SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval and Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Ocala for Branch Library Services at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place (Budget Impact - None)
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Julia H. Sieg, Director |
Public Library System |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
In March 2019, representatives of the City of Ocala approached County and library representatives regarding their plans to develop a community center near the previous Pine Oaks golf course and charcoal plant. Their proposal was for this new community center to include a public library presence. On August 20, 2019, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners authorized the library to begin discussions with the Ocala Recreation and Parks department to develop a Memorandum of Understanding. Attached is the proposed Memorandum of Understanding and an LRM reflecting that the Memorandum of Understanding is “Approved as to Form”.
The Ocala Community Center will include space for a small public library, a gym, indoor walking trail, indoor play area, banquet facilities, multi-purpose rooms, and a fitness room. All construction costs and ongoing utilities and maintenance will be the responsibility of the City of Ocala. Additionally, the City of Ocala will purchase the library shelving needed to outfit the space. The Library will be responsible for furnishing and equipping the space and have asked the Friends of the Ocala Public Library for assistance in these expenses. The Library will also be responsible for the ongoing personnel costs of running the public library portion of the facility. The Friends of the Ocala Public Library have voted, unanimously, to include this library under their umbrella which will enable the library to seek some operational expenses for programming and supplies.
Construction of the facility, overseen by the City of Ocala, is expected to begin in January 2021 with ground breaking to occur within that month. There is a 471 day timeline until substantial completion is expected. The opening of the facility is anticipated to occur in spring 2022.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and authorize the chairman to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.
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