Report RPF 2007-06Page 1 of 2

Report RPF 2007-06Page 1 of 2

DEPARTMENT: Recreation, Parks and Facilities

DATE PREPARED: January 25, 2007

COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 6, 2007

/ PAGE 1 OF 2
REPORT NO. RPF 2007-06
SUBJECT: Burgessville Library Project Update
[ ] Approved
[ ] Approved with Amendments
[ ] Other
Resolution #

INTRODUCTION /BACKGROUND

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information on the progress made in the Burgessville Library Project and the possibility of new revenue to offset operating costs.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS

The Burgessville Library Project is nearing completion with the final stage of the project being the completion of the renovation on the main floor – new trusses have be installed to support the overall structural integrity of the new design. This was an unexpected safety issue which arose when the ceiling was opened up and inspected thoroughly. With the assistance of the Chief Building Official, Brian Reid, Len Girard and John Van Lagen, the necessary changes were done and the project was delayed only three days.

Provided that the project remains on time, the completion will be by the end of February 2007. At that time, a grand re-opening of the facility is planned by the Oxford County Library Service and Chief Librarian Lisa Miettinen will invite Council, project volunteers, residents and staff to this event.

In recent discussions with Ms. Miettinen, it was suggested that this might be the time to transfer responsibilities for booking this facility back to the Township of Norwich. At the present time, bookings are handled by the branch librarian and caretaker Dave Hansford ensures that the renters have access to the basement area. If Council decides that the Township should take over the process of rentals, either department staff or the caretaker could handle this work load. The preferred option is to offer this to the caretaker, making him the primary contact for booking the hall, similar to the arrangements with Carol Hillsdon for Oxford Centre Youth/Pioneer Rooms.

Currently, the County charges a nominal fee of $10.00 plus GST for use of the basement area by local groups, however if it is a group from outside of the area a charge of $25.00 is applied. The revenue generated is minimal; the rental income for 2005 was $343.71 and $111.08, as reported by Oxford County Administrative Support Coordinator, Barbara St. Clair.

There is an opportunity for the Township to takeover rentals, recognizing that the fees should be affordable. The hall fee at the smaller Oxford Centre Hall Pioneer Room is $25.00 weekdays and $35.00 weekends per use.

Current regular user of the basement room is the Key Bible Club. The Norwich & District Optimist Club have expressed interest in utilizing the room on a weekly basis. Any fee that is established should be reasonable for family gatherings, church groups and service club meetings. The goal is to encourage not discourage use of the facility.

Fees that can be considered reasonable when compared with other facilities of this size are: $20.00 plus GST for weekday and $25.00 plus GST for weekend use. The Oxford County Library branch would retain the first right of refusal for their programs and services such as the children’s reading program.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

n/a

FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATION

There is an opportunity to generate some revenue for the use of the renovated Burgessville Library. Based on the proposed fees, the rental income is estimated to be $1,000.00 in the first year, as presented in the proposed 2007 budget.

CONCLUSION

The renovations to the Burgessville Library have made this facility a warmer and friendlier facility for both the library branch staff and the residents. It is anticipated that overall usage of this facility will increase due to these improvements.

RECOMMENDATION

That Report No. RPF 2007-06, Burgessville Library Project Update, be received as information; and further that the rental of the facility be administered by the Township; and further that the rental rate per use be established at $20.00 plus G.S.T. for weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and $25.00 plus G.S.T. for weekends (Friday to Sunday).

ATTACHMENTS

E-mail Lisa Miettinen – December 13, 2006

Prepared by:Approved by:

Mary-Lou Ambrose-LittleBetteanne M. Cadman, CMC, AMCT

Director of Recreation, Parks Clerk-Administrator

& Facilities