Where do we go from here with the library?

By Ginna Young

A new location is needed for the Cadott Community Library, that much is known. In addition to more parking, the library space must be more accessible to all patrons.

However, there are a few barriers to moving to a new site. Cost is one, but public opinion on where the new building should be, is another.

Taking all of that into consideration, the Cadott Village Board and Cadott Library Board looked into multiple options, which were discussed at a village board meeting Sept. 5. The first is on East Mills Street/ State Hwy. 27, where the Library Board originally planned to construct a new building and parking lot, for $3 million.

“Since then, we were asked to look at some additional options,” said Cory Scheidler, Cedar Corp.

With the more recent availability of the vacant Marshfield Clinic building, off State Hwy. 27, south of East Chippewa Street, that became a viable option. Scheidler feels that Marshfield Clinic has really good configuration, but would require renovation for use as a library, for $2.2.

Another option, is the buildings downtown that are vacant, such as the old Miller Pharmacy, Dietrich Hardware and the Cadott Medical Clinic spaces. Miller Pharmacy is not configured correctly for a library either and would need additional floor supports for the weight of the books. The hardware store would also need extensive renovation.

“I don’t want to say it can’t be salvaged, but from a cost perspective, and a benefit to the village and the library, we would raze that building,” said Scheidler.

The medical clinic is also not suitable, as it is too small and has too many load bearing walls. A new library downtown would be $3.6 million, while a renovated downtown library and village office would be $4.3, and a brand new downtown library and village office would be $4.4.

Those numbers were reached, based on fair market value.

“I think we’ve about evaluated every location in the village,” said Scheidler.

The Mills Street location is close to the schools, but there’s more opportunity for green space at the old Marshfield Clinic. Scheidler did point out that they need to consider there will be additional sidewalks needed and the cost of installing another driveway entrance/exit to the north side toward M D Street.

For Scheidler, he likes the downtown option, since it is still close to schools and is a central location.

“I think the real benefit, is it could be a catalyst for redevelopment,” he said. “But, again, that comes at the highest cost.”

Library Board president Cookie Kaste pointed out that it’s entirely possible not all the downtown sites are available or will be for some time, which is something to keep in mind.

“We all want a library – where, is the problem,” said village board president Randy Kuehni.

Terry Licht, village board member, thought that if the library is located downtown, it will bring more people in and revitalize the area. With that in mind, police chief Daryl Pries wondered if the Marshfield Clinic building would be a possibility for a village clerk’s office and police department.

“What would be a better option?” asked Pries. Scheidler said renovating the clinic for village offices and the police department would be the most cost effective, but that they would need to add a garage.

Village board member Eric Weiland said it doesn’t pay to consider Marshfield Clinic for the library, if they’re looking at it from a safety perspective, since it’s probably less safe than the Mills Street location. Kids would have to walk down State Hwy. 27 to access the library and the safety aspect has been a concern for many community members with the Mills Street site.

The Library Board picked the Mills Street location, because it’s near the school and youth fields, but when they asked the public what they think, they’ve either gotten mixed results or no attendance at planning meetings. That’s why the Library Board needs direction from the village board about where the site should be.

“I see your frustrations and I’m just as frustrated,” said Kuehni.

Financially speaking, there are grants and programs out there, that come and go, to help fund the project. Bart Chapek, village board member, says the problem is, if the village dedicates their funding options to the library, there won’t be any left over for fixing infrastructure, most notably, the roads.

“So, that’s why the Library Board’s got to raise all the money,” he said.

Kaste understands that, but before any funds can be raised from most avenues, the Library Board needs a concrete foundation to show donors what the plan is. She said she’s heard a lot of people who are against the Mills Street site, but also a lot who are in favor of it.

When put to a vote, the village board did not pass a motion to allow permission for the site to be on Mills Street, with two in favor (Chapek, Nicole Whipp-Sime), four opposed (Kuehni, Licht, Weiland, Todd Seeley) and one absent (Les Liptak).

However, the village board did encourage the Library Board to fundraise as much as they’re able and report back when they know more. It’s been discussed that a community survey would be the way to go to get opinions on where the library should be located and to bolster community participation in the project.

A new library has been in the works since 2008, and the Library Board has been aware a different model was needed since the 1990s.

“It’s time to do something,” said Kaste.