HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.2 Library Concession Stand Update
STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
File #940-30
CITY COUNCIL
DATE:August 20, 2013
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:
Joni Pattillo, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Library Concession Stand Update
Prepared by Jacqui Diaz, Special Projects Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council directed Staff to research the feasibility of providing food and beverage
services at the Dublin Public Library. Staff was given further direction to look into a variety of
possible vendors, including a partnership with the Dublin Unified School District or local
businesses, to provide the services in a manner that would be compact and flexible within the
lobby of the Library, or adjacent to the entrance.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Staff recommends that all costs associated with providing food and beverage services are to be
born entirely by the concessionaire. Any potential costs by the City may be related to minor
building accommodations to provide the service (e.g. access to water and electrical). It is
anticipated lease payments would cover the costs of additional water and/or electrical usage.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive this report.
Submitted By Reviewed By
Director of Parks and Assistant City Manager
Community Services
DESCRIPTION:
Last summer, the City Council directed Staff to research potential options for providing food and
beverage service at the Dublin Library. This was discussed along with the overall future Library
expansion and the ability to accommodate or provide food and beverage service on site. There
was a desire to create an interim solution so as to provide food and beverages at the Library
prior to the building expansion. Staff initially met internally to discuss the Library facility and
ITEM NO. 7.2
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ability to accommodate a concessionaire. Library Staff had previously researched a variety of
concession services at libraries within other communities.
Staff determined that the most logical step would be to provide prepackaged snacks and
beverages from a cart; the operator would have access to the small kitchen adjacent to the
Library Community Room. The cart could be placed in the lobby next to the wall, or operate
outdoors near the entrance. The cart may not infringe on access to the Library. In addition, it
has been determined that neither Library nor City Staff will be supervising the concessionaire
during the time of operations, nor will the City be responsible for the cart or related equipment.
Staff would ensure that the cart looks presentable and not detract from the aesthetics of the site.
In November and December of 2012, Staff made contact with the Dublin Unified School District
to inquire of the potential interest in having a partnership with the school catering and food
academy to provide this service. The School District, while interested in concept, realized that
they are unable to provide the necessary additional supervision and equipment to accommodate
this concept at this time.
Based on that response, Staff determined that a Request for Proposals should be developed to
ascertain interest by individuals or an organization to apply to run a concession cart operation at
the Library. The RFP outlines the desire for a free-standing and mobile cart for refreshments,
which may be located in the entry/lobby of the Library or may be adjacent to the building in the
outside entry. The RFP further clarifies that the potential hours of operation may be four
weekdays, two evenings, and on weekends, based on patronage levels. The concessionaire
will have the responsibility of meeting all health and food preparation guidelines, along with all
applicable City regulations.
As of this report, a draft RFP has been developed and has been initially reviewed by the City
Attorney. The proposed RFP timeline is as follows: The RFP may be issued in September, with
a deadline for submittal in early November. Interviews and selection will be conducted with the
goal of having concessions available in early 2014.
Staff is requesting that the City Council review this concept to ensure that the food and
beverage service is still a viable concept for the Dublin Library, and provide direction on whether
to move forward with the RFP process.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
A copy of this Staff Report was sent to the Alameda County Library.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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