DATE: December 3, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Bringing More Books to Bonita: Moving Forward Toward a New Bonita-Sunnyside Library

SUMMARY:
Overview
On April 27, 1999 (21) the Board approved a Five-Year Library Facility Capital Improvement Plan that identified 12 priority projects for the replacement of out-dated library facilities. Although the Bonita Branch was listed first on the priority list, construction of a new Bonita Branch has yet to begin.

The City of Chula Vista owns a vacant parcel located along a main traffic corridor central to the community of Bonita. There is a possibility that this parcel, adjacent to the Chula Vista Golf Course, could be used as the site for an 8,000 square foot County Library with an additional 2,000 square foot community room.

This recommendation would authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to begin negotiations with the City of Chula Vista to resolve issues of ownership, construction and liability related to the siting of a County Library on a parcel owned by the City of Chula Vista.

Recommendation
VICE CHAIRMAN GREG COX
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into negotiations with the City of Chula Vista with the goal of arriving at terms of agreement regarding the feasibility of constructing a County of San Diego library for the community of Bonita-Sunnyside on a vacant parcel adjacent to the Chula Vista Golf Course and return to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation.

Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this proposal. However, the County Library has appropriated $2,204,870 for a new branch library to serve the Bonita-Sunnyside community.

BACKGROUND
On April 27, 1999 (21) the Board approved a Five-Year Library Facility Capital Improvement Plan that identified 12 priority projects for the replacement of out-dated library facilities. Although the Bonita Branch was listed first on the priority list, construction of a new Bonita Branch has yet to begin. Furthermore, the Bonita-Sunnyside Branch is the only remaining facility funded by the Board, of the original 12 priority projects, that has not begun construction.

The existing 3,000 square foot Bonita branch provides only 25% of the space needed for future service population projections. The limited space does not allow sufficient room for additional books or computers. A new library to serve the Bonita-Sunnyside community is sorely needed.

The County Library has appropriated $2,204,870 for a new branch library to serve the Bonita-Sunnyside community. The City of Chula Vista owns a vacant parcel located along a main traffic corridor central to the community of Bonita. There is a possibility that this parcel, adjacent to the Chula Vista Golf Course, could be used as the site for an 8,000 square foot County Library with an additional 2,000 square foot community room.

This recommendation would authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to begin negotiations with the City of Chula Vista to resolve the issues of ownership, construction and liability related to the siting of a County Library on a parcel owned by the City of Chula Vista.

I urge your support for this measure!

Respectfully,

GREG COX
Vice Chairman