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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24 - Central Library Lecture Hall Building Design — Approval of Professional Services Agreement (19F11) - Correspondence - Received after Agenda PrintedReceived After Agenda Printed November 19, 2019 Item No. 24 From: Beth Luce <bethluce@cox.net> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 2:03 PM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: Newport Beach library lecture hall Newport BeachCity Council Dear Council Members: I am writing in support of the proposed building of the Library Lecture Hall. I believe it's important for our city to continue to invest in the cultural and educational needs of our community and the proposed Library Lecture Hall would be a great addition to our city. Thank you, Beth Luce Sent from my Wad From: Kost, Kurt <kurt.kost@rbc.com> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 2:07 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall I am in full support of the new lecture hall at the Newport Beach library. I think this will be a huge asset to our city and provide many great opportunities for our community. Please support this important initiative for our city! Thank you Kurt Kost Kurt Kost, Senior Financial Associate j Kost Investment Group RBC Wealth Management j 610 Newport Center Car. Ste 900 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.720.8973 direct j 714.612.5562 mobile j 888.720.8949 toll free ( 949.640.2931 fox kurt.kost@rbc.com j www.kostinvestmentgroup.com https://www.facebook.com/kostinvestment.group r .IFIVIRI III,IN . - • RBC Wealth Management does not accept buy, sell, or cancel orders by email, or any instructions by email that would require your signature. Please visit Rsc Wealth Management Email Disclosures for material details about our products and accounts, as well as for other important information. Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Disclosure information regarding potential conflicts of interest on the part of RBC Capital Markets, LLC in connection with companies that are the subject of any third -party research report included in this email message may be found at Third -Party Research Disclosures. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. From: Masako Morita <masako@ocwomenschorus.org> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 12:53 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New performance space Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: I am writing this because I am excited about the possible new performance and lecture hall in Newport Beach. I heard you are meeting on Nov. 19 on that. Here is why I think a new performance hall is important. Wlth so much bad news covering on the first page of the newspaper everyday, I seriously believe that people need to see and hear good (music for me) to neutralize the bad. iTune, Spotify, Amazon music, " the wire" provides us with music. But wire is not good enough. I believe that people feeling the moment and vibration of music together in one place has significant impact on their human brains and hearts and social aspects, which benefit ones' well being. Would you please help create a hall where people can gather and being in the moment of goodness together. Masako Morita Orange County Womens' Chorus From: Randy Luce <rluce@missionpacific.com> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 10:36 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall Newport Beach City Council Dear Council Members: I'm writing in support of the proposed Library Lecture Hall and ask that you support such a worthy investment in our community. Cultural and educational facilities such as the Lecture Hall enhance the social fabric of our community and would be a great asset to our city. Please vote in favor of moving the project forward. Sincerely, Randall Luce 25 Lochmoor Lane Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Allison Hieger <allison@ocwomenschorus.org> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 9:22 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Mary Langsdorf, Eliza Rubenstein Subject: Support for Proposed Lecture Hall/Performance Space Attachments: Letter of Support -Orange County Women's Chorus.docx Dear Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: The Orange County Women's Chorus is in full support of the approval of a new lecture hall/performance space at the Newport Beach Public Library. We feel that the arts community in Orange County is in great need of a high quality, small to mid-sized space that offers excellent acoustics for live performances. Please see our attached letter of support for this project and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I appreciate your help and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Allison Hieger Allison K. Hieger Executive Director Orange County Women's Chorus 23802 Avenida de la Carlota Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (917) 309-0603 (cell) allison(&ocwomenschorus.org www. ocwomenschoru".or ORANGE COUNTY womens Eliza Rubenstein ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 chorusr November 13, 2019 Dear Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: We are writing to you to advocate for approval of the new lecture hall/performance space at the Newport Beach Public Library. We represent the singers and artistic team of the Orange County Women's Chorus. Though we come from 22 communities in Orange County, as well as from communities in Los Angeles, San Diego County, and San Bernardino counties, Newport Beach has been our home on Tuesday nights and performance weekends for 22 seasons. You have already heard from the president of our Board, but we wanted to add our voices as you consider making this important addition to the Newport Beach community. We are excited about the new lecture/performance space planned for the Newport Beach Public Library as outlined in the LA Times/Daily Pilot article, and we are hopeful that this space will include acoustics suitable for live, unamplified performances. With 275 seats and 50 overflow seats, the space would be a great size for many of the small arts organizations who are seeking performance venues. Orange County is desperately in need of a mid-sized performance space of 300 - 500 seats to accommodate these organizations. We hope you will support the approval of this project on November 19. 6Z&, Holm Allison Hieger, Executive Director V Eliza Rubenstein, Artistic Director From: ritavh@aol.com Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:03 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: (brown@newportbeachca.gov I am writing to express my support for building a Library Lecture Hall. The current Friends Room is inadequate for Newport Beach. Please vote on November 19 to move forward with the lecture hall planning. Thank you. From: Kristen Petros <petrosfam@roadrunner.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 2:54 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Nov 19 Council Hearing: Library Lecture Hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council; We have followed the progress of the proposed Central Library Lecture Hall expansion and are excited that the City Council will be considering an architect for the conceptual drawings at the November 19th hearing. We have both enjoyed attending speakers meetings and other events in the current space but have always felt the design is lacking. It is hard to see and hear the speakers given the flat floor in a long room. More than once, we could not even attend after coming to see a speaker because there was insufficient room. This speaks to the high quality of the speakers chosen but it would be great to be able to seat more of us. We have also read that there will be significant monetary support for the project from private sources, even though the Library is completely owned by the City. Please vote YES for this project as it will make a good program even better for the citizens of Newport Beach. Thank your your consideration. Sincerely, Kristen and Anthony Petros From: Susan Horner / Bruno <susan.hb@icloud.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 2:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall SUPPORT Dear Sirs/Mme: I have long attended so many events at the Central Library — presentations on Art, Music, Health, Finances. I am truly SO grateful for these wonderful offerings, educating, informing, and entertaining the public (mostly for free). However, the success of these programs has made the space difficult. I have sat on the floor in the rear to learn about health issues that concern me. I have had difficulty seeing some presentations, but visually and in terms of the A/V used. Thanks for considering the proposal — and my husband and I will look forward to the meeting on the 19th! Sincerely, Susan Bruno From: Wendy Franked <weafrank@road runner.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 1:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall Count me in as a supporter of the Lecture Hall. Wendy Frankel 13139th St. NewportBeach Sent from my iPhone From: Rhonda Watkins <rhondaw949@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 12:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: In -Support of Library Lecture Hall Dear Newport Beach City Council Members: I am writing to express my strong support for the Library Lecture Hall being considered for the City of Newport Beach. I believe the new structure is needed to facilitate the access to information disseminated within lectures. The current facility located within the library, while convenient, frequently inhibits proper visual and oral communication dissemination; as well as greatly inhibits the number of lecture/program participants/observers able to attend any given event. Please support the building of a lecture hall on the library property that can accommodate the number and caliber of the many programs offered by and through the Newport Beach Library; as well as those offered by many other organizations. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Rhonda Watkins 6408 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 231-9816 From: Jene Witte <jmwitte@cox.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 12:44 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall I have seen over and over, various local groups, that needed a larger hall, then the one that we have, That included the Boy Scouts, firemen, various public groups. A larger hall is a must for this locality, not a luxury. Jene Witte From: Sent: To: . Subject: Ellen Shockro <eshockro@gmail.com> Friday, November 15, 2019 8:41 AM Brown, Leilani Fwd: Support for lecture hall ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Ellen Shockro <eshockroggmail.com> Date: Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 8:38 AM Subject: Support for lecture hall To: <cit, council e,newportbeachca.gov> I am in full support of the lecture hall. Like everyone, I wish it could hold more people, but we desperately need a technologically up to date hall that will hold more people for many of the wonderful programs presented by the library. Ellen K. Shockro From: Anne Ring <aringading515@icloud.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 10:32 AM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall My husband and I are very much in favor of the above project. We have been closely involved with the main branch of the library, have attended many presentations in the Friends Room, and are aware of the limitations of the current facility. We both volunteer at the Used Book Store located on the Avocado premises which raises funds for the library program. The public library is a very important asset to our community, and one of which we are very proud. In the more than 30 years that we have resided in this city, we have watched with approval and pride the improvements in the library, the city hall, the fire department, and other Newport facilities. We can only hope that the Council will see fit to continue with the recent upgrades in facilities and approve the proposed Lecture Hall. Respectfully, Anne Ring Herbert Ring From: Dave Bird <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 1:22 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Dave Bird dave@dbirdfamily.com 208 Park Crest I do not think this expenditure is needed — Initial capital and ongoing maintainance . Has the city done any studies regarding projected usage of new facility or evaluated cost s to rent other Venues ( movie theater??) for specific events ? From: Harold Graham <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 10:00 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Harold Graham haroldgraham@me.com 2541 Bayshore Dr, Newport Beach 92663 It seems unnecessary, and inconsiderate of taxpayers and tax dollars, to create new facilities and not to fully use those already provided at significant taxpayer overrun cost. Use the existing and if the need is proved to be demonstrated, then spend moderately to modify existing space within the more than ample building in place. STOP SPENDING SIGNIFICANTLY FOR NEW PROJECTS. MODIFY AND AJUST THINKING THAT A FEW MORE TAX DOLLARS IS INSIGNIFICANT. From: Rex Bailey <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 10:02 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Rex Bailey rtandclb@pacbell.net 611 LIDO PARK DR From: Jeffrey Jordan <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 11:33 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Jeffrey Jordan jeffjordanOI @icloud.com 4010 Channel Place, Newport Beach From: Edward V Lyon <info@reside ntsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:38 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Edward V Lyon val-lyon@sbcglobal.net 427 SAN BERNARDINO AVE NB CA 92663 This is very concerning to me. If the project, including the $700K for architectural work, was fully funded by private donations, then it should proceed. The Library Foundation should report to the council the exact amount of commitments it has received to cover the costs. Recent articles detailing the need for expanded dredging of the harbor seems like a more pressing issue for the council to be discussing and it would be better use of city funds. From: Thomas Loucks <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:56 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Thomas Loucks trloucks@yahoo.com 2007 Yacht Vigilant A rainy day is coming and it is time to start saving money. You are going to need this 8 million dollars to help cover the bloated public pensions which I also hope you will get under control. From: Michelle Mortensen <info@reside ntsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:58 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Michelle Mortensen michelle225@hotmail.com 1518 Galaxy Drive Don't spend our money on stuff we don't need or want! From: Jay R. Zubrin < info@residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:50 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Jay R. Zubrin jzubrin@yahoo.com 1973 Vista Del Oro Newport Beach CA, 92660-3927 There are enough available facilities in Newport Beach to accommodate the proposed number of lectures. The need and cost of this Lecture Hall , represents the same flawed thinking of the use of 'other peoples money"that resulted in the present City Hall Complex.If it is really needed place the choice on a ballot. From: Bob Hamilton <bhamilton@vtglaw.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:20 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Karina Hamilton; Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall I am writing to express my support for building a Library Lecture Hall. The current Friends' Room is inadequate for Newport Beach. Please vote on November 19 to move forward with the Lecture Hall planning. Thank you. Robert and Karina Hamilton TAX ADVICE: Any U.S. tax advice contained in this e-mail or the attachments is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for (i) the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to any other person any transaction or matter addressed in this email or the attachments. The contents of this email and the attachments is limited to the matters specifically addressed and is not intended to address other potential tax consequences or the potential application of tax penalties to this or any other matter. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this electronic e-mail and any accompanying attachment(s) is intended only for the use of the intended recipient and may be confidential and/or privileged. If any reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, unauthorized use, disclosure or copying is strictly prohibited, and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by return e-mail, and delete the original message and all copies from your system. Thank you. From: Dan Miller <dmiller@irvinecompany.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:19 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Fwd: Library Lecture Hall Dear Mayor Dixon and Members of the City Council, We understand that the Agenda of the City Council meeting of November 19, 2019 includes approval of the form of a proposed Amendment to the Special Land Use Restrictions (SLUR) between the City and the Irvine Company concerning the Central Library parcel in Newport Center. The purpose of the Amendment is to enable the use of a Lecture Hall on the Library parcel. The Irvine Company has negotiated the terms of the Amendment with the City and supports a Lecture Hall use on the Library Parcel consistent with such terms. The plans and specifications of any such facility and appurtenances will of course also be subject to the approval rights of the Irvine Company under the SLUR as amended. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. Very truly yours, Dan Miller Senior Vice President Notice to recipient: This e-mail is only meant for the intended recipient of the transmission, and may be a confidential communication or a communication privileged by law. If you received this e-mail in error, any review, use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. Please notify us immediately of the error by return e-mail and please delete this message from your system. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. From: Barbi Foley <barbifoley@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 8:44 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall I vote yes on the Library Lecture Hall. B Foley From: Greer Beach <greerbeach@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 7:27 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: NEW LECTURE HALL Please vote YES on the new lecture hall. It will broaden Newport's cultural opportunities!! Linda Greer Beach Sent from my Whone From: Linda Oeth <lindaoeth@adelphia.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 2:51 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall I am in favor of a new Library Lecture Hall, We need it, Linda Oeth From: Greer Beach <greerbeach@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 7:26 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NEW LECTURE HALL Please vote YES on the new lecture hall. It will broaden Newport's cultural opportunities!! Linda Greer Beach Sent from my Whone From: Tiffany Erica McCain <tiffanyericamccain@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 1:59 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Library Lecture Hall Dear City Council Members, I support a yes vote on the library lecture hall. Thank you, Tiffany ,From: John Garcia <johng@jmgarch.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 1:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support of Library Lecture Hall To: Newport Beach City Council Subject: Support of Library Lecture Hall Dear Council Member: I want to go on record as strongly supporting the proposed Library Lecture Hall Improvement Project that will come before the City Council at your November 191 meeting. I've attended several Witte Series lectures in the past but have also missed several due to sold out events. Continued improvements for the benefit of the Library Foundation are especially important in these times of selective information sources, I urge the Council to approve. Thank you. Sincerely, John M. Garcia, 515 % Goldenrod Avenue, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 John M. Garcia, Principal JMG Architects P. O. Box 9942 Newport Beach, California 92658 E JohnG@JMGArch.com T (949) 873-8879 From: Carol Saindon Kerfoot <saindonkerfoot@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 9:56 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Re: Library Lecture Hall Please vote "YES" for the Library Lecture Hall. Carol Kerfoot From: Barbara Cline <clineb50@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 6:11 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall Dear Mayor Dixon and members of the City Council: I enthusiastically support the proposed lecture hall for the Central Library location and urge you to vote YES on Tuesday, November 19th. There are so many wonderful programs taking place almost continuously. Their popularity continues to grow and attendance exceeds the capacity of the current lecture hall, more often than not. The flat floor configuration means very poor sight lines, especially when it is crowded to capacity. The demand is there and the great programs are in place. Please support this long overdue addition to the Central Library campus. Sincerely, Barbara Cline 2102 East Balboa Blvd Newport Beach 92661 From: Linda Oeth <lindaoeth@adelphia.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 2:49 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall I am in favor of a new Library Lecture Hall, it is needed. Linda OEth From: Barbara Clarence <barbaraclarence@me.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 1:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote yes I am sending a plea to you to support a yes vote on the Library lecture hall.. I am a regular Witte lecture attendee And see this new lecture hall to be in important part of our community! Thank you very much Barbara Clarence 481 Alta Vista Way, Laguna Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Barry Elms <curfewplug@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 12:25 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Dear City Council Members, I support a yes vote on the library lecture hall. Sincerely, Barry Elms From: LOIS MACHIDA <lolom@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 11:20 AM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: Support of Proposed Lecture Hall, Newport Beach Public Library Although I live in and support Costa Mesa, I am a 15 -year FOTL bookstore volunteer at Newport Beach Public Library. During those years I have attended many events in the library's community room, some of which were 'standing room only' (as allowed). Please give your support to the proposed lecture hall as it will add to the value of the library, its patrons and to the community. Thank you for this consideration. Sincerely, Lois W. Machida 933 Dahlia Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626 From: Greg Hirsch <greg.hirsch@verizon.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 8:18 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: (brown@newportbeachca.gov Members of the City Council: My name is Gregory Hirsch and I live in Newport Beach. Please know that I support the Library Lecture Hall addition that is under consideration. The existing facility is not adequate and our fine City can easily attract talented speakers who can fill the seats. Thank you for your consideration of my opinion and for all you do to help make Newport Beach a wonderful place to live. Regards, Gregory L. Hirsch From: Dondico <dondico@aol.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 11:31 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Lecture Hall Support Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council Please count me in support of the proposed Lecture Hall for the City Library. While social media has its place, communities need places to have face-to-face dialogues and this presents an ideal opportunity for the city to provide such a place I am as resident of Newport Beach residing in Newport Coast. Best regards, Don DiCostanzo From: CAROLYN COSGROVE <carolynj2007@mac.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 4:29 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: YES on a lecture hall! As a frequent Library user, ProLiteracy tutor and Friends Bookstore volunteer, I know how much this would mean to the community as focal point for all things. Things that would get people off their electronics and into a vibrant reality. Please vote YES. CAROLYN COSGROVE 7 Via Palladio Newport Coast, CA 92657 949.702.4045 From: Jan Oates <janloates@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 12:16 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall My name is Jan Oates and I have been a volunteer in the Newport Beach Library for 12 years with the Friends of the Newport Beach Library and The Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy non-profit. With both organizations, we regularly require the existing Friends Room as well as outside locations when the Friends Room will not accommodate our needs to raise money for the respective organizations. Unfortunately and often, the Friends Room is not adequate for our fundraising events. We need a professional Lecture Hall that meets the needs of our ever growing events to raise money for the Library and Literacy programs. Our library has become the gem of Newport Beach and I believe we need for a multitude of reasons to be able to accommodate popular, respected authors, many of which write best sellers and earn Pulitzer and other writer awards and attract more attendance to our terrific programs. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on the reasons the new Library Lecture hall is required to accommodate our citizens, members and the City Regards, Jan L. Oates 949.922.2980 "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Benjamin Franklin From: Anne Ring <aringading515@icloud.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 10:18 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: LBrown@newportbeach.gov Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall My husband and I are very much in favor of the above project. We have been closely involved with the main branch of the library, have attended many presentations in the Friends Room, and are aware of the limitations of the current facility. We both volunteer at the Used Book Store located on the Avocado premises which raises funds for the library program. The public library is a very important asset to our community, and one of which we are very proud. In the more than 30 years that we have resided in this city, we have watched with approval and pride the improvements in the library, the city hall, the fire department, and other Newport facilities. We can only hope that the Council will see fit to continue with the recent upgrades in facilities and approve the proposed Lecture Hall. Respectfully, Anne Ring Herbert Ring From: Ellen Shockro <eshockro@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 8:39 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for lecture hall I am in full support of the lecture hall. Like everyone, I wish it could hold more people, but we desperately need a technologically up to date hall that will hold more people for many of the wonderful programs presented by the library. Ellen K. Shockro From: Lindsie Hardy <blueflame7@me.com> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 7:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support of New Performance Space Dear Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: I am writing to you to advocate for approval of the new lecture hall/performance space at the Newport Beach Public Library. I am a singer in the Orange County Women's Chorus, and we rehearse every Tuesday in Newport Beach. The OCWC performs 3 programs annually and we will be performing at the Western Division Conference of the American Choral Directors' Association this coming March! We were recognized as an Outstanding Arts Organization by Arts Orange County in 2014. We were a prize winner at the International Eistoddfod (festival) in Llangollen, Wales in 2015, and we toured the UK in 2015 and the Pacific Northwest and Canada in 2018. Our choir has grown over the last 22 years from a dozen members to more than 60, and we are impacting the community in a positive way. But we are running out of room! I am in strong support of having this new performance space built because it has been difficult for us to fit our audience members in some of our other venues, and still maintain a space with great acoustics. Having a mid-sized performance space of 300-500 seats would benefit our choir, as well as many other performing groups in the area! Singing in a high-quality performance space makes such a difference and can help bring the music to life. I hope you will support the approval of this project on November 19. Thanks so much, Lindsie Hardy Singer, Orange County Women's Chorus From: Gordon Beach <gbeach07@me.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:47 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall I support the proposed Lecture Hall at the Library From: Patricia Schuler <schuler.newport@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 3:53 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall - YES!!! To the Honorable City Council, Newport Beach CA I am very much in favor of the new lecture hall. I think it's a great idea. I have lived in Newport Beach for over 40 years and go to the events at the library on a regular basis. Please approve the new lecture hall. Thank you. Patricia Schuler 280 Cagney Lane #316 Newport Beach CA 92663 From: Louise Costa <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 4:01 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Louise Costa louisecosta@att.net 1212 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach 92660 This expenditure does not make any sense when there are alternatives available. November 19, 2019, Council Item 24 Comments The following comments on an item on the Newport Beach City Council agenda are submitted by: Jim Mosher ( iimmosher(a)-yahoo.com ), 2210 Private Road, Newport Beach 92660 (949-548-6229) Item 24. Central Library Lecture Hall Building Design - Approval of Professional Services Agreement (19F11) Although this item occupies 237 pages of this meeting's initial 1292 -page agenda packet, the actual staff report is just 14 pages long, with the remainder consisting of public comments pro and con. The staff report is unusual in that according to the agenda, and Recommendation "c)" of the report, the Council is being asked to approve a $637,670 professional services agreement with "RCA of Newport Beach, California," but as best I can tell the Council is not being shown a copy of the agreement it is being asked to approve. And only from the staff report does one learn "RCA" is shorthand for "Robert Coffee Architects + Associates," which from contract C- 8121-1 is more correctly "Robert Coffee Architect + Associates" (Mr. Coffee is, apparently technically a sole proprietor). Rather incredibly, not even the preliminary concepts shown to the Library Lecture Hall Design Committee, and on which they based their recommendation, or the concepts of any of the other architects who were interviewed, or what their relatively costs would be, are being shared with the Council or the public. The staff report has several other unusual features. It mentions Council endorsement of "support for this project and the architect team selection process" at the March 12, 2019, study session. I was under the impression study sessions were for the purpose of exchanging information, not for Council action. Although not entirely clear from the report, the RFP was apparently sent to nine pre - chosen firms rather than openly advertised. • The RFP was apparently not reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees. Instead, after the RFP had been mailed, the Council appointed the separate LLHDC to make all recommendations regarding the project. In addition to not providing the "RCA" proposal, or anything about it, no information is provided about the alternatives the Council may have to choose from, including who they were, what they would cost or why they were not recommended. The agenda packet does contain a letter (pages 24-32 through 24-33) stating that the "The Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees stands united in support of the proposed Library Lecture Hall project.... The Board also support the selection of Robert Coffee Associates as the design architect for the facility." I believe the BLT voted to support the lecture hall concept at an early stage, and I have no doubt that they would endorse these positions if individually polled. However, I do not recall them ever taking a vote at a noticed meeting to recommend the choice of a particular architect. I understand the BLT feels it "delegated" any responsibility it might have over the LLH to the Council -appointed Design Committee. It is unclear to me that such delegation is consistent with the duties placed on the BLT by our City Charter. Nov. 19, 2019, City Council Item 24 Comments - Jim Mosher Page 2 of 2 I might also note that, to the best of my knowledge, this recommendation and the design criteria underlying it have not been reviewed by City Arts Commission, even though groups such as the OC Women's Chorus have offered letters of support and believe it would be a suitable venue for their performances. I am not at all sure it is being designed to accommodate groups of their size. Or, at least, that the need for that has been presented to the architect. I have, instead, the impression it is being designed pretty exclusively as a new and more upscale home for what was once called the Distinguished Lectures Series and is now called the "Witte Lectures" -- a function of the private Library Foundation, rather than of the public Library. Finally, I have not carefully reviewed the proposed revised land use agreement with the Irvine Company, but I do believe that a little below the middle of page 24-10, "complimentary' was intended to be "complementary." Also, since the existing Friends Room is used for some non - library functions, it would be good to be clear on what TIC's idea of unacceptable "conference center" uses is. From: Edna Yan <edna.yan@appdynamics.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 1:19 PM To: Brown, Leilani; Dept - City Council Subject: Yes!! Build the Lecture Hall Dear Newport Beach City Council Members: I am excited and very supportive to vote YES to build our much needed Library Lecture Hall! My family recently moved to Newport Beach and one of the main reasons is because we want our children to be in a community that can provide ideal recreational large space for events, lectures, musical and theatrical performance to enrich our children and community. My husband and I are strong supporters of the library over the last 7 years and we bring our kids to all the events and spend time at the library weekly. While we love our library, the current infrastructure is limited and we have the largest room in the central library is not spacious enough to have a large gathering. The new state of the art lecture hall will better serve the public and be welcomed by many of the new families (especially young families) to get together and learn. The new facility would be utilized by thousands of families and can help us to build a much stronger community. VOTE YES!!!! Edna Edna Yan ( Sr. Director. Global Talent - Sales 626 523 2267 t From: Carroll S. Seron <seron@uci.edu> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 10:34 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall Hello, I write in support of the proposed library lecture hall which will make an invaluable contribution to the breadth of NBPL's services and outreach. Since moving back to California in 2005, 1 have enjoyed every aspect of NBPL: it is a beautiful building to work in; the staff is warm and friendly; and, I've appreciated the ease with which I can request a book. In 2018, 1 retired from the faculty at UC Irvine. One of the first things I did was to join the Friends and to then volunteer to work in the NBPL Bookstore. My work at the bookstore is fun and gratifying—and, altogether different from my work as a faculty member which I deeply appreciate. Over the years, I have attended many of the Witte lectures and I am just now exploring other programs offered by the library. There have been times when I've not been able to secure a ticket for an event because it is sold out. This is great, but a new lecture hall will provide a space for slightly larger events to better serve our community. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Warmly, Carroll Carroll Seron Professor, Emerita University of California, Irvine Department of Criminology, Law & Society Irvine, CA 92637 Email: seron@uci.edu From: Barbara Clarence <barbaraclarence@me.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 1:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote yes I am sending a plea to you to support a yes vote on the Library lecture hall.. I am a regular Witte lecture attendee And see this new lecture hall to be in important part of our community! Thank you very much Barbara Clarence 481 Alta Vista Way, Laguna Beach From: Cynthia Phillips < info@ reside ntsfo rreform.com > Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 9:40 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Cynthia Phillips cynthiajphillips@msn.com 222 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar Please do not go forward with this project.?? From: Jeanine Fong <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 10:25 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Jeanine Fong jea,nineoro@yahoo.com 309 Vista Trucha, Newport Beach, Ca 92660 If there are other suitable available locations for lectures, we should definitely NOT be spending tax dollars on something that will be used by very few. From: Eric Phillips <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 12:05 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Eric Phillips ericmphillips@msn.com 222 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar Just because city has the money doesn't mean it should be spent. And even if you feel the need to spend the money-- is this the highest priority? Blessings, Eric Phillips From: Krahe Home <Krahe_Home@fkaild.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 12:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Linton, Meg Subject: NEWPORT BEACH LIBRARY LECTURE HALL Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am writing in support of the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall. Please approve for our community! THANK YOU, Marilyn Krahe From: LOIS MACHIDA <lolom@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 11:20 AM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: Support of Proposed Lecture Hall, Newport Beach Public Library Although I live in and support Costa Mesa, I am a 15 -year FOTL bookstore volunteer at Newport Beach Public Library. During those years I have attended many events in the library's community room, some of which were 'standing room only' (as allowed). Please give your support to the proposed lecture hall as it will add to the value of the library, its patrons and to the community. Thank you for this consideration. Sincerely, Lois W. Machida 933 Dahlia Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626 From: Sent: To: Subject: Members of the City Council: Greg Hirsch <greg.hirsch@verizon.net> Saturday, November 16; 2019 8:18 AM Dept - City Council (brown@newportbeachca.gov My name is Gregory Hirsch and I live in Newport Beach. Please know that I support the Library Lecture Hall addition that is under consideration. The existing facility is not adequate and our fine City can easily attract talented speakers who can fill the seats. Thank you for your consideration of my opinion and for all you do to help make Newport Beach a wonderful place to live. Regards, Gregory L. Hirsch From: Linda Oeth <lindaoeth@adelphia.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 2:49 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall I am in favor of a new Library Lecture Hall, it is needed. Linda OEth From: Wendy Franked <weafrank@road run ner.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 1:45 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall Count me in as a supporter of the Lecture Hall. Wendy Frankel 13139th St. NewportBeach Sent from my iPhone From: Jene Witte <jmwitte@cox.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 12:44 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library lecture hall I have seen over and over, various local groups, that needed a larger hall, then the one that we have, That included the Boy Scouts, firemen, various public groups. A larger hall is a must for this locality, not a luxury. Jene Witte From: Richard <richardsucca@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 5:02 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library lecture hall We are very much in favor of the new lecture hall at the library. Every lecturer we have gone to has been packed. We feel it would be a very valuable addition to the community. Cindy and Dick Succa Sent from my Phone From: Greer Beach <greerbeach@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 7:27 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: NEW LECTURE HALL Please vote YES on the new lecture hall. It will broaden Newport's cultural opportunities!! Linda Greer Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Linda Oeth <lindaoeth@adelphia.net> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 2:51 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall am in favor of a new Library Lecture Hall, We need it, Linda Oeth From: Greer Beach <greerbeach@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 7:26 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: NEW LECTURE HALL Please vote YES on the new lecture hall. It will broaden Newport's cultural opportunities!! Linda Greer Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Sent: To: Subject: Diane Baker 7061/2 Begonia Ave. Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Dear NB Council members: Diane Baker <diane.baker@diandden.net> Monday, November 18, 2019 11:33 PM Dept - City Council proposed library lecture hall I love the open space surrounding city hall and the public library! I also enjoy lectures by renowned authors, and was recently disappointed that tickets were sold out for the Distinguished Speaker sponsored by library foundation in January 2020— Doris Kearns Goodwin— before I reserved a pair. I support the addition of a larger auditorium to the library/city hall complex! Please support the proposal for a 275 seat facility at the Council Meeting tomorrow. Thank you, Diana Baa ,er From: Judy Lipton <judylipton483@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 10:40 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New Library meeting Room Please support the library construction of a new event space. Thank you, Judy Lipton, CDM Sent from my Whone From: Barbi Foley <barbifoley@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 8:44 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall I vote yes on the Library Lecture Hall. B Foley From: Robert Parker Elkins <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 7:44 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Robert Parker Elkins parker@yahoo.com 1455 Santa Barbara dr I oppose the 8 million dollar new theater From: Todd Miller <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:12 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Todd Miller tanddmiller789@hotmail.com 721 Poppy Ave, CDM It's kind of silly to spend additional taxpayer dollars when there are already very adequate venues in our community — try to spend our taxpayer dollars like it was your own money — what a novel concept! From: Stacy Belnap <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 6:55 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Stacy Belnap stacy2@cox.net From: Lori Elkins <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 7:41 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Lori Elkins lresurfer@gmail.com 1455 Santa Barbara dr I am opposed to this ludicrous library idea. From: Matthew lyon <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 6:01 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Matthew Lyon craiglyon@cicomm.bet 442 white cap lane NB 92657 From: Joan lyon <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 6:05 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept- City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Joan Lyon joanlyon64@yahoo.com 442 White Cap Lane Newport Coast Ca. 92657 From: Lynn Wiand <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 5:19 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Lynn Wiand cdmcry@aol.com 714 Marigold Ave CdM Enough is enough! From: Richard <richardsucca@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 5:02 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library lecture hall We are very much in favor of the new lecture hall at the library. Every lecturer we have gone to has been packed. We feel it would be a very valuable addition to the community. Cindy and Dick Succa Sent from my iPhone From: Gordon Beach <gbeach07@me.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:47 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall I support the proposed Lecture Hall at the Library From: Dave Bird <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 1:22 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Dave Bird dave@dbirdfamily.com 208 Park Crest I do not think this expenditure is needed — Initial capital and ongoing maintainance . Has the city done any studies regarding projected usage of new facility or evaluated cost s to rent other Venues ( movie theater??) for specific events ? Rieff, Kim From: Gail Jones <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 4:35 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Gail Jones gail@jonesindustry.com 219 Evening Star Newport Beach Please don't spend our tax dollars this way From: Rex Bailey <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 10:02 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept- City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Rex Bailey rtandclb@pacbell.net 611 LIDO PARK DR From: Harold Graham <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 10:00 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Harold Graham haroldgraham@me.com 2541 Bayshore Dr, Newport Beach 92663 It seems unnecessary, and inconsiderate of taxpayers and tax dollars, to create new facilities and not to fully use those already provided at significant taxpayer overrun cost. Use the existing and if the need is proved to be demonstrated, then spend moderately to modify existing space within the more than ample building in place. STOP SPENDING SIGNIFICANTLY FOR NEW PROJECTS. MODIFY AND AJUST THINKING THAT A FEW MORE TAX DOLLARS IS INSIGNIFICANT. From: Edward V Lyon <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:38 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Edward V Lyon val-Lyon@sbcglobal.net 427 SAN BERNARDINO AVE NB CA 92663 This is very concerning to me. If the project, including the $700K for architectural work, was fully funded by private donations, then it should proceed. The Library Foundation should report to the council the exact amount of commitments it has received to cover the costs. Recent articles detailing the need for expanded dredging of the harbor seems like a more pressing issue for the council to be discussing and it would be better use of city funds. From: Jeffrey Jordan <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 11:33 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Jeffrey Jordan j effj ordan0 l @icloud.com 4010 Channel Place, Newport Beach From: Thomas Loucks <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:56 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Thomas Loucks trloucks@yahoo.com 2007 Yacht Vigilant A rainy day is coming and it is time to start saving money. You are going to need this 8 million dollars to help cover the bloated public pensions which I also hope you will get under control. From: Michelle Mortensen <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:58 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Michelle Mortensen michelle225@hotmail.com 1518 Galaxy Drive Don't spend our money on stuff we don't need or want! From: Bob Hamilton <bhamilton@vtglaw.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:20 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Karina Hamilton; Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall I am writing to express my support for building a Library Lecture Hall. The current Friends' Room is inadequate for Newport Beach. Please vote on November 19 to move forward with the Lecture Hall planning. Thank you. Robert and Karina Hamilton From: Jay R. Zubrin <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:50 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Jay R. Zubrin jzubrin@yahoo.com 1973 Vista Del Oro Newport Beach CA, 92660-3927 There are enough available facilities in Newport Beach to accommodate the proposed number of lectures. The need and cost of this Lecture Hall , represents the same flawed thinking of the use of 'other peoples money"that resulted in the present City Hall Complex.If it is really needed place the choice on a ballot. From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council Members, Tiffany Erica McCain <tiffanyericamccain@gmail.com> Sunday, November 17, 2019 1:59 PM Dept - City Council Newport Library Lecture Hall I support a yes vote on the library lecture hall. Thank you, Tiffany From: Barbara Cline <clineb50@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 6:11 PM To: Dept: City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Proposed Lecture Hall Dear Mayor Dixon and members of the City Council: I enthusiastically support the proposed lecture hall for the Central Library location and urge you to vote YES on Tuesday, November 19th. There are so many wonderful programs taking place almost continuously. Their popularity continues to grow and attendance exceeds the capacity of the current lecture hall, more often than not. The flat floor configuration means very poor sight lines, especially when it is crowded to capacity. The demand is there and the great programs are in place. Please support this long overdue addition to the Central Library campus. Sincerely, Barbara Cline 2102 East Balboa Blvd Newport Beach 92661 From: Sent: Dondico <dondico@aol.com> Friday, November 15, 2019 11:31 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Lecture Hall Support Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council, Please count me in support of the proposed Lecture Hall for the City Library. While social media has its place, communities need places to have face-to-face dialogues and this presents an ideal opportunity for the city to provide such a place I am as resident of Newport Beach residing in Newport Coast. Best regards, Don DiCostanzo From: CAROLYN COSGROVE <carolynj2007@mac.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 4:29 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: YES on a lecture hall! As a frequent I,ibrary user, ProLiteracy tutor and Friends Bookstore volunteer, I know how much this would mean to the community as fecal point for all things. Things that would get people off their electronics and into a vibrant reality. Please vote YES. CAROL,YN COSGROVE 7 Via Palladio Newport Coast, CA 92657 949.702.4045 From: Jan Oates <janloates@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 12:16 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Library Lecture Hall My name is Jan Oates and I have been a volunteer in the Newport Beach Library for 12 years with the Friends of the ,Newport Beach Library and The Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy non-profit. With both organizations, we regularly require the existing Friends Room as well as outside locations when the Friends Room will not accommodate bur needs to raise money for the respective organizations. Unfortunately and often, the Friends Room is not adequate for our fundraising events. We need a professional Lecture Hall that meets the needs of our ever growing events to raise money for the Library and Literacy programs. Our library has become the gem of Newport Beach and I believe we need for a multitude of reasons to be able to accommodate popular, respected authors, many of which write best sellers and earn Pulitzer and other writer awards and attract more attendance to our terrific programs. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on the reasons the new Library Lecture hall is required to accommodate our citizens, members and the City Regards, Jan L. Oates 949.922.2980 "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Benjamin Franklin From: ritavh@aol.com Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:03 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: (brown@newportbeachca.gov I am writing to express my support for building a Library Lecture Hall. The current Friends Room is inadequate for Newport Beach. Please vote on November 19 to move forward with the lecture hall planning. Thank you. From: Louise Costa <info@reside ntsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 4:01 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Louise Costa louisecosta@att.net 1212 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach 92660 This expenditure does not make any sense when there are alternatives available. From: Patricia Schuler <schuler.newport@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 3:53 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Lecture Hall - YES!!! To the Honorable City Council, Newport Beach CA I am very much in favor of the new lecture hall. I think it's a great idea. I have lived in Newport Beach for over 40 years and go to the events at the library on a regular basis. Please approve the new lecture hall. Thank you. Patricia Schuler 280 Cagney Lane #316 Newport Beach CA 92663 From: Anne Ring <aringading515@icloud.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 10:32 AM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall My husband and I are very much in favor of the above project. We have been closely involved with the main branch of the library, have attended many presentations in the Friends Room, and are aware of the limitations of the current facility. We both volunteer at the Used Book Store located on the Avocado premises which raises funds for the library program. The public library is a very important asset to our community, and one of which we are very proud. In the more than 30 years that we have resided in this city, we have watched with approval and pride the improvements in the library, the city hall, the fire department, and other Newport facilities. We can only hope that the Council will see fit to continue with the recent upgrades in facilities and approve the proposed Lecture Hall. Respectfully, Anne Ring Herbert Ring From: Ellen Shockro <eshockro@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 8:41 AM To:. Brown, Leilani Subject: Fwd: Support for lecture hall . ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Ellen Shockro <eshockrokgmail.com> Date: Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 8:38 AM Subject: Support for lecture hall To: <citycouncil ,newportbeachca.gov> I am in full support of the lecture hall. Like everyone, I wish it could hold more people, but we desperately need a technologically up to date hall that will hold more people for many of the wonderful programs presented by the library. Ellen K. Shockro From: Rhonda Watkins <rhondaw949@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 12:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: In -Support of Library Lecture Hall Dear Newport Beach City Council Members: I am writing to express my strong support for the Library Lecture Hall being considered for the City of Newport Beach. I believe the new structure is needed to facilitate the access to information disseminated within lectures. The current facility located within the library, while convenient, frequently inhibits proper visual and oral communication dissemination; as well as greatly inhibits the number of lecture/program participants/observers able to attend any given event. Please support the building of a lecture hall on the library property that can accommodate the number and caliber of the many programs offered by and through the Newport Beach Library; as well as- those offered by many other organizations. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Rhonda Watkins 6408 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 231-9816 From: Susan Horner / Bruno <susan.hb@icloud.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 2:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall SUPPORT Dear Sirs/Mme: I have long attended so many events at the Central Library — presentations on Art, Music, Health, Finances. I am truly SO grateful for these wonderful offerings, educating, informing, and entertaining the public (mostly for free). However, the success of these programs has made the space difficult. I have sat on the floor in the rear to learn about health issues that concern me. I have had difficulty seeing some presentations, but visually and in terms of the A/V used. Thanks for considering the proposal — and my husband and I will look forward to the meeting on the 19th! Sincerely, Susan Bruno From: Kristen Petros <petrosfam@roadrunner.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 2:54 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Nov 19 Council Hearing: Library Lecture Hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council; We have followed the progress of the proposed Central Library Lecture Hall expansion and are excited that the City Council will be considering an architect for the conceptual drawings at the November 19th hearing. We have both enjoyed attending speakers meetings and other events in the current space but have always felt the design is lacking. It is hard to see and hear the speakers given the flat floor in a long room. More than once, we could not even attend after coming to see a speaker because there was insufficient room. This speaks to the high quality of the speakers chosen but it would be great to be able to seat more of us. We have also read that there will be significant monetary support for the project from private sources, even though the Library is completely owned by the City. Please vote YES for this project as it will make a good program even better for the citizens of Newport Beach. Thank your your consideration. Sincerely, Kristen and Anthony Petros From: Randy Luce < rluce@ mission pacific.com > Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 10:36 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Library Lecture Hall Newport Beach City Council Dear Council Members: I'm writing in support of the proposed Library Lecture Hall and ask that you support such a worthy investment in our community. Cultural and educational facilities such as the Lecture Hall enhance the social fabric of our community and would be a great asset to our city. Please vote in favor of moving the project forward. Sincerely, Randall Luce 25 Lochmoor Lane Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Allison Hieger <allison@ocwomenschorus.org> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 9:22 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Mary Langsdorf; Eliza Rubenstein Subject: Support for Proposed Lecture Hall/Performance Space Attachments: Letter of Support -Orange County Women's Chorus.docx Dear Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: The Orange County Women's Chorus is in full support of the approval of a new lecture hall/performance space at the Newport Beach Public Library. We feel that the arts community in Orange County is in great need of a high quality, small to mid-sized space that offers excellent acoustics for live performances. Please see our attached letter of support for this project and feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I appreciate your help and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Allison Hieger -------------------------------------------- Allison K. Hieger Executive Director Orange County Women's Chorus 23802 Avenida de la Carlota Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (917) 3o9 -o603 (cell) allison(@ ocwomenschorus. oriz www.ocwomenschoruLorg ORANGE COUNTY womens Eliza Rubenstein ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 chorus =�x � November 13, 2019 Dear Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: We are writing to you to advocate for approval of the new lecture hall/performance space at the Newport Beach Public Library. We represent the singers and artistic team of the Orange County Women's Chorus. Though we come from 22 communities in Orange County, as well as from communities in Los Angeles, San Diego County, and San Bernardino counties, Newport Beach has been our home on Tuesday nights and performance weekends for 22 seasons. You have already heard from the president of our Board, but we wanted to add our voices as you consider making this important addition to the Newport Beach community. We are excited about the new lecture/performance space planned for the Newport Beach Public Library as outlined in the LA Times/Daily Pilot article, and we are hopeful that this space will include acoustics suitable for live, unamplified performances. With 275 seats and 50 overflow seats, the space would be a great size for many of the small arts organizations who are seeking performance venues. Orange County is desperately in need of a mid-sized performance space of 300 - 500 seats to accommodate these organizations. We hope you will support the approval of this project on November 19. am,V'` VIM Allison Hieger, Executive Director Eliza Rubenstein, Artistic Director From: Masako Morita <masako@ocwomenschorus.org> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 12:53 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: New performance space Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: I am writing this because I am excited about the possible new performance and lecture hall in Newport Beach. I heard you are meeting on Nov. 19 on that. Here is why I think a new performance hall is important. WIth so much bad news covering on the first page of the newspaper everyday, I seriously believe that people need to see and hear good (music for me) to neutralize the bad. iTune, Spotify, Amazon music, " the wire" provides us with music. But wire is not good enough. I believe that people feeling the moment and vibration of music together in one place has significant impact on their human brains and hearts and social aspects, which benefit ones' well being. Would you please help create a hall where people can gather and being in the moment of goodness together. Masako Morita Orange County Womens' Chorus From: Kost, Kurt <kurt.kost@rbc.com> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 2:07 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall I am in full support of the new lecture hall at the Newport Beach library. I think this will be a huge asset to our city and provide many great opportunities for our community. Please support this important initiative for our city! Thank you Kurt Kost Kurt Kost, Senior Financial Associate I Kost Investment Group RBC Wealth Management ( 610 Newport Center Dr. Ste 900 1 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.720.8973 direct 714.612.5562 mobile 1 888.720.8949 toll free ( 949.640.2.931 fax kurt.kost@rbc.com www.kostinvestmentgroup.com https://www.facebook.com/kostinvestmentgroup From: Lindsie Hardy <blueflame7@me.com> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 7:05 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support of New Performance Space Dear Mayor Diane Dixon and council members of Newport Beach: I am writing to you to advocate for approval of the new lecture hall/performance space at the Newport Beach Public Library. I am a singer in the Orange County Women's Chorus, and we rehearse every Tuesday in Newport Beach. The OCWC performs 3 programs annually and we will be performing at the Western Division Conference of the American Choral Directors' Association this coming March! We were recognized as an Outstanding Arts Organization by Arts Orange County in 2014. We were a prize winner at the International Eistoddfod (festival) in Llangollen, Wales in 2015, and we toured the UK in 2015 and the Pacific Northwest and Canada in 2018. Our choir has grown over the last 22 years from a dozen members to more than 60, and we are impacting the community in a positive way. But we are running out of room! I am in strong support of having this new performance space built because it has been difficult for us to fit our audience members in some of our other venues, and still maintain a space with great acoustics. Having a mid-sized performance space of 300-500 seats would benefit our choir, as well as many other performing groups in the area! Singing in a high-quality performance space makes such a difference and can help bring the music to life. I hope you will support the approval of this project on November 19. Thanks so much, Lindsie Hardy Singer, Orange County Women's Chorus From: Beth Luce <bethluce@cox.net> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2019 2:03 PM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: Newport Beach library lecture hall Newport BeachCity Council Dear Council Members: I am writing in support of the proposed building of the Library Lecture Hall. I believe it's important for our city to continue to invest in the cultural and educational needs of our community and the proposed Library Lecture Hall would be a great addition to our city. Thank you, Beth. Luce From: Anne Ring <aringading515@icloud.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 10:18 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: LBrown@newportbeach.gov Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall My husband and I are very much in favor of the above project. We have been closely involved with the main branch of the library, have attended many presentations in the Friends Room, and are aware of the limitations of the current facility. We both volunteer at the Used Book Store located on the Avocado premises which raises funds for the library program. The public library is a very important asset to our community, and one of which we are very proud. In the more than 30 years that we have resided in this city, we have watched with approval and pride the improvements in the library, the city hall, the fire department, and other Newport facilities. We can only hope that the Council will see fit to continue with the recent upgrades in facilities and approve the proposed Lecture Hall. Respectfully, Anne Ring Herbert Ring From: Ellen Shockro <eshockro@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2019 8:39 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support for lecture hall I am in full support of the lecture hall. Like everyone, I wish it could hold more people, but we desperately need a technologically up to date hall that will hold more people for many of the wonderful programs presented by the library. Ellen K. Shockro ,From: John Garcia <johng@jmgarch.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 1:02 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Support of Library Lecture Hall To: Newport Beach City Council Subject: Support of Library Lecture Hall Dear Council Member. I want to go on record as strongly supporting the proposed Library Lecture Hall Improvement Project that will come before the City Council at your November 19th meeting. I've attended several Witte Series lectures in the past but have also missed several due to sold out events. Continued improvements for the benefit of the Library Foundation are especially important in these times of selective information sources, I urge the Council to approve. Thank you. Sincerely, John M. Garcia, 515 % Goldenrod Avenue, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Y.vdN iih'a John M. Garcia, Principal JMG Architects P. O. Box 9942 Newport Beach, California 92658 E JohnG@JMGArch.com T (949) 873-8879 From: Dan Miller <dmiller@irvinecompany.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 9:19 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Fwd: Library Lecture Hall Dear Mayor Dixon and Members of the City Council, We understand that the Agenda of the City Council meeting of November 19, 2019 includes approval of the form of a proposed Amendment to the Special Land Use Restrictions (SLUR) between the City and the Irvine Company concerning the Central Library parcel in Newport Center. The purpose of the Amendment is to enable the use of a Lecture Hall on the Library parcel. The Irvine Company has negotiated the terms of the Amendment with the City and supports a Lecture Hall use on the Library Parcel consistent with such terms. The plans and specifications of any such facility and appurtenances will of course also be subject to the approval rights of the Irvine Company under the SLUR as amended. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. Very truly yours, Dan Miller Senior Vice President From: Carol Saindon Kerfoot <saindonkerfoot@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2019 9:56 AM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Re: Library Lecture Hall Please vote "YES" for the Library Lecture Hall. Carol Kerfoot From: sherry pollack <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 7:02 PM To: info@ reside ntsfo rrefo rm.co m; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, sherry pollack sherrypollack@roadrunner.com 515 dahlia ave, cdm, ca 92625 Mr McCaffrey sent me an email regarding the proposal of the $8 million library Lecture hall. I do not know Mr. McCaffrey and his agenda, so I made time to speak with Mr Paul Watkins regarding this issue. He told me he is a lawyer involved with this project. During this conversation he said "we need a library atmosphere" for cultural events, that the library is the center of culture and the appropriate space for this. I do not agree with this, is there someplace at UCI to hold these events, The Pacific Club, Lido Theatre sounds pretty good too. His issue with the Lido Theater was that "he does not want to sip wine with a popcorn machine going", really? He expressed a strong point of view that he and his "like minded people" need a place to gather and sip wine". Well then they should join the Pacific Club! After our conversation I thought Mr Watkins and his "like minded people" should build this Library lecture Hall themselves and not tax dollars. I do not have an issue with the city making a minor contribution, this sounds like a private desire not a public one. Please respect my response and keep private to the city council. From: Lindell Marsh <Imarsh@Iindellmarsh.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2019 4:17 PM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: 2 Yes's for the Proposed Library Lecture Hall Newport City Council, My wife and I support construction of the proposed Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library Campus. If you have any questions or further information, please let us know. Lindell and Sheila Marsh 172 Westport Newport Beach, California From: Paul Watkins <paul@lawfriend.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 7:22 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Central Library Lecture Hall: Item XVIII. (Current Business), 24 (Central Library Lecture Hall Building Design ---Approval of Professional Services Agreement (19F11)) Dear Honorable Mayor Dixon and Honorable Council Members: What a relief!!! Thank Goodness that this will be one of the last emails you will have to endure on the Central Library Lecture Hall. Boise Cascade and Hewlett Packard's printer division have had a very good month indeed. Fellow Library lovers and I respectfully request your support this evening for the four actions making up Item 24 on the Agenda. The private/public partnership will result in a home for the Library's growing programming and guests. Thank you for favorably considering the Central Library Lecture Hall tonight. Sincerely, Paul Paul K. Watkins for Paul K. Watkins, APC 6408 West Ocean Front Newport Beach, CA 92663-1929 and 485 East 17th Street, Suite 600 Costa Mesa, CA 92627-4705 Of Counsel: Self & Bhomre Cell: (714) 403-6408 E -Mail: paul@lawfriend.com From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council Members, Barry Elms <curfewplug@gmail.com> Saturday, November 16, 2019 12:25 PM Dept - City Council Library I support a yes vote on the library lecture hall. Sincerely, November 19, 2019, Council Item 24 Comments The following comments on an item on the Newport Beach City Council agenda are submitted by: Jim Mosher (iimmosher(ayahoo.com ), 2210 Private Road, Newport Beach 92660 (949-548-6229) Item 24. Central Library Lecture Hall Building Design - Approval of Professional Services Agreement (19F11) Although this item occupies 237 pages of this meeting's initial 1292 -page agenda packet, the actual staff report is just 14 pages long, with the remainder consisting of public comments pro and con. The staff report is unusual in that according to the agenda, and Recommendation "c)" of the report, the Council is being asked to approve a $637,670 professional services agreement with "RCA of Newport Beach, California," but as best I can tell the Council is not being shown a copy of the agreement it is being asked to approve. And only from the staff report does one learn "RCA" is shorthand for "Robert Coffee Architects + Associates," which from contract C- 8121-1 is more correctly "Robert Coffee Architect + Associates" (Mr. Coffee is, apparently technically a sole proprietor). Rather incredibly, not even the preliminary concepts shown to the Library Lecture Hall Design Committee, and on which they based their recommendation, or the concepts of any of the other architects who were interviewed, or what their relatively costs would be, are being shared with the Council or the public. The staff report has several other unusual features. It mentions Council endorsement of "support for this project and the architect team selection process" at the March 12, 2019, study session. I was under the impression study sessions were for the purpose of exchanging information, not for Council action. • Although not entirely clear from the report, the RFP was apparently sent to nine pre - chosen firms rather than openly advertised. The RFP was apparently not reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees. Instead, after the RFP had been mailed, the Council appointed the separate LLHDC to make all recommendations regarding the project. In addition to not providing the "RCA" proposal, or anything about it, no information is provided about the alternatives the Council may have to choose from, including who they were, what they would cost or why they were not recommended. The agenda packet does contain a letter (pages 24-32 through 24-33) stating that the "The Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees stands united in support of the proposed Library Lecture Hall project.... The Board also support the selection of Robert Coffee Associates as the design architect for the facility." I believe the BLT voted to support the lecture hall concept at an early stage, and I have no doubt that they would endorse these positions if individually polled. However, I do not recall them ever taking a vote at a noticed meeting to recommend the choice of a particular architect. I understand the BLT feels it "delegated" any responsibility it might have over the LLH to the Council -appointed Design Committee. It is unclear to me that such delegation is consistent with the duties placed on the BLT by our City Charter. Nov. 19, 2019, City Council Item 24 Comments - Jim Mosher Page 2 of 2 I might also note that, to the best of my knowledge, this recommendation and the design criteria underlying it have not been reviewed by City Arts Commission, even though groups such as the OC Women's Chorus have offered letters of support and believe it would be a suitable venue for their performances. I am not at all sure it is being designed to accommodate groups of their size. Or, at least, that the need for that has been presented to the architect. I have, instead, the impression it is being designed pretty exclusively as a new and more upscale home for what was once called the Distinguished Lectures Series and is now called the "Witte Lectures" -- a function of the private Library Foundation, rather than of the public Library. Finally, I have not carefully reviewed the proposed revised land use agreement with the Irvine Company, but I do believe that a little below the middle of page 24-10, "complimentary' was intended to be "complementary." Also, since the existing Friends Room is used for some non - library functions, it would be good to be clear on what TIC's idea of unacceptable "conference center" uses is. From: Linda Crowley <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 2:08 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Linda Crowley Lrizcrowley@cox.net 69 Sea Island Drive PLEASE ... lets be fiscally responsible... we have so many options currently to pursue, including Segrestrom Hall in Costa Mesa, the high schools, Fashion Island Theatres, etc. From: Gordon Wanlass <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 2:29 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Gordon Wanlass gordon.wanlass@gmail.com 1700 Candlestick Lane, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Stop the uncontrolled spending! From: Christine Cook <christine@thoselowes.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 2:28 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Support for the proposed lecture hall at library Dear Newport Beach City Council members, I will be unable to appear at the meeting on November 19, but wanted to voice my deep support of the proposal to create a new lecture hall at our beloved library. I have been a Newport Beach resident for 53 years and a Friends of the Library volunteer for many of those, and I don't think we can overvalue the positive impact this and other improvements would have on our community. Thank you for your good works and for your attention. Most sincerely, Christine Cook Newport Beach From: Kathy Frazer <frazerka@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 3:40 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Lecture Hall Leilani: I had hoped to be at the meeting tonight in support of the lecture hall for the library, but an unexpected dental procedure has side lined me. Would you please forward this email to all the councilmembers? Dear council: It has been my pleasure and my husband's to attend many meetings at the Friends of the library room. The CERT meetings are held there, and that attendance is fine for that room. For the library lecture series , however, it is not. I was lucky enough to hear David Fromm before his tickets were sold out. I so wanted to hear Doris Kearns Goodwin but with only a 200 room capacity, her lectures sold out quickly, and I will not be able to hear her. Community events like these should not be like getting tickets to the Rolling Stones! There should be ample space in a local, public facility to enjoy these events. I have had the pleasure of attending lectures at other libraries, such as the Cerritos Public Library, and the lecture halls in those facilities hold many, many times what ours holds. Our Newport Beach Library serves a large, interested population. An extension of the library for a lecture hall is warranted, and quite frankly, even with the modest amounts currently charged, such a facility would collect revenues to offset any costs. Please support an lecture hall. Kathy and David Frazer 320 Island Avenue Newport Beach, Ca 92661 From: Kathy Frazer <frazerka@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 3:40 PM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: Lecture Hall Leilani: I had hoped to be at the meeting tonight in support of the lecture hall for the library, but an unexpected dental procedure has side lined me. Would you please forward this email to all the councilmembers? Dear council: It has been my pleasure and my husband's to attend many meetings at the Friends of the library room. The CERT meetings are held there, and that attendance is fine for that room. For the library lecture series , however, it is not. I was lucky enough to hear David Fromm before his tickets were sold out. I so wanted to hear Doris Kearns Goodwin but with only a 200 room capacity, her lectures sold out quickly, and I will not be able to hear her. Community events like these should not be like getting tickets to the Rolling Stones! There should be ample space in a local, public facility to enjoy these events. I have had the pleasure of attending lectures at other libraries, such as the Cerritos Public Library, and the lecture halls in those facilities hold many, many times what ours holds. Our Newport Beach Library serves a large, interested population. An extension of the library for a lecture hall is warranted, and quite frankly, even with the modest amounts currently charged, such a facility would collect revenues to offset any costs. Please support an lecture hall. Kathy and David Frazer 320 Island Avenue Newport Beach, Ca 92661 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 4:25 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Corona Del Mar library addition -----Original Message ----- From: Regina Lesley <glesley@roadrunner.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 4:16 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Corona Del Mar library addition I feel strongly that the council has spent enough money in Corona Del Mar on the Avocado Library and the new library near the fire station. If you think you need to spend more money how about the Mariner's Library getting a makeover? or the Balboa Peninsula? you should not be concentrating spending all of the library improvements on one end of town. Gina Lesley Sent from my Whone From: Krahe Home <Krahe_Home@fkaild.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 12:36 PM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Linton, Meg Subject: NEWPORT BEACH LIBRARY LECTURE HALL Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am writing in support of the Newport Beach Library Lecture Hall. Please approve for our community! THANK YOU, Marilyn Krahe From: Eric Phillips <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 12:05 PM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Eric Phillips ericmphillips@msn.com 222 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar Just because city has the money doesn't mean it should be spent. And even if you feel the need to spend the money-- is this the highest priority? Blessings, Eric Phillips From: Carroll S. Seron <seron@uci.edu> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 10:34 AM To: Dept - City Council Cc: Brown, Leilani Subject: Proposed Library Lecture Hall Hello, I write in support of the proposed library lecture hall which will make an invaluable contribution to the breadth of NBPL's services and outreach. Since moving back to California in 2005, 1 have enjoyed every aspect of NBPL: it is a beautiful building to work in; the staff is warm and friendly; and, I've appreciated the ease with which I can request a book. In 2018, 1 retired from the faculty at UC Irvine. One of the first things I did was to join the Friends and to then volunteer to work in the NBPL Bookstore. My work at the bookstore is fun and gratifying—and, altogether different from my work as a faculty member which I deeply appreciate. Over the years, I have attended many of the Witte lectures and I am just now exploring other programs offered by the library. There have been times when I've not been able to secure a ticket for an event because it is sold out. This is great, but a new lecture hall will provide a space for slightly larger events to better serve our community. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Warmly, Carroll Carroll Seron Professor, Emerita University of California, Irvine Department of Criminology, Law & Society Irvine, CA 92637 Email: seron@uci.edu From: Jeanine Fong <info@residentsforreform.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 10:25 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Jeanine Fong jeanineoro@yahoo.com 309 Vista Trucha, Newport Beach, Ca 92660 If there are other suitable available locations for lectures, we should definitely NOT be spending tax dollars on something that will be used by very few. From: Cynthia Phillips <info@ residentsforreform.com > Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 9:40 AM To: info@residentsforreform.com; Dept - City Council Subject: Concern about the library lecture hall Dear Mayor Dixon and City Council Members, I am unable to attend Tuesday's city council meeting and want my opinion added to the public record. Before stepping on the slippery slope of spending over $8 million on a new theater that will be used 7-8 times a year for 275 people. There's more important uses of our tax dollars. Sincerely, Cynthia Phillips cynthiajphillips@msn.com 222 Poppy Ave, Corona Del Mar Please do not go forward with this project.?? From: Barbara Clarence <barbaraclarence@me.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2019 1:18 PM To: Dept - City Council Subject: Please vote yes I am sending a plea to you to support a yes vote on the Library lecture hall.. I am a regular Witte lecture attendee And see this new lecture hall to be in important part of our community! Thank you very much Barbara Clarence 481 Alta Vista Way, Laguna Beach Sent from my iPhone From: Dan Holtz <dholtz@slgmortgage.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 11:17 AM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: I support the idea to have 275 Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus To Whom It May Concern, I support the idea to have the 275 seat Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus. This would be great for our community and my family would enjoy having access to the Lecture Hall. Dan Holtz 2000 Tahuna Terrace Corona del Mar, CA 92625 714-310-1220 * * * Customer Service is our 1 st Priority! If you would like to contact our customer satisfaction team please contact CUSTOMERSUPPORT@SLGMORTGAGE.COM ***. From: Rieff, Kim Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2019 7:42 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: I support the idea to have 275 Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus From: Dan Holtz <dholtz@slgmortgage.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 11:17 AM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>; Brown, Leilani <LBrown@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: I support the idea to have 275 Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus To Whom It May Concern, I support the idea to have the 275 seat Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus. This would be great for our community and my family would enjoy having access to the Lecture Hall. Dan Holtz 2000 Tahuna Terrace Corona del Mar, CA 92625 714-310-1220 From: Rieff, Kim Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2019 7:49 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Library lecture hall From: Vanessa D. Valdes <vdvaIdes @gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 20193:47 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Library lecture hall Dear City Council Members, I support a yes vote on the library lecture hall. Sincerely, Vanessa Vanessa D. Valdes AP Visual Arts & Social Studies Teacher Corona del Mar High School, Newport Beach, CA From: Rieff, Kim Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2019 7:30 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Corona Del Mar library addition -----Original Message ----- From: Regina Lesley <glesley@roadrunner.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6:21 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Re: Corona Del Mar library addition i talked about the spending on libraries not in general Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 19, 2019, at 4:15 PM, Regina Lesley <glesley@roadrunner.com> wrote: > I feel strongly that the council has spent enough money in Corona Del Mar on the Avocado Library and the new library near the fire station. If you think you need to spend more money how about the Mariner's Library getting a makeover? or the Balboa Peninsula? you should not be concentrating spending all of the library improvements on one end of town. > Gina Lesley From: Rieff, Kim Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2019 7:30 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Thank you for moving forward with lecture hall -----Original Message ----- From: Ruth Kobayashi <ruthkobayashi@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 8:51 PM To: Dept - City Council <CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Thank you for moving forward with lecture hall Dear City Council Members, Thank you.for moving forward with The Library Lecture Hall. Above all, this will be a venue that our community can be proud of ... that can build upon the civic center, which has truly become the central hub of the community. Our society desperately needs places to gather and things to bring us together and it's exciting to dream about the possibilities to come when the lecture hall is completed. Yours truly will put her $ where her mouth is and make sure to make a donation for the private funding in this public/private partnership, and will encourage others to do the same. Sincerely, Ruth Digital Enthusiast Sent from my Wad From: Dan Holtz <dholtz@slgmortgage.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 11:17 AM To: Dept - City Council; Brown, Leilani Subject: I support the idea to have 275 Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus To Whom It May Concern, I support the idea to have the 275 seat Library Lecture Hall on the Central Library campus. This would be great for our community and my family would enjoy having access to the Lecture Hall. Dan Holtz 2000 Tahuna Terrace Corona del Mar, CA 92625 714-310-1220 * * * Customer Service is our 1 st Priority! If you would like to contact our customer satisfaction team please contact CUSTOMERSUPPORT@SLGMORTGAGE.COM ***.