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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 16, 1998
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Present: Christine Morris
Marshall Bennett
William Raffaniello
Joanne Laurenti
Tom Leavy
Estelle Dunn
Judy Melges
Thalia Kelsey
Howard Adler
Glenn Garte
Julie Lewis
Shirley Hunt
Michael Roberto
Dr. Arlita Hallam
Brenda Moses
Chair
Member
Member
Member (departed 10:15 a.m.)
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Library Foundation
Library Foundation
City Manager
Library Director
Board Reporter
. . The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. at the Clearwater Main
Library, 100 North Osceola Avenue, third floor Board room, Clearwater. For
continuity,'the items are listed in agenda order, although not necessarily discussed
in that order.
1. Welcome: Farewell to Thalia Kelsey
Chair Morris welcomed everyone to the meeting.
LAB (Library Advisory Board) Members said farewell to Member Kelsey and
thanked her for her service on the LAB. It was remarked Ms. Kelsey has been a
very generous library book donor over the years and it is greatly appreciated.
2. Approval of Minutes
Member Garte moved to approve the December 19, 1997, minutes as
submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
3. Citv Manager, Mike Roberto - Main Librarv Site Selection
The City Manager distributed handouts: 1) Clearwater Magazine and
2) Clearwater One City. One Future. He said Clearwater Magazine is a compilation
of City activities and projects. The magazine will be mailed quarterly to all residents
on a trial basis for one year. In the center of the magazine is a 1998 pull-out
calendar of City events. The magazine was designed and written by City staff and
printed by an independent firm. The publication will include highlights of various
neighborhoods throughout the City as well as articles related to government's role in
the community.
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One Clty. One Future. Is a conceptual strategy focusing on redevelopment
efforts. The concepts being developed are to frame discussion, encourage
community input, and encourage movement in a specific direction. He noted the
vision is a 5 to 15-year process. Aspects of the conceptual plan play a key role in
the success of redevelopment: 1) Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard; 2) downtown; 3) the
beach; 4) North Greenwood; and 5) the LDC (Land Development Code). Gulf-to-Bay
Boulevard is a tourist entry into the City. Downtown must become pedestrian-
friendly and serve as one of the City's anchors. The beach is a tourist market and
affects quality of life issues for beach residents. Clearwater must promote its
beautiful beaches and climate more effectively. Automobile traffic, parking, and
easier access to waterways must be addressed. North Greenwood is greatly
affected by downtown redevelopment and activities. Dr. Hallam said discussions
have taken place regarding a facility with a branch library, aquatic center, recreation
center, a police station, branch banking, City code enforcement division, and other
similar uses in the North Greenwood area. The City Manager said the LDC will
redefine the entire community during the next 20 years. He requested the
community keep an open mind regarding redevelopment possibilities and
opportunities.
Discussion ensued regarding timeframes for the Main Clearwater Library site.
The City Manager said he felt the Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland Street site was the ,
best choice for the Main Library. The Library will need sufficient land for expansion
and serve as an anchor to downtown. The community and government must be
better educated regarding the importance of libraries as information centers and
meeting places. A RFQ (Request for Qualification) has been developed for an
architect experienced in urban library construction. Plans are to form an internal
committee composed of a representative from each library group, 5 City staff
members, and a construction manager to select an architect within the next 60
days. Before a Library site is selected, sufficient time is required to review the
RFQs and select an architect. Once consensus is reached regarding the site and
architectural design, the project will move forward. The redevelopment process will
be successful because: 1) extensive market research was done; 2) the plan is
market-driven; 3) community input and consensus is being obtained; and 41
adequate funds are available. Some LAB members expressed enthusiasm about the
redevelopment plan and said they look forward to positive results.
Discussion ensued regarding other redevelopment possibilities such as a
multipurpose cultural center, a retail entertainment component for the Bluff and
bayfront, the City Hall building, a 4-acre lake, the disposition of the current
Memorial Causeway Bridge, movement of the Phillies Stadium, and Coachman Park.
The City Manager said IMR (Information Management Resources), a private
company, has expressed interest in purchasing the City-owned property located at
Missouri Avenue and Cleveland Street. IMR would bring 600 jobs to the City and
workers into the downtown area. The City Manager said creating activity,
excitement and bringing business into an area reduces crime statistics.
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Discussion ensued regarding the January 23, 1998, conceptual
redevelopment meeting. The concept will be presented to the City Commission.
The 'meeting is open to the public.
It was noted the January 20, 1998, Penny for Pinellas meeting was
canceled. It will be rescheduled.
4. Jana Fine and Marlene Mitchell - Florida Libraries Youth Program
Dr. Hallam introduced Youth Services Librarian Jana Fine who presented this
year's Florida Library Youth Program, developed by her and Youth Librarian Marlene
Mitchel! of the East Library. They will train all Florida children's librarians regarding
the program during the next 2 weeks.
Florida's children's library program is 25 years old. Annually, a statewide
planning committee meets to select a theme for the Summer Reading Program.
Then the coordinators write training manuals, prepare materials, and present
workshops highlighting youth related ideas and themes. This year's theme is
"exploration explosion." Ms. Fine reviewed the program and engaged LAB members
in youth exercises.
8. Handouts:
1 e
A. Christian Science Monitor Article
Dr. Hallam referred to an article in the December 17, 1997, Christian
Science Monitor, "Libraries Lend a Lifestyle". The article discussed modern
libraries which incorporate coffee shops and other amenities. She felt it is
important for people to understand that the library's role in the community is
changing.
B. Friends and Trustees Workshops
Dr. Hallam said LAB members have received all pertinent information
regarding the upcoming Friends and Trustees workshops.
C. Letter from Tony Bacon
In his letter, former LAB Chair Tony Bacon thanked the LAB for their
cooperation and loyalty to the library system, and expressed his faith in the
LAB's efforts to ensure all grammar school children obtain library cards.
D. Best Library Related Web Sites Article
Dr. Hallam said this month's Library Cooperative News and Events
cover page features the Clearwater Public Library System. A handout from
Library H1 Tech listed the Clearwater Library's web site as one of the top 3
library web sites in the country.
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Y 6, Reports
Friends
Chair Morris said the next Friends of the Library luncheon meeting will be
held on January 31, 1998, at 12:00 p.m. at the Clearwater Yacht Club.
Foundation
c Ms. Lewis shared a copy of a resolution passed by the Library Foundation
recommending the new Main Clearwater Library be located on 8 acres of property
and front Cleveland Street. Discussion ensued. The LAB agreed to draft a letter to
the City Commission endorsing the spirit of the resolution. Consensus was to make
the LAB's'recommendations regarding the library's location known to the City
Manager and City Commission. Member Melges offered to draft a letter from the
LAB for Chair Morris' signature.
7. Board Comments
It was noted a tourist had said one of the main reasons her family vacations
on Clearwater Beach is because they enjoy the beach library. A patron who E
frequents the Clearwater Marina also had complimented the beach library.
lr.'a 8. New Business
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to continue its efforts regarding the "every
Mr. Bacon's request for the LAB
child a library card" program was reiterated.
9. Adjourn i
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
The next LAB meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 20, 1998, at
the North Greenwood branch library.
Chair '
. Library Advisory Board
Attest:
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"`" oard Reporter
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