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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdditional Items -8/26/2026 - tit Outlook Questions for Library Reuse Taskforce From Glenn Newman Date Mon 8/24/2026 11:03 AM To Library Visioning <libraryvisioning@lakeoswego.city> [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification Hello, I have the following questions to the Library Reuse Task Force for its public meeting on Wednesday. 1. The threshold issues are (i) whether demolishing and relocating the library is the best approach, and (ii) whether the residents of Lake Oswego want to move the library at all. Please confirm that the Reuse Task Force will engage on these threshold issues first and will not move to a possible reuse of the current library site until and unless there is a consensus amongst the residents of town that they wish to demolish and relocate the library and this is indeed the best and wisest choice. 2. If the Reuse Task Force is not authorized to discuss whether demolition and relocation of the library is the best choice and whether doing so is supported by a majority of Lake Oswego residents, please confirm that the members of the Task Force will insist that the City Council disband or suspend the Library Reuse Task Force and the New Library Task Force until such time as it is established that the demolition and relocation of the library is the best choice and is supported by a majority of Lake Oswego residents. Regards, Glenn Newman Lake Oswego Resident PUBLIC RECORDS LAW DISCLOSURE This e-mail is a public record of the City of Lake Oswego and is subject to public disclosure unless exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law. This email is subject to the State Retention Schedule. tilt Outlook Library Reuse Task Force From Diane Schweisguth Date Mon 8/24/2026 10:33 AM To Library Visioning <libraryvisioning@lakeoswego.city> You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important To the Library Reuse Task Force, I have two questions for the Task Force. First, how will the Reuse Task Force address the growing commumity opposition to City Council's decision to not proceed with the first recommendation of the BerryDunn Community Engagement Report which recommended a dual library model for the city?The City's own consultants and staff recommended renovating the library with improved parking and pedestrian access AND establishing a branch -a full-service library on the west side of the city. The Reuse Task Force needs to formally add a "renovate plus branch"option to the task force studies and scope. By renovating the library where it is now and using it as a library branch, as well as adding another library branch on the west side, not only ensures that neighborhood character and community values are maintained, but that the property is maintained for its intended use. This leads me to my second question. Does the deed donating the land for a library allow for any other use other than a library?What does the deed and any covenants say? Renovation of the existing library as part of a 2-branch library system maintains and honors the donor's wishes.The Reuse Task Force needs to review the original deed and land donation documents BEFORE proceeding with discussion of reuse options. I also urge the Task Force to remember the definition of"reuse." It means to"use an item again for its original purpose or for a completely new function, without significantly altering the object." It does not mean demolishing the current library or selling the property for residential development.The Task Force should evaluate how the existing library site can be reconfigured within reasonable costs to meet the library needs of the community. By doing so, this not only meets the Task Force's official criteria of raising revenue (such as by renting out unused spaces once the library floor plan has been reconfigured)and meeting zoning and code rules but also addresses the community's desire for a 2-branch library system. In addition, the Reuse Task Force should consider that"reusing" existing vacant commercial space with parking on the west side for a second library branch is preferable to, and less costly than, building new. Thank you. Diane Schweisguth PUBLIC RECORDS LAW DISCLOSURE This e-mail is a public record of the City of Lake Oswego and is subject to public disclosure unless exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law. This email is subject to the State Retention Schedule. tit Outlook Comments for Library Reuse Task Force From DEBORAH LINKE Date Sat 8/22/2026 9:01 PM To Library Visioning <libraryvisioning@lakeoswego.city> You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important Dear Task Force Members, My name is Deborah Linke, and I live two blocks from the library in First Addition.Thank you for the work you're doing on this project—I have a few comments and questions I hope you'll consider. 1. Following the consultant's and staffs recommendation The City's own consultant and library staff recommended renovating the existing library and, if feasible, building a satellite/branch elsewhere—a recommendation based on 2,800 responses from your neighbors and fellow library users. I'd like to understand why the City Council and Mayor are considering going against that recommendation. Since residents are the ones financing this project, it seems only fair that their voice—reflected in that survey— carry real weight. 2. Broaden the criteria Please expand your analysis criteria to include the library's importance to downtown and First Addition, and to reflect neighborhood concerns about the property being sold to the highest bidder.The library shouldn't be treated as a cash register funding its own demolition. 3. Prioritize retrofitting over new construction If a second branch or outpost is added, I'd ask that you seriously consider retrofitting an existing property with parking rather than building a costlier new facility. 4. Updated cost analysis, please I'd like to renew my request for an updated cost analysis of all the alternatives under consideration, along with an accounting of deferred maintenance that's accrued and any budgeted funds that went unspent. 5.A written crosswalk I'd also like to renew my request for a written crosswalk comparing existing facilities—their availability and cost— against the items citizens have identified as priorities. 6. Documentation on the donated property Finally, could you share the deed(s)for the donated property, including any specifications the donor made for its use? I'd also appreciate a copy of the legal analysis, agreement, and any guidance provided by the donor's family. Thank you for taking the time to consider these requests. I look forward to your response. With gratitude, Deborah Linke PUBLIC RECORDS LAW DISCLOSURE This e mail is a public record of the City of Lake Oswego and is subject to public disclosure unless exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law. This email is subject to the State Retention Schedule.