Escondido goes for state library bond

By: ERIN MASSEY - Staff Writer | Wednesday, January 7, 2004 10:39 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- Although they said they hated the idea of using city savings in the midst of a shaky economy, the City Council Wednesday couldn't resist the chance at $20 million in state library money.

The council unanimously supported a second bid for the city's share of the $350 million Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2000 that would allow the city to double the size of Escondido's main library at 239 S. Kalmia St.

But Councilmen Ron Newman, Ed Gallo and Tom D'Agosta all said they worried that cost estimates, which started at $24.2 million in 2002 and grew to $30.8 million in 2003, now show the project will cost the city $32.1 million if it is built by late 2006.

City staff told the council that members accidentally submitted the wrong figures to the council last week and that the city will have to promise $771,000 from general fund reserves instead of $441,000.

The council said it didn't like spending any money with the state budget in limbo and city funding at risk.

"I don't have any problem supporting the (library)," Newman said. "I just don't like where the money is coming from."

The council may not have to spend it anyway if the city doesn't win the state money. There is fierce competition for the $90 million available in the final round.

Just 18 of 61 applicants received funding in the first cycle in 2002 and only 16 out of 66 in the second cycle last year.

Escondido will probably have to compete with the $430 million in requests --- including Escondido's ---- that were turned down last year, said Fred Luedtke, deputy director of public works.

But the city is ready, added Librarian Laura Mitchell.

The city first crafted its five-volume application in 2002 but couldn't buy up all of the property needed to expand the library in time to meet the deadline.

In 2003, the city was ready and applied for the second round of funding. Escondido officials learned in October that they, along with Fallbrook and Encinitas, were turned down because they receive a "very good" rating while the winners ---- including the city of San Diego Main Library, which received $20 million ---- were given an "outstanding" rating.

Determined to improve, Mitchell and city officials reviewed their application with the state and made changes to strive for an excellent rating this time around, Mitchell told the council.

The changes include new programs to help fourth- and fifth-graders learn how to use the library for research, with pilot programs starting this month.

The application also promises expanded hours, especially on Sunday afternoons, she added.

Mitchell then showed the council more detailed design plans that allow for changes like a teen center that is three times larger, and more group study rooms and tutoring areas.

"This area is for the literacy tutoring program," Mitchell said, pointing to a second story room in the proposed 86,000-square-foot building. "Those people are tutoring in the hallways right now."

If the city receives the state money, it plans to begin construction in October 2005 and informally reopen the library in December 2006. The project will be completed by February 2007.

Contact staff writer Erin Massey at (760) 740-5416 or emassey@nctimes.com.