11/21/1997 (2)
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. '" . LIBRARY
. ,ADVISORY
BOARD
MINUTES
Date
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Absent:
William Raffaniello
Joanne Laurenti
Member
Member
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 21, 1 997
Present:
Christine Morris
Tony Bacon
Howard Adler
Marshall Bennett
Estelle Dunn
Glenn Garte
Thalia Kelsey
Tom Leavy
Judy Melges
Michael Roberto
Dr. Arlita Hallam
Carolyn Moore
Linda Lange
Julie Lewis
David Berry
Anita Kumar
Brenda Moses
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
City Manager (arrived 9:07 B.m.)
Library Director
Library Division Manager
Library Division Manager
Library Foundation
Guest
St. Pete Times Reporter {arrived 9:07.a.m.1
Board Reporter
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Clearwater Main
Library. For continuity, the items are listed in agenda order, olthough not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1 . Welcome
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. ADDroval of Minutes
Member Bacon moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to
each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Librarv Director's ReDort
Library Director Arlita Hallam said the City Manager will attend this morning's
meeting to discuss the downtown plan for the Clearwater Main Library. Member
Bacon has met with consultants. One of the recommended sites was the Myrtle
Avenue and Cleveland Street property that Winn Dixie was to occupy.
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City Manager Roberto said libraries offer important qualities to a community.
He complimented the Clearwater Library System and Dr. Hallam's efforts. The
library should be a centerpiece or anchor to downtown. The key is to determine the
best way to develop downtown and the City as a whole, while effectively spending
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A member noted the Ft. Lauderdale Library has served as a catalyst to
improve the surrounding area. When originally built, the neighborhood was less than
desirable.
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available funds. Since 1962, the City has written several downtown plans and
experienced several City Manager and City Commissioner changes. Downtown has
a specific market: 1) downtown should become the "east beach", the
entertainment and retail district for the beach; 2) 80% of the bay front is asphalt or
concrete and needs to become green space; and 3) Coachman Park needs to be
doubled in size. The purpose of the downtown plan is to improve the quality of life
and benefit the community. As demands shift, the City must be able to meet them.
Once plans are implemented, modifications can be made but at a much higher cost.
Parking is necessary to accommodate the retail and business components of a
community. Spending public money successfully is important. Impressions are key
to the success of any community. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard must serve as a tourist
road. Combining resources of the County, City, FOOT (Florida Department of
Transportation), and the private sector is vital. A master developer will focus on a
master plan for downtown relative to the City Vision. A definable pedestrian area
with shops, outdoor cafes and other business is necessary. The LAB's (Library
Advisory Board) recommendations provide vital information in the decision~making
process. The LAB's recommended specifications for the Main Library are being
incorporated into the downtown plan. Public consensus is a must. The library
should serve as a catalyst to downtown.
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It was remarked the Library Advisory Site Selection Committae previously
had not recommended the property on Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland Street for a
main library because the property was to be leased to Winn Dixie Stores. The
Committee's recommendation for the Missouri Avenue site had included the
possibility of an adjoining cultural center on available City-owned properties. The
Committee had expressed concerns purchasing un-owned properties would not be a
prudent use of taxes.
Adjacency issues were discussed. A member expressed concern about the
existing buildings and railroad tracks in downtown. It was remarked streets can
always be vacated. .
Mr. Roberto said the Harborview Center is one anchor to downtown. The
Main Library needs to be another, fronting Cleveland Street. He discussed the
property on Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland as a possible library site. Missouri
Avenue will be a vehicular anchor. A meeting is tentatively scheduled on December
.12, 1997, at the Harborview Center. A document will be presented explaining how
the downtown, beach, and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard plans interrelate. Mr. Roberto
encouraged Chair Morris and the LAB to attend.
A. Penny for Pinellas Projects Report
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Dr. Hallam distributed copies of presentations she made to Administration
and consultants on Penny for Pinellas Projects. She noted the Main Clearwater
Library and Beach Library are ranked high on the City's priority list. Four
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consultants are working on the beach plan, downtown area, North Greenwood, and
Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard projects.
B. Rotation of Board Meetings
Dr. Hallam felt rotating board meetings at various library branches was an
excellent idea. The December meeting will be held at the East Library. The January
meeting will be held at the Main Library, the February meeting is at the North
Greenwood Library, the March meeting is at the Main Library, the April meeting is at
the Countryside Branch Library, and the May meeting is at the Beach Library Branch
Library.
C. Folk Arts Festival Report
Dr. Hallam said the festival was a great success. Approximately 160 people
attended the dinner.
Several members commented the event was well-organized and one of the
best library functions ever held. It was remarked the storytellers were fantastic and
it was very enjoyable. A member said the meal was the best he had ever had at the
Harborview Center.
4. Update on Ad Hoc Committee Activities - Glenn Garte
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It was agreed to postpone this item to the next meeting in the interests of
time.
5. Reports: Foundation. Friends & Cooperative
Item #5 was tabled to the next meeting.
6. New Business
Discussion ensued regarding donations for flowers for a member of the
Library Foundation.
It was remarked Library Cooperative cards are honored at St. Petersburg
Junior College.
It was noted beginning November 1, 1997, selected newspapers in Florida
are available on-line. .
7. Board Comments
Dr. Hallam referred to a handout regarding rating.of Penny for Pinellas
projects by quality of life and financial ranking criteria.
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8.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
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Chair
Library Advisory Board
Attest:
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Board Reporter
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