A larger Holland branch library could be in the future for area residents.
On January 16, officials representing the branch of the Toledo Lucas County Library addressed council regarding a proposal to expand the existing building which is adjacent to Strawberry Acres Park.
Built in 1984, the structure underwent an expansion in 2001, including a modification to the southwest corner of the building.
The clerical work area was enlarged as was the children’s area on the building’s east side. Several partitions were removed as part of the renovation.
Through the years, the library has made minor improvements and last September new carpet was laid and the interior painted.
Jason Kucsma, Mike Graybel and Lucas Camuso-Stoll spoke about the new proposal, which calls for an expansion to the north, necessitating an additional 50-feet of land.
Mr. Kucsma anticipates construction would take place in 2025.
Councilman Mike Bettinger said he would like to review a full site plan, and Councilman Nate Gaubert expressed concern over the loss of parking at the park lodge.
However, council agreed to work with the library system to keep the branch at its current location.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Appointed Sandy Almond to fill the seat vacated by Mayor Ryan Spangler. She will fill the remainder of the term which expires December 31, 2025.
Council received two letters of interest regarding the open seat, the second of which was submitted by Louanne Kaiser.
•Approved the purchase of a software license from CMI Finance for $10,381.
•Agreed to purchase an IWORQ program for zoning, stormwater management and public works. The initial startup fee is $13,000, which will decrease to $10,000 annually for the remainder of the three-year contract, explained Bob Bethel, village administrator.
•Received a report from Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski regarding police department activity in 2023.
The total number of calls last year was 2,659 with 911 incidents requiring a police report to be filled, he said.
•Authorized the sale of surplus property by online auction.
•Heard from Bob Bethel that the village applied for an H2Ohio grant of $17,000 in conjunction with the Lucas County engineer’s office. The funding will be used for brine equipment for the street department.
Mr. Bethel also informed council that he has been in touch with a professor from Bowling Green State University regarding the use of marketing students to design rebranding material for the village.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
