As described in my previous posting, Counc. Al Maghnieh has attacked Windsor Public Library Board chair Andrew McAvoy for “creating fear” among WPL staff that a relocation of the Central Library would probably mean a major downsizing of branch space, staff and services.
When you take a close look at the “business case” being put forward by City Hall spin doctors on the advantages of building a new Central Library attached to a massive aquatics complex near the Detroit River, you will come to realize that the attack on McAvoy is unwarranted.
The spin says that it cost $4.3-million to run the “half-empty” Central Library last year and there are “big savings” to be had at a proposed new library.
In fact, the existing library, built in 1972, remains in great shape and it is not half empty.
It could be functional at about two-thirds the size. But there would be little or no savings in a new building unless there were dramatic staffing cuts.
Of that $4.3 million cost last year, $3.826,583 was paid out in regular salaries and benefits and $198,237 in page salaries. Supply staff salaries equalled $63,812 and $67,432 went to Sunday Service overtime payments.
That leaves only $141,113 for utilities, leases and taxes. Maghnieh is boasting that he is working with private business to create a LEED certified green building as the replacement. Well and good, but any savings on heating and cooling would only make up a fraction of the grand total.
So McAvoy is right on. If there is going to be any real savings it will come out of the hides of staff.
* * *
The Windsor Public Library is not funded 100 percent by the City of Windsor. The province, which oversees Ontario libraries under the Library Act, grants the WPL $470,000 a year. The library also receives $100,000 in grants from other provincial entities for special programs.
* * *
The Windsor Public Library board may be entering another dark era of partisan politics.
People who were bewildered by the force of Counc. Maghnieh’s attack on McAvoy in the Windsor Star on April 18th, might start connecting the dots when they learn that McAvoy will soon by squaring off with Dwight Duncan in October’s provincial election. McAvoy is in line to be the NDP candidate in Windsor Tecumseh.
Counc. Maghnieh is a robust Liberal, having worked for Duncan at Queen’s Park before coming home to Windsor to cut his teeth as a municipal politician.
When you take a close look at the “business case” being put forward by City Hall spin doctors on the advantages of building a new Central Library attached to a massive aquatics complex near the Detroit River, you will come to realize that the attack on McAvoy is unwarranted.
The spin says that it cost $4.3-million to run the “half-empty” Central Library last year and there are “big savings” to be had at a proposed new library.
In fact, the existing library, built in 1972, remains in great shape and it is not half empty.
It could be functional at about two-thirds the size. But there would be little or no savings in a new building unless there were dramatic staffing cuts.
Of that $4.3 million cost last year, $3.826,583 was paid out in regular salaries and benefits and $198,237 in page salaries. Supply staff salaries equalled $63,812 and $67,432 went to Sunday Service overtime payments.
That leaves only $141,113 for utilities, leases and taxes. Maghnieh is boasting that he is working with private business to create a LEED certified green building as the replacement. Well and good, but any savings on heating and cooling would only make up a fraction of the grand total.
So McAvoy is right on. If there is going to be any real savings it will come out of the hides of staff.
* * *
The Windsor Public Library is not funded 100 percent by the City of Windsor. The province, which oversees Ontario libraries under the Library Act, grants the WPL $470,000 a year. The library also receives $100,000 in grants from other provincial entities for special programs.
* * *
The Windsor Public Library board may be entering another dark era of partisan politics.
People who were bewildered by the force of Counc. Maghnieh’s attack on McAvoy in the Windsor Star on April 18th, might start connecting the dots when they learn that McAvoy will soon by squaring off with Dwight Duncan in October’s provincial election. McAvoy is in line to be the NDP candidate in Windsor Tecumseh.
Counc. Maghnieh is a robust Liberal, having worked for Duncan at Queen’s Park before coming home to Windsor to cut his teeth as a municipal politician.
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