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After more than a year of discussion about possible expansion of the Clearwater Public Library, village officials and library board members will enlist the help of Patrick Moore of Goodlife Architecture, based in Kearney, to complete conceptual drawings for the project.

The boards met in special joint session, Feb. 26, to discuss the best way to move forward with the project that would include remodeling the old ambulance bay at the village building. The meeting was facilitated by Bobbi Pettit, owner of Five Rule Rural Planning.

Library board members believe the project will involve multiple phases of work, based on prior library board discussions. The first phase would include relocating the office for village clerk Angie Hupp. A second phase would remove portions of interior walls in the library, allowing additional library space. Facade changes on the outside of the structure, including new doors and windows, would be the final phase.

Those phases are subject to change, based on Moore’s plan. Before any construction begins, plans will need approval by the state fire marshal's office, according to Hupp.

Village engineer John Zwingman said since the building is a public facility using public dollars for the project, it will need verification for ADA compliance.

"That's when I recommended Patrick. There are so many questions, if you send to a contractor, his opportunities are endless," he said.

Zwingman said without a complete plan to present for bids, “it’s like comparing apples to oranges.”

Moore’s company is part of the Downtown Revitalization Grant process, currently working with Five Rule Rural Planning and the village.

Zwingman said Moore had completed a rendering for the front of the library during the DTR process.

“He was familiar with the building so it seemed like a natural flow,” Zwingman said.

Hupp presented a proposal from Goodlife Architecture, for $6,800, to provide conceptual plans to be presented to the state fire marshal and assist in contractor bids.

Per Pettit, after approval is given by the fire marshal, the next step will be to go into construction drawings and specifications.

If the project gets the green, the boards will have an option to move forward with Moore or work with another company.

“The $6,800 gives you something valuable. It gives you information,” Pettit said. “What you’re building, what it’s going to cost, what you’re in for as far as fundraising.”

Zwingman interjected, “It also will tell you what you can’t do.

Moore will meet with village and library officials during the programming phase to gather ideas.

How to pay for the professional assistance was discussed.

“We’re not against it,” village chairman Kelly Kerkman said. “We have to find the money.”

Library board treasurer Jolene Timm said funds weren’t budgeted for this fiscal year.

Hupp said funds could be moved. Village officials budgeted $8,000 for repairs and maintenance for the clerk’s office.

“If it’s not being done this year, those funds could be used toward this,” Hupp said.

Village trustee Cody Kester suggested the village pay for this portion.

“Obviously there’s going to be fundraising and grants looked into,” he said.

Library board president LuAnn Schindler said library trustees have been working on fundraising ideas.

“We’ve been applying for grants also,” she said.

Library director Kathy Feusse said several grants the board has looked into require shovel-ready plans.

Zwingman estimated construction will not happen in this fiscal year, giving both entities an opportunity to budget for and raise funds. He gave a rough timeline for the project, with two months for planning, review in May, with potential bids going out during the summer.

Hupp said American Rescue Plan Act funding is also available.

“The $6,800 could come out of there,” she said. “We just have to decide what it will be used for and how much it will cost by April.”

Village officials agreed to pay the $6,800 professional fee.