09/11/2008
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 11, 2008
Present: Robert Brumback Chair
Frederick Dunn Vice-Chair
Elizabeth Drayer Board Member
Jan Regulski Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Absent: Marilyn Garte Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Holly Ausanio Library Administrative Analyst
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
1. Welcome
2. Approval of Minutes – May 8, 2008
Member Dunn moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 8, 2008, as
submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
3. Announcements
The Chair reported that Lorelei Keif has resigned.
Library Director Barbara Pickell stated the City Clerk’s office has a list of applicants for
advisory boards. It was requested she find out how many applicants are interested in serving
on the Library Advisory Board.
4. Library Director’s Report
a) City Budget
Ms. Pickell reported that last year’s Library budget was reduced by $250,000. At the
August 21, 2008 Council Special Budget meeting, the City Council voted to reduce the Library
budget from the City Manager’s proposed $800,000 to $400,000, while directing her to keep all
libraries open. Staffing changes will have to be in place by September 27, 2008, when the new
pay period begins. All other changes must be in place by October 1, 2008. In response to a
question, Ms. Pickell said this year’s book budget has already been reduced by $30,000. She
said even with the last two years’ budget reductions, some costs have increased. Morale has
deteriorated, as positions are being eliminated. Even though the City is trying to find jobs for all
displaced employees, there are very few opportunities for part-time employees. She said the
Library Advisory 2008-09-11 1
reduction of Library hours will not significantly reduce utility costs. Ms. Pickell reviewed
reductions in staff and library hours. She said there have been many complaints from
Countryside residents regarding the reduced hours at the East and Countryside libraries. She
said Council has clearly stated they believe that residents want their taxes cut even if it results
in reduced services.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said some cities’ library systems are coping better
than others. She said unless economic conditions improve, the next alternative is to reduce
hours at the Main Library, then close libraries. Staff continues to concentrate on finding creative
ways to economize. Consideration is being given to a patron self-checkout system. The Main
Library will serve as a call center to accept all library inquiries and only pass them on to branch
libraries if needed. Ms. Pickell said staff is trying to determine how to provide efficient service
within the new limitations they have.
Discussion ensued with comments that the self checkout concept may not adequately
serve patrons with requests for specific items or assistance, that citizens may eventually adjust
to new library hours of operation, that employees should not be eliminated, that Council cut the
budget more than required by Amendment One to clearly punish citizens, that citizens voted for
Amendment One because they want the same level of services with fewer taxes, and that
budget reductions are more obvious in leisure services.
b) Beach Branch
Ms. Pickell said the Beach library will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday. It was requested that a larger, more visible sign for the Beach library be
considered.
c) Countywide Automation System
Ms. Pickell reported that a new County-wide automation system allows library patrons to
use their library card without registering at every library in the County. County-wide policies are
being developed regarding the collection of fines.
d) Café
Ms. Pickell reported the new café at the Main Library is open the same hours as the
library. She said the food is good and prices are reasonable. It appears the café is doing well.
It was remarked that although the colors of the plastic checked tablecloths do not match the
building’s décor, the café runs on a small profitability margin. As profits improve, it is possible
the operator will change the décor in the future.
5. Unfinished Business – None.
6. New Business
It was requested that as budget discussions took place when the board did not meet
during the summer, that consideration be given to changing the board’s schedule to include
meetings during summer months. It was remarked that the board’s original meeting schedule
was set when the majority of board members were only here during winter months. Consensus
was to discuss the meeting schedule at the next meeting.
Library Advisory 2008-09-11 2
7. Reports
a) Foundation - None.
b) Friends
Rita Garvey, President of the Friends of the Clearwater Library, said the Friends of the
Library's bi-annual book sale is on October 9, 10, and 11; the pre-sale is October 8. The
Clearwater Sister Cities' international bazaar is on October 9, 10, and 11. Friends of the Library
sponsored a Staff Development Day for Library employees, which included speakers who
addressed how to deal with difficult people that come into libraries.
8. Board Comments
Member Dunn moved to direct the Library Director to move the stained glass sculpture
that was on the first floor of the Library, and now resides in the garage, back into the Main
Library in a visible location. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Elizabeth Draver said the board should not be an advocacy group for the Library. She
said it is composed of representatives from the community serving in an advisory capacity,
voicing its opinion regarding what citizens want and need, and that neither the City Councilor
Library management should provide direction to the board. She said some boards wait for
Council to give them direction, which is inappropriate. She expressed concern that a recent
letter written on behalf of the board may have been composed with the help of the Library
Director.
Discussion ensued regarding the board's role. It was remarked that the board serves in
an advisory capacity to the Council, and as advocates for citizens conveys recommendations on
behalf of the community regarding all aspects of the library system. It was felt that the board
has the ability to agree or disagree with staff or Council. It was remarked that the letter Member
Drayer referred to included information provided by the Library Director as requested by the
board, input from the entire board, and input from a citizen who attends most of the board's
meetings, before the letter was completed and sent to Council. It was felt that the board
continues to represent the citizenry.
Ms. Pickell said the Library has a code of conduct for the homeless and for computer
usage.
9. Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 11 :58 a.m.
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Chair, Library Advisory Board
Attest.:
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Attachment approved by Library Board on November 13, 2008
Library Advisory 2008-09-11
3
-----Original Message-----
From:
Liz & Mike Drayer [mailto:edrayer@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent:
Thursday, October 02, 2008 4:37 PM
To:
Pickell, Barbara; Ausanio, Holly; frdunn@gmail.com; cwgrands@yahoo.com;
'bob--anne brumback'; rjgarvey@knology.net; Melges, Judy
Subject:
my coments at the last library advisory board meeting
Dear all:
After reading the minutes of our September 11 meeting, I think some of my comments during
that meeting may have been misinterpreted. Because I will miss next week’s meeting due to a
Jewish holiday, I am sending this email to try to correct the record.
My point was that the advisory board is not part of either library management or the city council.
Our interests as citizens may be different from both of these groups. While at times we may
endorse what the library or city council is doing, when we disagree we should be sure to say so.
That being said, it’s perfectly appropriate for the city council or library management to ask the
board for input on an issue. The point is that the board should make its own independent
judgment regarding that issue. I do also believe advisory boards should feel free to raise
important issues which the city council has not specifically asked them to address. I have no
objection to the recent letter the board wrote to the city council regarding cuts to the library
budget. There was nothing wrong with the library director providing information that was
included in that letter.
After four years on the advisory board I have only good things to say about our library system
and how it is run. If I had complaints believe me you would have heard about them.
Thank you for considering my comments and have a good month. Please include this letter in
the minutes of next week’s meeting.
Sincerely,
Liz Drayer
Library advisory board member
Library Advisory 2008-09-11 4