CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER “OUTDOOR READING ROOM” FOR LIBRARY
The Brenham City Council will discuss the acceptance of the Community Development Partnership Program Grant being offered by the Lower Colorado River Authority in the amount of $20,000 for the construction of an “outdoor Reading Room” as part of the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library Modernization and Renovation project when they meet on Thursday afternoon.
The LCRA offered a FY 16 competitive Community Development Partnership Program to communities in LCRA's service area. The grant provides funding for capital improvement projects that support community and economic development and benefit the public.
Along with the grant, the Council will also discuss accepting a donation in the amount of $750,000 to the City of Brenham for a Planned Park Development Project connecting Fireman’s Park and the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library.
Also in the works in a possible Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Brenham and Robbie Gail Charette related to the Planned Park Development.
MOU is an agreement to fund a new park expansion connecting the new Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library grounds to the Fireman’s Park. This expansion will include fencing, landscaping, trail extension, playground construction, and design. Robbie Gail Charette has offered to fund this extensive and significant project estimated to cost between $600,000.00 and $750,000.00. In exchange for the donation(s) Ms. Charette has requested the new proposed playground within the park expansion to be named the Michael Mansfield Owsley Memorial Playground.
The City will also discuss a disannexing of a one acre tract of land in the Jas. Walker League, which is located on the north side of Lauraine Street.
Council will also recognize GFOA Certificate for Achievement for Excellence in Financial reporting. This is the seventh consecutive year for the award.
Also on the agenda are Proclamations for Relay for Life and Day of Thanksgiving Honoring All First Responders.
The Brenham City Council will meet at 1pm on the Second Floor City Council Hall Chambers at 200 W Vulcan.
I agree with Senior, an outside reading area could only be utilized about 2 months out of the year, and that’s if we are really lucky weather wise. I’m sure the money could be used in a much better fashion if they think out side the box. The enclosed aviary or even a butterfly enclosure would be a really neat idea. Something to engage the kids (and adults) when they come to the library.
I’m excited about the new park to be constructed linking Fireman’s Park to the library. I would like to see a walking trail put in here too that could be utilized without the parking issues that come up at Hohlt Park and the dark recesses of Hohlt park at night or early morning. It would be nice to see more parking put in at Fireman’s park on the Park Street side and then have the expansion where the old pool and tennis courts were.
I spend hours each day reading outside, and even I have to admit I think the Outdoor Reading Room a poor choice for expending that kind of money. More detail would be helpful here. I struggle to believe that there is enough demand for such a thing to justify such an expenditure no matter whose budget it originates from.
Outdoor reading room in this climate? Surely council can find a better venue to spend this money. A downpayment on some means of educating todays children about where, how and who produces what we eat. Exhibits on sustainable farming, etc. . exhibits of farm animals, a small enclosed aviary to view thru a library window. Please think creatively, but wisely.