Library Board Meeting Date: January 14, 2026
To: Library Board Members
From: Natalie Draper, Director of Library Services
Title
Library Landscape Renewal Plans.
Body
Action Requested:
The Library Board reviews the current landscape renewal plans.
Summary Report:
A number of significant and minor site issues have developed since the remodel a decade ago. Elevation changes, major erosion and stormwater issues, snow removal expense and hazards, tree loss, water pooling, building maintenance challenges, heat accumulation, accessibility issues, and a lack of space for programs that are competing with workforce and community use of spaces led us to develop a site plan that could address these challenges with solutions that maximize the utility of the library’s site, protect our investment, and serve a growing 21st century community for the next 115 years downtown.
In 2024, the Friends of the Library funded engagement efforts with landscape architects from Ten X Ten to work with the community at outreach events to identify priorities for community use of the site. In 2025, federal grant funds made available through the Minnesota Department of Education allowed us to further explore integrating input into a site plan and gather more input throughout 2025. The preferred concepts are included in the attached presentation. The overarching goals of the site renewal plans are Sustainability, Accessibility, and Safety. With the preferred concept we reduce stormwater runoff, reduce site hazards, shore up the eroding west slope and activate the upper level, increase wheelchair accessible, shaded patio space, minimize concrete and expand access to nature.
During budget work in 2025, as staff and council discussed alternate funding sources, interest was expressed in pursuing Local Option Sales Tax as an alternative revenue source to fund the library’s site renewal, alongside other essential CIP projects. The moratorium on local sales taxes expired on May 31, 2025, and cities may submit requests to the legislature during the 2026 legislative session. On January 6th, the City Council heard a presentation by Director Draper and City Administrator Martig on local options sales tax (LST) and projects to consider funding by LST. That presentation is attached for your information.
To view the item presented to council on January 6th: <https://northfield.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7789757&GUID=CE64CC50-6104-460B-AE47-889E1AC79877>
Staff will present the preferred concept from Ten X Ten and seek support from the board.
Alternative Options:
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
1/20/2026: Council resolution in support of local option sales tax request to state
1/31/2026: Deadline to submit request to state legislature to include local option sales tax options on general election ballot
Winter/spring 2026: council resolution
Spring/summer/fall 2026: communications/engagement informing voters about local option sales tax options
November 2026: general election