comments of members of the public were not amplified. Mr. Warfield also noted that his page 4 remarks concerning the issue of control in the Glen Park Branch were not accurately presented, and that his specific mentions of problems with the catalog were left out fo the report on that item.

Commission comment on AGENDA ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 18, 2002 COMMISSION MEETING

MOTION: Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Strobin that the Minutes of July 18th regular commission Meeting be approved.

MOTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, and Strobin)

AGENDA ITEM #5 PUBLIC COMMENT

An anonymous member of the public found that they had been in agreement with some of the views expressed by two Commissioners, but that this seeming agreement may have stemmed from the fact that Commissioner Coulter was no longer President. This anonymous member of the public remarked that the source of much discretionary power is money and that our democratic society, despite efforts to level the field and be inclusive, often defers to the uninformed wishes of those privileged by money. Mr. Ed Regan suggested that Library public service hours be expanded from 6AM until Midnight seven days per week. Mr. Regan also recommended that books on economic and politics, funded by the $150,000 available through the Fuhrman Bequest, be acquired, and suggested that additional books on the other 49 states be added to the Library’s collections as well. Mr. Peter Warfield commented that he had become aware of numerous problems since the new scheduling system for Library computers went into effect and he hoped that they would soon be addressed.

AGENDA ITEM #6 ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Commissioner Coulter, seconded by Commissioner Strobin that the meeting be adjourned.

MOTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, and Strobin)

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #6 ADJOURNMENT

None offered

ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, and Strobin)

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15PM.

Michael Housh, Commission Secretary 8/28/02

Please note: These are draft Minutes subject to change by the Library Commission. Copies of Commission Minutes and handouts are available in the Office of the Commission Secretary, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

The Public Comment Summary Statements included in these Minutes are authorized by San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.16.. These summary statements are provided by the speaker. Their contents are neither generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by, the San Francisco Public Library Commission.

The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting. 1

Minutes of the regular Commission Meeting of August 15, 2002

Appendix A

The Public Comment Summary Statements included in these Minutes are authorized by San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.16..

These summary statements are provided by the speaker. Their contents are neither generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by, the San Francisco Public Library Commission.

The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting. 1

Public Comment (PDF) available for viewing in pdf format.