05/08/2008
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 8, 2008
Present: Robert Brumback Chairperson
Elizabeth Drayer Board Member
Marilyn Garte Board Member
Jan Regulski Board Member
Absent: Frederick Dunn Vice-Chair
Lorelei Keif Board Member
Vacant Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Holly Ausanio Administrative Analyst
Chair Bob Brumback called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 – Welcome
ITEM #2 – Minutes
Member Marilyn Garte moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2008 meeting as
motioncarried
submitted. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Announcements – none
TEM #4 – Library Director’s Report
a) City Budget update
Director Barbara Pickell provided Board members with a copy of the City Manager’s three
tiered budget cuts proposal. Tier 1 was designed to include reductions citywide, without
focus on specific departments. Tier 2 incorporates reduction in services, which may or may
not happen. Cuts at the Tier 3 level represent the worst-case scenario. City Management
is looking at other ways to save money.
The Library, originally asked to provide $770,000 in budget cuts, is now on the list for
approximately $880,000 in cuts. If Tier 2 cuts are made, the Library will lose 20 full time
equivalent positions currently filled by 27 employees.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated City Council asked about closing the East
Branch to which she responded that East supports 30% of the system’s circulation. She
recommended Beach and North Greenwood branches be closed, but the City Manager’s
preference is to cut hours to 40 per week. The Library’s recommendation was for Main
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Library to be open Monday 12 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday through Friday 10 am – 6 pm; East
and Countryside would be open Tuesday through Saturday. The four hours on Sunday is
an inefficient use of staff and would be eliminated. To reopen on Sunday would cost
approximately $75,000 each per year for Countryside and East, and $100,000 for Main.
The Main Library is the resource library and should be open the same hours as the
branches. The City Council does not like the idea of being open only 5 days/40 hours per
week at Main after spending $20 million on the building.
Director Barbara Pickell stated closing Beach and North Greenwood saves a little less than
closing East due to fewer staff. Reducing hours to 40 per week brings the Library budget
reduction to $880,000.
Discussion ensued regarding how to provide the service and hours the citizens need in light
of the budget cuts. It was suggested service be provided seven days with some evenings
by having different hours at different locations.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated it takes at least three circulation staff and
two reference staff to be open. It takes two shifts to cover six days plus evening hours.
Saturdays could be offered at the east side locations. Downtown is mostly government and
business, so it makes sense to be open Monday through Friday to serve those workers.
Member Jan Regulski moved that the Board send a letter to the Council with its concern and
motion
recommendations regarding the proposed budget cuts. The was duly seconded
carried
and unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding the content of the letter, with consensus to emphasize the
value of libraries to the public and the disproportionate hit the library is taking.
Director Pickell will draft a letter for Board member review.
b) Beach Branch update
Director Barbara Pickell reported the Beach Library space in the Recreation Center is
expected to be turned over to the Library by May 31, at which time we can begin installing
th
computer cabling, shelving, furniture and other fixtures. Opening date is planned for July 7
c) Countywide Automation System update
Director Pickell reported the countywide system is up and running with eight libraries. Five
Sunline libraries will join August 5th.
d) Café update
Director Barbara Pickell reported two RFPs (request for proposal) for café operations have
been received, and the process is moving forward.
Rita Garvey, a member of the RFP review committee, stated one applicant is stronger than
the other, although neither responded to all the questions. She questioned whether a coffee
cart vendor could be contracted temporarily while the café is closed.
ITEM #5 – Unfinished Business - none
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ITEM #6 - New Business
a) Election of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson 2008/2009
Member Elizabeth Drayer moved to elect Bob Brumback as Chair and Jan Regulski as Vice-
Chair for 2008/2009. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation - no report
b) Friends - no report
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
Member Elizabeth Drayer reviewed budget data previously discussed including the Library
System budget being cut 14%. This equals 18% of total City cuts although the library is only
5% of the City budget. There would be a loss of 20 full time positions or 27 people.
Countryside Library provides 33% of usage, Main and East at 30% each, with Beach and
North Greenwood with a combined usage of 8%.
A concern was expressed regarding phone calls informing patrons that there reserve is in
originating from area code 315 and the affect it may have on the budget. Director Pickell
stated the server is located at the vendor's headquarters in New York. Participating
countywide system libraries are unwilling to have the server located at another library. The
reserve item phone calls are automated. We are on a three-year contract with the vendor.
ITEM #8 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :55 a.m.
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