Of Monte Phon Hall, California Constitution Hall 1849 June 16, 2021 The Honorable Stephanie E. Hulsey Judge of the*

The City of Monterey commissioned Group 4 Architecture to create the "Monterey Public Library Feasibility Study" which sets the direction for library expansion and renovation in the future. That study did not include a Preservation Needs Assessment, of the type recommended by the CPP, to address the temporary relocation of the California History Room documents and artifacts during the construction of the Library remodel/addition which could lead to those historical items being stored in a way that could be damaging. CITY HALL • MONTEREY • CALIFORNIA • 93940 • www.monterey.org Response: The City Council partially disagrees with the finding. The City Council agrees that the library feasibility study completed by Group 4 Architecture did not include a Preservation Needs Assessment. This is because a "Preservation Needs Assessment of the California History Room and Archives of Monterey Public Library" report was completed by Barclay Ogden of the California Preservation Program in August 2012. The CPP report of 2021 found "The California History Room and Archives is exemplary among archives and special collections for its excellent standards and practices to ensure collection care." The CPP study notes that "Environmental conditions in the storage environment are controlled, but could be improved for long-term preservation." Environment recommendations were implemented and will be adhered to when addressing the temporary relocation of the California History Room documents and artifacts during the remodel of the Library. Since the preservation needs are addressed in another report, it is misleading to imply that the Library Feasibility Study could lead to the damage of historical items.

The City of Monterey commissioned Group 4 Architecture to create the "Monterey Public Library Feasibility Study" which sets the direction for library expansion and renovation in the future. That study did not include a Preservation Needs Assessment, of the type recommended by the CPP, to address the requirements for the California History Room's permanent location in the new Library which could lead to a design that is sub-optimal. Response: The City Council partially disagrees with the finding. The "Monterey Public Library Feasibility Study" did not include a Preservation Needs Assessment because a CPP needs assessment had already been completed. The Library Feasibility Study states that one of the critical roles of Monterey Public Library is to "share and preserve the California History Room's unique collections by providing adequate space to house, manage, and promote them." At minimum, the feasibility study recommends an increase of 30% to the space allotted to the California History Room and Archives. This reflects the 2012 CPP report recommendation to "Find additional storage space to house the collections, to support processing functions, and to facilitate their use." Since staff referenced the CPP report during the feasibility study process, the City does not agree that the Feasibility Study could "lead to a design that is sub-optimal."

California Preservation Program states that a needs assessment is often a required step for preservation grant funding. A Preservation Needs Assessment for the City of Monterey Library's history collections, like the one commissioned by the Salinas Public Library, could help the City of Monterey obtain grant funding for the Library renovation. Response: The City Council agrees with the finding, and is glad that such a study has already been completed. The CPP report concludes that "Among Monterey County information resources, the California History Room and Archives provides an essential and unique community service for historical research and cultural tourism." Further, the report estimates that at least 85% of the collection is not to be found anywhere else. The significance of the collection will appeal to potential funders.