a roll call, please. Chair Jones here. 5 PRESIDENT To absent to being excused. Councilmember Johnson and Council vice PRESIDENT Kim. Well, welcome everyone to the MARCH meeting of the library board. We have a couple of items on our agenda today. Alternate The first item that we have on the agenda is minutes. 26 dash 9 library board minutes for FEBRUARY. 4th, 2026. take a motion from Councilmember Coleman to approve minutes. Is there any discussion? Seing none? All those in favor say Aye, aye. Opposed. 5 in favors are opposed. The minutes are approved. The next item on the agenda is
resolution public hearing. 26 stash. 49 authorizing the execution of Mo to support the transfer of funds from the friends of the Saint Paul Public Library to the Saint Paul Public Library in amending the library's 2026. Financing and spending plans. So this basically is a resolution that's going to support execute You between the library and friends. And this is specifically for the Heights Library. This will increase, create an increase in the capital budget for Knights by 1.6, 5 million dollars. And it allows us to have enough cash from the friends to believe begin the project this year on schedule. So this also is a public So if
you're here to at 10 minutes. So this is a public hearing. Is there anyone here to speak on this item? I'm not seeing anyone. So I will take a motion fom councilmember. You going to close the public hearing and approved this item all in favor say Aye, aye. All those opposed. Kuzma cmpany has a comment. Thank you, Chair Joe Tsai. You wanted to say thank you to their friends for their amazing work and the partnership to the city when I was looking at the residence. But that resolution, I just thought to myself, I wish every city had a friend, you know, the fence. I'm lke how we happened here. And so we're just so fortunate their partnership. And very supportive of this. Thank you. Cause worry. So I think we're 5 and favors or oppose. The resolution is
adopted. The next item on the agenda is staff report. 26 test. 26 Dash 28. He even had slavery. Update. So I will turn it over to Director Hartman. And we also Murray couldn't see here to give the presentation. Chair just thank you so much. The first about item earlier alluded to and comes number Yang's, excitement demonstrates we're moving part of the night. So America stay likens Hernandez with our project are going to give you all an update on that. Yes. All right. Thank you so much for having us here. And again to talk about transforming libraries are so excited that hate and hate says get going has heard many can make here to talk to so we
have a facility investments, 3 of locations today. We're going to talk about the Hidden Heights. Just reminder, too, that all of our libraries will be also getting technology, face updates and plan and updates and that will happen at the libraries. Well. Hitting the heights is it very sleepy little library right now because largely due to the fact that it's really closed off from the outside. So one of Aaron, this drawing is that we're going to be really making it a visual impact on weight there. They love to see that it's a library. See what happens inside. And also when you're inside to see what's happening outside new leading. And also being able to add. Bring our children and our families together planned then
spaces and having access to nature and having more flexible spaces between the loud and bsy areas here the quiet Also. Important is that this is equity focus. Community engagement process, such that really told us what we needed to be doing for libraries, making them safe, inviting and firming and making them comfortable for people of all cultures abilities and communities. Our library is really needed a. A place for community to feel safe. At just seek shelter, to do life to find connection with each other and to access information about kinds. We did a lot of community engagement starting with our facilities direction and 2018 all the way through the lsu lead community engagement that
went through the design development process in 2022. We finished our can design and construction documents with lse DECEMBER of 2025. We knew once we get the funding that we want to act quickly. So in JANUARY 2026, and we knew we had the funding. Open the bid process for that getting a general contractor. And we just finished that process in FEBRUARY of 2026. And we have for word again to stop construction. They're the same construction company that working on the Hamlin library. And so we are going to Moving forward very quickly on this. MARCH. 21st is the last day it's going to be open to the public. So staff right now at the hidden his library getting ready to decommission the library, which means we have
to take everything out. We don't do that. But until it's closed. But there are some and do things that we're doing. So public will start seeing that displays are coming down. Community bulletin boards are getting taken down. So that's going to some visual evidence of that. That does help with the change management for the public that uses the space to they can see that something's happening. We also have Fords up that's explanations of what's happening in the and the timeline is being communicated. We do expect start construction in mid APRIL. And that is expected to take up to 18 months. So by quarter for f 2027, we will be open to the public with a brand-new designed interior of the building and more exterior
items as well. The key features based on community feedback. Are having it be really visible as a library. Visibility also give a better sense of security. So people know what they're walking into. And what they're walking out into from the library. Offering more flexibility, its library spaces space for both loud play and the quiet study. And a very large community flex room, which will then have accordion wall so they can open to then fall to the library for extremely large events. But it will be able to house large community events. Have more accessible technology inside. Also flex room for community partnerships, have to use and store items inside. Connection to nature and green spaces. There will be a straight 10 garden on one side of the building. And on the other
side, there will be a green space tat will have large windows that will open the teen area. So green, connection to nature of So while Hayden is ging to be temporarily closed, starting MARCH, 25th, there are a stay connected. You can sign up for the 8 in Height, Stearns from Iris, a newsletter to get updates. And I did hear from our branch manager Payden Heights that one of the heaviest traffic days at Hayden was the Monday after the clincher update went out by the newsletter. Everyone came in asking like it's is really happening front It's really happening. So I encourage you all to sign up for that. While we're close items that are currently Czech veteran on hold will be moved
to the sun. Rely free so you can pick up your holds. There. And if sun rays, not your preferred location, you can go online college change location. We're also community members to come in and check out as many heated heights materials as you want and to keep them a home until it's time to reopen. So that is something that we've done for some of our other locations and you can fill up your home. I've recently. All right. So will have some alternative services. Will Hayden Heights is closed? Mainly we're going to referring our patrons to the other Eastside library. So Sun-ray in Arlington Hills and then to our Ramsey County Library Partners North Saint Paul in Maplewood Libraries are quite close. And similarly, when Maplewood was
closed, lot of that traffic came over the side. So we'll be paying back. The state. a quick question. So I see you're directing folks to the county libraries. So if I have a library card with as ppl, I can use that at the county library. Is that correct? Yes, you can use it there and you can also sign up for us public life recurred at this county libraries. so you won't be turned away there. You'll fill out Elsa Carden. And then I one more question. Library go work at the county libraries? Oh, No. That's the only bad news. Yeah, just to be clear about library card. So your Saint Paul Public Library card use of to register at at Ramsey County, used to bring it and then they take it in
there. But it can be used. And library go as a is a city only a service at this point. So you know, even if you have a library go card, you can also get like a physical card. So you can use that as card at Ramsey County Library. Thank you. So during closure, have some existing mobile library stops on the east side, including on the in sleep neighborhood. That's the closest one the other sites are currently little bit further away closer to 8 in spots. So we are looking to as another community stop at the Iowa High Rise Building, which is just a little under half a mile north of library and then we're planning for some summer pop-up events library in the park type events at hidden Heights rate wreck center and week failing. And then I also
want to point out that Wi-Fi services are available at all of the rec centers. So he did it support to loosen case. Rec centers are the ones on the east side and folks can still access Wi-Fi. There. MARCH Tuesday, MARCH 10th from 6 to 7.30. We will be hosting a community meeting at Heaton Heights Library and we're going to be sharing an update with community about the time line similar to what we share here. But we are also interested in hearing from committee members about what services there going to be missing during this time. And they MAY want to have in their neighborhood versus having to travel elsewhere. Similarly, we also want to know if there are other mobile library, potential stops that would be of interest. But keeping in mind that if we add a stop, we
would have to remove a stop somewhere else. But so we want to get as mch information as we can so, if you're available, please come on MARCH there will be refreshments provided and the community meeting is in partnership with Councilmember Yang's office and District 2. Any questions. Questions from my fellow board members. Thanks, chair tools. No questions here. Just excitement and gratitude for all of you. And I are committee partners and many like this for making this. This happened. Let my staff we share the post that you all put out about the temporarily, temporary closing date. And it was just so exciting to see the comments from from people all over me. One of my favorites is the just say, yes, yes, you know that people are excited about it. I just
often think about the stories from residents that I hear about them scene when the library opens over 30 years ago and just being able to see their renovation that will take place there. Also very excited. And they want to thank you, Director Herman, you and your team for your continued partnership and willingness to keep engaging our communities. It's going to be a huge shift for our residents having their there's neighborhood library closed down, even if it's time for, you know, just temporarily and the the the communication a session is really an effort to understand more like what are they hoping to see during this disclosure here so that we can best serve them? Thank you. Considering any other questions or comments. Thank you both. And I just want to also echo to to our library team really excited
about this project and to see all this is happening. So so quickly. And I'm just really looking frward to the process and to win the new library opens. So thank you so much to everyone. The final item on the agenda ad staff report. 26 Dash. 29 Rondo Community Weather update. Wonderful. All turnover Director Hartman we our Alina and Alex here percent. Thanks for chair. Just exactly. We also have current, you all know, temporary location for the Community Library to haleigh. Keep around. So I'm pleased to introduce Alex Riley, the man of the Roanoke in the library and really no cage who can who is our public services manager overseeing a number of services, including run, d They got the latest up to
date. Thank you, Thanks for having us. Alex pronouns in the branch manager. Last time we spoke here, we gearing up for the move and excited to report saying. Some positive things going since then. I'm really ok public services manager with the library. And before we get started, we just wanted to talk about the ribbon cutting that we had on JANUARY 8th, which was a really vibrant, exciting event. Community really came out in full force to support us in our new location. Halak you Brown and heavy report that we had over 100 folks. I think probably closer to 200 folks that came in the space too, sharing the joy and excitement that we had for that relocation opening up there. We have food from local restaurants, and soda. So
which I hadn't heard of. Thanks, Alex. For a restaurant in town. We start the afternoon with remarks from our director Marie Hartman. We also had some remarks from mayor her. Library board, Toast and council member. But we also share some words I think a letter to Rondo if I'm not mistaken, that was really nice. Yeah, I love letter. Rondo is there? No, see But yes, it was a nice ribbon cutting. And again, a lot of community shared their thoughts and hopes ad desires space. And also the support they have for the library. And it was really nice to hear given some of the challenges we face prior to moving its that location. All right. So at the ribbon cutting, we heard some requests for materials by local round authors. Remarks display, which is for FEBRUARY display, which is actually
still up because it's been so popular as Rhonda authors and figures and so are able to get books for living legends from Melvin Carter Junior doctor to get included some stuff from MISS Mercedes as well. And then you can also see there's that we have printed transcripts of oral history project. As for able to turn that community request around really quickly And super excited to mention that our work center has been full when we last talked to, mentioned having to commit, we can move things around and spread things out it's working. And I'm also the cell. So he shot resilient. Our families and youth are during this time kind of stressful, external time. And that's been full throughout. Create create second from programs for youth
are reaching out to new youth that we have interaction with before are usually just that the Rec Center Inc were able como some of those programs. We're doing some creative and collaborative scheduling to have a both the cad Cinco for appropriating programs And ok and how brown center. That we didn't have to reduce any of that. We're able to just was both of them. We have our computer class, an open mind. Attendance is rising. And I want to note that even though those classes are usually pretty small and there's a lot of work that goes on one on one work that goes on there. We are already within our first month. Open lab had a participant comeback ensure that they complete it based served as an application that governor opened. So
Program. A lot of for prep programs across the U.S. Are community resource reach program with writers from Ramsey County, Public Health. lot of those providers have seen a decrease clientele. And so have we. But we're still getting people through. We're cutting services. So interesting kind data point here is like daily visits are slightly down because for a smaller place. But our program participation is actually So we're getting more folks more regularly for programs, even though we're not seeing the same number of people throughout the day, just because of the nature of the smaller 6. So. That's cool. Heads. We've had some major events and are looking forward to some major events. In JANUARY, we hosted te Friends Fireside Reading Series, which is a weekly
author talk series really well published. We've said Rondo zone, Deborah Stone. And I heard from the friends that we had around. 35 people attending each of those that was once a week 4 weeks. coming at the end of this hope you can attend club book with a local author, Lee Hawkins. That's going to be MARCH 28th. 02:00pm. Actually MR. Hawkins because you can into at its 4.61 Dy location as a patron and introduced himself where it's heading for U.S. Was able to connect him with the friends for this program. So excited to folks that have like you as well. This. And community engagement. We're still very committed to being as the runner Community Library. So
being in the community listening to community in various ways, I feel very lucky to have included on te is 4, 1, 2, or mayor her. We're in. It's a really good connections with folks from Walkerest. We're actually gonna do a collaborative program leader. Doing coffee and community events. We did one last week and one coming up on MARCH 19th we're starting to distribute surveys and get feedback and input on design concepts for innovation. And then also visiting elder groups that Halak you Brown will be doing some focus groups with parents on that. And I'll be visiting some other community events tabling that. Read our mind to table with number of events. They've invited us to be there either to do. Library cards
sure the renovation updates. We have spent in library engagements day to day. People are coming in and doing the and the renovation. Well connected with her Rex or their events and still stay connected with Ward businesses and service providers as well. Thanks, The programs that we have on the horizon, including literacy nights in partnership with our co-workers and colleagues that run the loop van and we are planning some evening programs that will include some literacy focus events. So just connecting the families with the library itself and bringing a man to attendees better see Knights and just be literacy. Focus activities MAY be some refreshments and some connecting activities. There. Alex touched on the
partnership that is brewing with Walker West and our colleagues and parks and rec. And so what we're doing there is working with parks and recs staff and some folks from Walker West who both have equipment that we don't have and they'll bring that equipment to the library spaces and will host some workshops in our created program, which our drop in after-school program for youth. That's based on ones that hang out messed around. Out model where kids can just come in and basically interact with the tools and technology. We have. And so it will be really exciting to have some equipment that we don't have in the system in our spaces and they can maybe do a podcast or videos. I'm going to be really youth driven. So basically whatever they decide
they want to do with that equipment. But that's on the horizon as well. And then another exciting program that we're working on is a partnership with springboard for the arts. They have a weaving social program that is between local non-profit organizations or organizations like the Library. And we've been partnered with local artists and we've been partnered with 2 artists want as Victor yet pass. And the other is Brianna Williams victories at Highland Library. But Brianna, we'll be at Rondo and are highly que Brown location and shall be offering. Hurt and so workshop and it's in a generation, a workshop and designed 14. So the focus of her program is to connect teens elders to her. Her workshops. And those will run still starting MARCH and run through SEPTEMBER. And then at the end of that entire
program will have sort of a celebration between both artists and the work that they and some feedback from community on how they were able to connect in library studios are programs. So transitioning from some of our programming that we have it Rondo and how the cube round. I want to talk a little bit about the renovation updates because we are keeping an eye on what's happening at our our actual location 4.61. Dale. We've selected a design option. I think Alex touched on that. But we had a core team. We have a core team. Should I say of library staff that meet regularly with our design partners msr and about a month or so ago they presented some design options for us about 4 options for the
layout of Rondo. Some of those changes included the restroom, relocation. I think we talked about previously primarily moving the the restrooms. And the layout of the restroom. So they would go from single stall to multi stall. Those were options meeting a sudy room, relocation, redesign the staff welcomed s be relocated in the space and a redesign of entry way relocated teen Additional study rooms, wellness and meditation rom and some staff focus rooms. Those were. The major changes and all 4 designs. And ultimately we decided on a design choice that incorporated most of those changes. But the most significant change was the
team's base would be somewhat separate from the library space right now is like in the middle of the library. And in the new design, it's a little bit separate. Yeah, that design gives the teens their own space to somewhat removed from the main library in a multi stall restaurant knows where the major. Differences between all 4. They all have like a large meeting room, additional study spaces, the wellness and meditation rooms. But those other differences were there. We are also working on some community engagement around the designing getting feedback which again, Alex Tuch last week we began some sessions to gather feedback. We're using mix methods. So some dot polling where we have some poster boards with the layout and folks can just give some feedback on what they think about the changes. We'll also do some surveys which were also use recently at one of
our coffee conversations, programs and then also be some surveys where folks can just pop into a library, take a survey if they like and give feedback on the design selection. The 5 key areas that we're asking for. Feedback on include the study rooms, the expanded community meeting space with bea systems. The larger welcoming interest marketplace is being called. But that's essentially the entrance to library where you can just come in and you MAY not necessarily need staff support so you can grab something and check it out. Using self-check you can look at lucky day or something like that. But some things like. What Sr his time in almost
like a self-serve area of the library that they or they're calling it a marketplace. And then a new wellness rooms. It's it's got a show you chair and just a question about the Well, say thank you so much for. Just the the expansiveness of the details and the update and engagement. You know, I I also won't belabor the point I didn't get a chance to talk with Director Maureen prior and get a chance look at at the slides. Just for my colleagues, if you cause you share a little bit more about the well-known face, you know, that's actually one of the spaces that was a bonus, right? We going ito this. We anticipate that. But actually. Get a lot of with the thought of of wellness. But if just expand a
little bit about what's the idea around it and if there is? Room for the wellness, also be purposes like a prayer room, understanding that some of our patrons are Muslim faith. Community members. And, you know, they MAY use that space is a wellness. If we have, you know, some thoughts around have make sure that space is welcoming for everyone wants use yet. So that's exactly the thought behind. Well, in the space that it would be a multi purpose room. So again, it was wellness and or lactation and or prayer space. get it. Multi purpose. And so it would be utilize the way someone wants to utilize that space, whether it be just like needing to take a mental health break and have some private space or someone like to pray as well. And I do believe if I'm not mistaken.
That there will in there because I know that there's sanitary requirements that folks that might use it for prayer space might require. So I think that in there as well. Appreciate quick we'll follow up just came about when Al is actually asking the questions. So is this wellness space? Just for the just for the public or is there also it's kind of like a more private space for staff. I know over the years has been a lot of conversations particularly around like with as well. Just look like for the staff in specially, you know, in multiple ways. So it's just just for the public or can staff uses or would that be something separate? something separate. So what referring to is for public use, but they're also staff focus rooms, incorporated into the new design. makes just really
appreciate this update. I know you mentioned that there's a group of staff were meeting regularly with the design team on the design. Just wanting to know to those staff include frontline staff of the to a for some, but others who are working day to day in the building. And we we had some messages and communication while back about staffing. You know, this isn't really going to address the issues we're seeing in the library and will make sure, you know, putting in a lot of money that the changes that we're making are actually going to address the problems that we're So Alex is part of the court. And Alex can maybe if you wanted to speak to that. But Alex, communicate regularly with the rest of the Rondo and share. Concerns and questions with the rest of us. Yeah. Were to intervene layers for almost 10 years. I
do a lot of desk shifts at I do also gather feedback from our staff and and the star is having a stat. We've had lots of staff sessions throughout like before getting into. Before narrowing down the design options have bfore staff are incorporated in all of those. So there separate meeting so that they have more space to speak. And we have one coming up tomorrow actually for staff. So they will. And I don't I don't sit in those meetings that's for staff to share what they say. So. And then just wanted to add our survey materials have been translated into Somalia as well because we have a lot of families that come and then in terms of supporting space, we also rides stuff like that. Just heard space. Thank you, chair chose and I really appreciate
you councilmember That question because I think that's as a council member, especially representing this board. I get question all the time of when we talk about engagement. Is the lines. They're being engage in Howery being transparent about that. And also just being more intentional around like we MAY be missing someone, right. And what are some presses are pathways and I've always share just being a partner and being proactive around, you inviting people into those conversations and working with you on it. My question, particularly, you know, all on that same vein, if you can just it's explicitly clear, particularly around what who who makes up the core team. And, you know, I understand it
You know, I have my. My monthly meetings prior to the library meeting with the director Maureen. But now for my knowledge, say there, there's no money for my office. That's on that And I don't know if that's just like a pass. Er, like if you want be solely operations and also understanding that this is a new administration. And I will be curious to know, just if there's anyone for mayor hers team as assistant mayor. That's also part of that just so we can just make sure like trains are moving. And you know, there's not like things flag later in a process where just like will head had we known writer had my office known like we could have been
able to to and help solve some some challenges. thank you for that. So. So the core team is really the operational focus in the library. So happy to continue to meet with eu monthly as we are. I tink we also have something on your calendar so you can come review the plans and give us feedback. Thus in this. And of course, I updated my boss, Assistant Mayor Jody Fire at a regular basis. So on our focus with that car team, I think we have we need on that. But I welcome continuing to provide updates at this meeting and to the mayor's office says they request them. Were we to come up with any challenges that we couldn't solve? We would certainly reach out to the folks that we MAY need to
engage her there. Whenever we do, a renovation are kind of core operational team focused Process, right and incorporating the feedback that we've received outside of the meeting into our next steps. We're focused on timeline and ensuring that we have what we need in order make sure that the Reno library can reopen on time and on budget. Who is on the current court document? Yeah. A I thank Thank you. That was a to live with You. I know that okay. So Alex Riley's on the court saying I'm on the court. He Merlino kitchen coup. Joshua Schaffer, our deputy direction of operations is on the core team. Our deputy director of Public Services. Rebecca Ryan is on the core team. And an optional members recent much Our technology manager.
Thank And then another thing I'll add to about the infant is I sent in invites to our coffee and community events to one members. So, you know, everybody was on the e-mail list and they can also pali as well. But just making sure that all of our partners inviting folks to come. And last week we had one us come to universe feedback sessions to to stay here and see what was going So people are coming in showing up in a encourage it to spread the word as well. I think I left off We were finishing up community engagement. Alex mentioned already all of our materials have Somali translations. Next steps are furniture and flooring selections, which are under way. And then we have some eterior signage at Rondo location. Just about the fact that the building is closed
for renovations next steps. And a lot of this provided by our design prtners msr. And so some of these I might not be able to answer questions about some of it. But next steps would be some more community engagement between now and end of MARCH. We'll be reviewing some schematic designs and cost estimate in MARCH. And then in APRIL, all the construction documents will be completed and then May and JUNE bidding and contracting processes for the actual work will begin. And so those are the ones that might not be able to answer specific questions about. Believe that. There any additional questions we're happy to hear. Thank you so much. Any other questions, comments from fellow board members. That's where we thank you, chair. Just at comment. Just super
excited. And really really excited for what the round library's gonna have in store. My question, particularly. Just it's not more so around the renovations, but more so around, like how the renovation plans parallel with also the safety plans understanding that we're we're in this position right now because of some of the the safety challenges, the substance abuse we've seen in that community. The unsheltered communities and just really not really have in place to go now using these public spaces, not for intended purpose. And I know that's probably a whole other slide within itself. So I'm not going to expect you to deliver, know, you extensive response, but I do want make sure that is at the forefront Reyes. We're making these changes Howery
also updating the public around how the space now only structurally will make it make the library say for but how we're going to have management re. Is there any updates in terms of like change of management think about policy, you know, having stronger regulations. We at this point in time, once Rondo Library comes back, I believe will be a year and a half of having our library safety staff. So many of them, you know, imagine be a little bit more more experience, right? So I'm just curious to know of just how that safety aspect will be implemented. It can take to some of that. So one of te things I think I think mentioned earlier, but we're not. We still have eyes on the corner there's still stuff I'm working out of that building were in mobile library in
there. Safety manager then also just kind of highlight some of the work that we did before the move took place, which was partnering one of us of some neighborhood safety our partners. And as ppd to support that area. So there are a lot of Safety issues for staff, but also safety issues patrons that we responded to. The situation in that specific coroner has actually improved and the neighbor that corner and so I'm having seen the change just from last year at this time. Till now is kind of night and day. In terms of what we're seeing on the corners and then we're continuing to it like I do weekly me or one of my staff does a sheltered and unsheltered meeting with other word one service providers
that knd of keeps us updated what's happening in the And so right now we're hearing more of the overdoses are happening in Minneapolis and not as much on a steep hillside. And so keeping. Just keeping an eye on safety in general. Have any other. Story. Thanks, turtles. Really appreciate just that. That recounting. Commissioner Bowie about safety. And that really being one of the hearts of the project here. Agree with that, too. And I was wondering, director haven't can speak a bit to water. What are the spaces that maybe you or staff member from the mayor's office is involved in in terms of conversation with like maybe Metro some of those other partners about safety. And
kind of thinking that because the boundary library is temporally closed. Now maybe we're seeing less foot traffic. And at that corner, not sure how you can correct me. I'm on the court. Just said if you have a status update on that, I think it it the helpful to know. But one of the things I've always said that the people here is I'm really clear about not wanting from library to be scapegoated for, you know that what we're seeing it. And that particular intersection and I still stand firmly in that. And so I'm just curious about what other larger conversations I have happened here on safety. Come summer. Ian, thank you for that qestion. I don't know that I'm quite the right person in the city to answer
the questions about where are all the safety intersections? I worked very closely with the Office of Neighborhood Safety. Its new director, Saint Paul public say Police Department fire department familiar faces hard team. So and the county in the Metro transit are kind of looped into that. But think that's probably much larger question, right? Just for the start of the administration in general, as how are we operating those pieces? I done what's working well and what our plan, you know, as the weather gets warmer. Yeah, I think I's great that you are in connection with a lot of City departments are ready. And I just mean that for me personally, commissioner, believe that this would be something I wanted just like
asked you to to look more into the those spaces where those caught larger conversations with other entities are happening that way. We can continue being an advocate for our city. Also see public libraries to and really involved in the conversation. Thank you concerning because for Thank Commissioner chair just wanted to share on that again. I know last year was really into really helping to at capacity to what already exists. I'm not reinventing the well because this is in a vacuum. There's been way before me tons of efforts from our departments and our other
agencies. I know in the last year there was incredible investment from Iran county sheriffs to be there where they had a large presence. We saw some changes. We also heard from are the chief of the Metro Transit. And they had incredible amount of resources for community resource officers. So we've seen we've seen a large presence on that corner of of law enforcement from Moscow agencies. One of the things that one of the gaps I realize from last year really intentional for this year is involving in dc involving our small businesses. Actually this Friday, I'm going to have a meeting safety around the university corridor with businesses at awry and event center. East Africa
Businesses as well who? Now only have been having safety concerns around the operation, Metro surge, but also. Safety concerns around what's to come the summer, right in understanding that we haven't solved the Fed and all the fun crisis in. We want to be kown. Prepared right with a strategy. So and those are conversations I've committed to, particularly with this administration now that we have. more broader. Aministration at the at the top where working Witt system, Air Air cushion Walker and as well next You know, I see some capacity and also a lot of that conversation could come up in our budget, particularly
around a resource us look and also partnership. Community partnership is really key. I also have a meeting coming up with the directive o n s such baker in no jst getting some time for him to really, you know, take a leadership position to have a focus area around the university corridor. And I just want to just say, too, because I believe it's going to be tomorrow. We have the word one meeting. I anticipate being mayor, I know in the it has just organically was a coordinated with some of the department heads and for this year really intentional or around, you know, having this word one meeting, be a need up space, a meeting of the minds. So not just having meetings meetings, right, but really being planned, planned planning and being cordinator
around what the resources are. And last but not least, you know, really want to be intentional with the opioid to them in dollars and that conversation and looking to our departments to have a plan, just cause. This is not just isolated to just, you know. A knot responses. Also. This is also an area where we've seen no cime drugs. And we've seen complete blight, you know, on this corner. So just making sure all the people are at that table is important. Thank we. Did you have a comment that if there's 10 but there's maybe very quickly because I do want to make sure we have time before 2 o'clock meeting. There's just going thank we first presented in NOVEMBER, we talked about. how where the safety measures for library is not going to fix everything around it, but reinvigorating intentionally use the space that occupy now. And so kind
retooling that to make it. More library apparent. Silver bullet. Appreciate the conversation. I really want to looks and more Lena for up to library. A really excited to see. how we can brown center as well doing really well and having, you know, more folks showing up for homework help. That's really great to see. And I'm looking forward to hearing more about the continued progress around the library. It's also my understanding you're on track and on budget, which fantastic. And thanks to my colleagues to for, you know, the discussion in here. But the bigger picture, public safety. I think they'll be a great topic for us to explore the public safety Committee. It's just such a big city wde So thank you everyone for
joining us today. Ido want to just share that. Tomorrow is the big, the brave events where we're going or panel discussion on this year's Zone, a and invite everyone to come. Will be from 5.30, to 8 at Arlington Hills Library. And there's also going to be a catered dinner to Argentine chefs, which I think is new. I don't know that we since I've been here, we haven't done that. I think there's also dessert which I love this and then there will be a panel with youth panel that will also include the mayor will be facilitated by our director Oren Hartman. And then the author really Garber will also be there. Really looking forward to it, I plan
to be there as well. If you haven't read the book yet, you still can still at the library. You can listen to it. You can read on air tablet but a fantastic rate this year. So with nothing else to come before us, we are adjourned.