Before it can propose a solution for the Grand Forks Public Library's aging building, a task force acknowledged it needed to learn from a failed campaign for a new building in 2011.
The marketing, in particular, left the community confused, contributing to the loss at the polls, members of the Library FutureVision Task Group said.
The group met for the first time Thursday and is charged with finding a solution to revamp the library's infrastructure and define its future role in the community. However, input on its decisions isn't limited to members.
"We'll also be hearing the voices of people in the community throughout the process," said Sandi Marshall, one of two chairpersons. Public input meetings will be included in the process, which is expected to wrap up in June.
Though building a brand new library was the goal of the 1-percent sales tax increase campaign two years ago, consultant Mike Goldstone with Praxis Strategy Group warned members to shape their definition of success carefully.
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"If you define success only as getting a new library... you're setting yourself up for disappointment," he said.
Looking to the past
In an attempt to start moving forward, the group discussed the library's unsuccessful campaign seeking funding for a new building and site. The required sales tax increase failed at the polls by a vote of 2,700 to 4,500 during an April 2011 vote.
Group member Kristi Mishler said the marketing campaign in favor of the new library was unclear in its intent.
Members of the group voiced their agreement, noting the "Vote yes to 'The Hobbit'" yard signs and uncertainty of the new library's proposed location added to the public's confusion.
"People didn't know what voting 'yes' really meant," said group member Barry Wilfahrt.
An apparent switch between considered locations also cost the library some of the public's trust, Wilfahrt added.
Library Director Wendy Wendt said the campaign's marketing funds came from donations and contributions from the Friends of the Library. It is illegal for the library to use its own money for a political campaign, according to Wendt.
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Potential cost
The group will explore several avenues for updating the building's aging infrastructure and modifying it to better meet the needs of its community.
An assessment conducted by JLG Architects estimated renovating the existing building would cost $8.1 million and building an addition would cost $5.8 million. Constructing a new library isn't off the table, though.
After the best course of action has been determined for the building, group members will draft a funding recommendation for a potential construction project and a funding source.
Once the task force has developed solutions, its recommendations will be sent to the library board for review and passed on to the City Council for review and final approval.
Group member Gary Malm told the task force to expect negative pushback.
"There will be opposition to anything that will cost money," he said.
Call Jewett at (701) 780-1108; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1108; or send email to bjewett@gfherald.com .
