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Conflict rises over location of new Lindstrom libraryBy MaryHelen Swanson Much of the Nov. 19 county board meeting was devoted to comments from the public about the controversy which appears to be growing in intensity. Apparently, the Chisago Lakes area library facilities committee, which has been meeting for a number of years, has decided the new library should be moved from the current downtown Lindstrom site to a new location where there will be enough room for future expansion and necessary parking areas. The former Fairview hospital site in Chisago Lakes is being considered. But a new library facilities committee has also formed and wants to keep the Lindstrom library at its present site, in downtown Lindstrom. Representing this committee, Deb Nelson of Lindstrom. presented a petition to the commissioners last week with numerous signatures. It had asked for support of a 10,000 square foot library facility on the current library site. The petition alluded to the fact that by keeping the library at its present site, tax dollars would be preserved and the health of downtown Lindstrom and the Karl Oskar Days celebration would be preserved. Jeff Hensel, also of Lindstrom, presented a conceptual drawing of the libraryís exterior to the board, which he developed for this new committee with input from concerned citizens. Another Lindstrom resident, Stacy Pearson, told the board sheís been hearing people ask why no public hearing was held on the expenditure of $6.5 million and would the board consider rescinding its vote (to build three new libraries) and consider a referendum vote on the issue. Pearson presented a written statement that said Lindstrom site supporters have heard from hundreds of citizens who do not want the library moved. There were comments that the joint library committee meetings were not made public enough. Keith Carlson, Lindstrom mayor and member of the original joint libraries facilities committee, explained the openness of the library committee meetings in the past few months. He showed how the meetings were publicized. He said public input as to what people would like to see in a new library was welcomed. He reminded everyone that locating the new library was a Chisago Lakes area issue. Referring to the new plan that was presented that day, he said there was not enough room for parking or future expansion. He said it was foolish to provide a building that doesnít provide for expansion. A number of people spoke on the library issue during the public forum part of the nightís agenda. The original library facilities committee, formally called the Chisago Lakes Regional Facilities Committee, held public meetings Oct. 30 in Shafer and Nov. 19 in Lindstrom to gather public input for the design of the new library. Another meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Dec. 3 at the Shafer City Hall to continue discussion on the interior and exterior design. Cost estimates are expected to be provided, also. The joint library committee, which involves six communities, plans to present a final draft to the county board Dec. 17. ©ECM Post Review |