Jasper Library: Research into the Hoosier Desk site continues

Research into the use of the Hoosier Desk site as a collaborative project between the library and Jasper Arts Department continues.

The Jasper Library Board of Trustees discussed progress in a quick meeting held after an executive session Tuesday. The meeting was originally scheduled to potentially make a decision on whether to pursue the location and include it in a planned 2016 referendum.

No decision was made as much of the process is still in the hands of the City of Jasper and the Jasper Community Arts Commission.

The board heard that an executive meeting with the Jasper Community Arts Commission and Jasper Common Council is scheduled for August 12 to discuss budgeting and the art commission’s desire to work on a collaborative culture center at the Hoosier Desk site.

The library board had wanted to make a decision on whether to pursue the collaboration at the Hoosier Desk site or to construct a new library at the current location by June. However, the investigation and planning involved for the Hoosier Desk site has slowed the process.

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During Tuesday’s meeting, Library Director Christine Golden and the board expressed gratitude to Scott Saalman and the Will Read and Sing for Food troupe. Saturday, its performance featured Kelly Craig Schaefer as a guest participant. She read excerpts from her recently published book, Fractured Not Broken.

Proceeds from the show benefited the Friends of the Jasper Public Library, a nonprofit group raising money for improvements to the library. The show raised $2,350 and according to Saalman, this was the second highest-grossing benefit show the troupe has had since starting in October of 2011. The highest amount raised occurred during the show held to benefit the Astra Theatre last year.

“It was a fantastic time, and I think it will spur more membership into the Friends group,” Golden said. “The money will go to a lot of great programs.”

According to the group’s Facebook Page, they were formed to support moving the Jasper Public Library, its collection, programs and staff to a larger, more modern, economical building.

The board also learned, the Hoosier Desk site project is one of two projects the America’s Best Communities (ABC) volunteer group is considering as they participate in a contest sponsored by Frontier Communications, NBC Universal, The Weather Channel and Cobank. In 2017, three communities in the contest will be chosen to receive $3 million, $2 million and $1 million respectfully to be used for an identified community project.

According to board president Dean Vonderheide, he has heard the ABC committee is considering supporting the collaborative efforts of the Jasper Library and Jasper Arts Department in creating the culture center at the Hoosier Desk site.

The other project being considered by the group is the planned improvements to the Downtown Square that potentially include the Astra Theatre.

Jasper’s ABC group made it to the quarter-final round and will learn if they make it to the semi-final round in November.

The ABC volunteer committee is holding an Ice Cream Social at Hoosier Desk on August 6 at 5:30 p.m. to reveal their plans for the contest.

Based on the number of board members attending the August 6 meeting, attorney Bill Shaneyfelt advised the board to publish a public notice they will be attending the meeting. Shaneyfelt told the board it was best to err on the side of caution and avoid any violation of Indiana’s Open Door Law.

The board also heard that the Hoosier Desk site could qualify for the Industrial Recovery Tax Credit, or DINO tax credit, from the state even if they decided to tear down the building. This tax credit was estimated to be worth about 25 percent of the cost to turn the site into the culture center.

It was originally thought the project would have to save portions of the building but according to City Attorney Renee Kabrick, this is not necessary. “That was good news in regards to flexibility with using the site,” Vonderheide said.

Additionally, the library inquired about the potential need for flood insurance for the building due to its location in a 100-year flood zone. The 100-year flood zone indicates the level the Patoka River could reach if the area were to experience a once in a 100-year flooding event. However, according to Shaneyfelt, those flood zones predate the creation of the Patoka Reservoir, which mitigates flood damage by the Patoka River. He explained that, unfortunately, the flood zone would not be redefined until after it had been in place for 100 years. The flood zones are designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In regards to the designation, Golden learned that if a portion of the building was in the flood zone, the library might have to carry temporary flood insurance. Anything two feet above the flood level is considered out of the zone. One suggested remediation was to build the first level of the project two feet above the zone.

According to Golden, if the library carries a loan or bond, it may be required to have flood insurance for any portion in the flood zone. She also learned that if the area is redesignated and that portion covered under the flood insurance is no longer in the zone, the library would be reimbursed the money spent on the premiums on the flood insurance.

The regular library board meeting is scheduled for August 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Library Annex.