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ITEM 2

City Council Memorandum Community Services Memo No. CS24-006

Date:

November 9, 2023

To:

Mayor and Council

Thru:

Joshua H. Wright, City Manager
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager - CFO
John Sefton, Community Services Director

From:

Rachelle Kuzyk, Library Manager

Subject:

Purchase of Library Bookmobile/Techmobile

Proposed Motion:

Move City Council approve the purchase of a Library Bookmobile/Techmobile, from Farber Specialty Vehicles, utilizing Omnia Contract No. 128867, in the amount of $634,519.

Background/Discussion:

A bookmobile/techmobile will allow Chandler Public Library (CPL) to expand its footprint in the Chandler community in an adaptable and efficient manner, extending current service options to underserved communities, while also providing future service that can adapt to demographic shifts and changing community needs. The vehicle will make accessing library services more convenient and will increase the library's impact in neighborhoods across Chandler by creating new opportunities to collaborate with outside organizations through special events, school tours, and public stops.

This mobile unit will effectively become a fifth CPL branch, bringing services and resources to residents in communities without easy access to these opportunities otherwise. The cost to build a new library branch can vary greatly, requiring a commitment at minimum of tens of millions of dollars. Acquiring a bookmobile/techmobile as a moving, accessible branch accomplishes many of the same goals for a fraction of the price. From a statistical standpoint, the library anticipates an increase in number of cards issued, circulation of materials, program participation, in-house visits, and collection turnover rate. From a human services standpoint, however, the potential for impact is even greater through cultural and social connections with residents, enhancement to neighborhood quality of life, and overall community wellness. In addition to being an innovative and convenient library service point for all community members, with 11 Title 1 schools in Chandler and more than 40% of residents earning less than the median household income, there is a socioeconomic need within the City of Chandler to remove barriers to library access and simultaneously increase literacy opportunities.

CPL requests purchase a coach model bookmobile/techmobile to use as a fifth library branch, which will be purchased thanks to the generosity of up to $135,000 in funding from the Friends of Chandler Library and Intel Corporation funds from an annual contribution tied to the company's facility expansions. There is currently a two-year lead time on the design and build of the vehicle; the proposed Council action will secure a delivery date in 2025. A future budget decision package in the appropriate fiscal year will be submitted for the project operations and maintenance costs of the vehicle once it is in service.

Services that will be available in the mobile library include, but are not limited to:

Collaboration across city departments, creating a wholistic service for Chandler residents
STEM/STEAM instruction and programs
Job search assistance
Makerspace equipment
Storytime on-the-go
Browsing collections
Holds pickup
Roaming reference service
Referrals to city services
Participation in community events
Mobile connectivity
Technology instruction and equipment loans
Heat relief supplies

The proposed hours of operation for the bookmobile/techmobile once it is in service are:
Monday-Thursday
10 AM - 6 PM (230 PM - 530 PM after school stops) 54 hours/wk
Friday-Sunday
Community and Special Events

The mobile unit will be staffed with existing CPL full-time and part-time/temporary employees; no additional full-time equivalent positions are requested at this time. Parking for the techmobile/bookmobile is being incorporated into the Council-approved project, currently in design, for enhancements to the east side of Delaware Street south of Chandler Boulevard.

Evaluation:

Omnia competitively solicited and awarded a contract for specialty vehicles, equipment, and accessories. The City has a current agreement with Omnia allowing for the cooperative use of its contracts. The Omnia contract is valid through November 30, 2024.

Financial Implications:

This project is entirely funded by grants and related contributions. $500,000 is coming from funds received from Intel Corporation designated for library technology enhancements. The remaining approximately $135,000 is coming from the nonprofit Friends of the Library through the Library Trust Fund. Funding for ongoing operational costs related to using this vehicle (e.g., fuel, program supplies, licenses and/or subscriptions, generator/solar panel repairs), will be included in the future fiscal year in which the vehicle is projected to be delivered.

Fiscal Impact

Account No.

Fund Name

Program Name

Dollar Amount

CIP Funded Y/N

417.4580.6310.0.6PR658.0

Capital Grants

Mobile Library Branch

$500,000

836.4580.6310.0.6PR658.0

Library Trust

Mobile Library Branch

$134,519

Attachments

Book/Tech Mobile Proposed Pictures