Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/22/2013

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Ms. Moulton- Janssen described services that will be funded through 3M, local, and grant dollars for a Discovery Station to check out materials, load those materials into the "cloud," and then download it into your smart electronic device. Another service is to provide electronic tablets through a vending machine using a library card and credit card to provide security. The tablet can then be returned at a future date. Ms. Moulton- Janssen reviewed potential sites in Ramsey including the City Hall conference room, along an exterior wall, and /or in the parking ramp. She explained the Library kiosk, Discovery Station, and Tablet machine all require a climate controlled area. She suggested a kickoff in March with the equipment delivery being staggered. Ms. Moulton - Janssen explained this equipment can be relocated to other sites to serve the City's mobile population. Bob Thistle, Library Board President, explained that two years ago, they did a comprehensive study of the types of libraries needed in the 21 Century with a focus on replacement of several libraries in Anoka County. Now the Library is only talking about drop boxes in remote locations, download stations, and tablet checkout because technology during the last two years has moved so quickly. Mr. Thistle asked how City Hall spaces can be retrofit to have this equipment available to the public. He stated they are offering intermediate locations to assure availability in the parking ramp and City Hall. Mr. Thistle stated he thinks this is a great opportunity and they appreciate the City's support. Mayor Strommen asked whether staff is looking for specific feedback on this item. City Administrator Ulrich stated the Council approved entering into the grant agreement to offer space and electronic data hookup. Staff recommends the Mississippi Room (conference room) that provides electrical and data connections and climate control. He reviewed the week day hours the City Hall is open and noted this is a pilot program. Councilmember Backous stated this is a fantastic opportunity and thanked the Anoka County Library for bringing this forward to Ramsey. He noted a target user may be do- it- yourselfers looking for books on home improvements. Mr. Thistle stated the City will need to get creative with signage. Councilmember Elvig stated he is excited about this new opportunity and thinks City Hall is an appropriate location. He noted the City Hall has large vestibules that could remain open while the building is locked. City Administrator Ulrich explained the locations need to be handicap accessible and staff will look at the north side and Police Department entryways. He noted a concern for using the conference room space is that it was used 64 nights in 2001 and 54 in 2012 so the City may need to shift meeting locations. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if the 3M Discovery Center would use the City's Wi -Fi. City Council Work Session / January 22, 2013 Page 2 of 4