HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 20654: LIBRARY REOPENING - ONE TIME WAIVE OF ALL OUTSTANDING FINES/FEES __ J
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Port Arthur Public Library
www.PortArthurTx.gov
Date: 1/22/2019
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Harvey Robinson, Interim City Manager
From: Steven Williams, Library Director
RE: PR 20654 Library Reopening—One Time Waive of All Outstanding Fines/Fees
Introduction:
The intent of this agenda item is to seek the City Council's approval for the City Manager to
waive all library outstanding late fees.
Background:
The Port Arthur Public Library will be re-opening which all are excited about. The library has
been closed for over a year and we want to welcome all back to the library with no
impediments.
When times are tough,patrons need to use the public library more than ever. An outstanding
balance of overdue fines/fees often serve as a barrier to library services for those in lower
economic circumstances under normal conditions, even more so in times of a natural disaster.
These outstanding fines/fees have accumulated since 1982. On average the library collects
$6,680.84 annually. All new fines/fees accrued after re-opening will be due in accordance
with the current library's policies.
Budget Impact:
None
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council grant approval to the City Manager to waive all library
outstanding late fees.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
4615 9th Avenue X Port Arthur,Texas 77642X 409.985.8838
P.R.No. 20654
01//22/2019 jhc/sw
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO WAIVE
ALL OUTSTANDING LIBRARY LATE FEES AT THE PORT ARTHUR
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
WHEREAS, our community sustained substantial loss/damages to the flood during
Hurricane Harvey; and
WHEREAS, the Port Arthur Public Library sustained substantial loss/damages and has
been closed for remediation and remodeling, since September 2017; and
WHEREAS, the payment of overdue library fines and accumulated fees often serve as a
barrier to library services for those many citizens as they are recovering from the devastation of
the recent natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur was insured for the damages to the library's building
and contents; and
WHEREAS, the outstanding late fees at the Port Arthur Public Library and the library
did receive insurance proceeds for replacing all materials lost; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
ARTHUR:
THAT,the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
THAT, the City Council hereby authorizes a waiver for all outstanding late fees in
anticipation of the reopening of the Port Arthur Public Library.
THAT, all new fines/fees accrued after reopening will be due in accordance with the
Library's polices.
THAT, a copy of this caption be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this day of , AD, 2019, at a Meeting of
the City Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas,by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
NOES:
Derrick Ford Freeman, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
44,t
Val Tizeno, City torn
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Harvey Robinson, Interim City Manager
Steve illiams, Director of Library