Pavilion plans need to be reviewed

I am respectfully requesting a review of the plans to build a pavilion on the lawn at our county resource building, which houses the library, the museum, the county helpline and the cooperative extension office.

The area chosen by the museum and Historical Society is not an area that all the resource offices have collectively agreed would be the best area. The area is different than the one originally discussed, according to Cathy Kuhl. To my knowledge, the library wasn’t consulted on the area, and I was shocked when it was marked out last week.

The area marked out is in the center of the area actively used for our library summer program and fundraising activities. If this were done, it would basically make two smaller ends, breaking up the area currently used. This side would then not be usable for the library's activities. It’s also an area I haven’t seen used by the museum, ever. 

There is an equally usable and larger area on the opposite side of the building that is also level and does not involve taking out trees. It does not have trees, which would make it too hot for the library activities unless a pavilion or tents were put up temporarily to shade activities.

I would like to request this be reviewed and any site preparation halted until this is resolved. We need communication and transparency for everyone involved, including our community. 

The summer reading program is underway. August 19 is the last summer session and it is also slated to be in the same area. I am concerned the start of site preparation will affect this and also future activities.

In addition, I believe they chose this side because the other side was mentioned as possibly being used for a handicap door to the library and additional parking. This was not accepted by the commissioners, so there is no outstanding plans for the area we are aware of.

Kim A. Best, vice president of Friends of the Library in Mineral County.