11/13/2008
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 13, 2008
Present: Frederick Dunn Vice-Chair
Jan Regulski Board Member
Elizabeth Drayer Board Member
Marilyn Garte Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Absent: Robert Brumback Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Holly Ausanio Administrative Analyst
Vice-Chair Fred Dunn 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 – September 11, 2008
Member Liz Drayer stated the summary of her statements, on page 3 under Board
Comments, needs clarification as she noted in her email dated October 2, 2008.
Member Jan Regulski moved to amend the minutes of the September 11, 2008
meeting by including a copy of Member Liz Drayer’s email as an addendum to the minutes.
motioncarried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
3. Library Director’s Report
a) C
entralized Phone System
Director Barbara Pickell reported that, due to loss of hours and staff at the
branches, a centralized phone system would be put into place December 1. There will be
one phone number for all locations, freeing up staff at the branches to serve the patrons.
The main phone line will be answered by staff who will determine how best to provide what
the patron is requesting.
b) Review of Hours
Director Barbara Pickell reported hours at the branches were cut by 30%, but
usage has only seen a reduction of 4%, requiring that fewer staff accommodate almost the
same number of patrons in fewer hours.
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In response to questions, Director Pickell stated patrons seem most upset by the
loss of Saturday hours at Countryside. The East Branch and Dunedin libraries have been
impacted by the closure of Countryside on Friday and Saturday. With the closure of Palm
Harbor and Safety Harbor libraries due to renovation, the east side of the County is lacking
in library service.
In response to questions regarding a countywide library system, Ms. Pickell
reported the PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) is gathering information regarding
the possibility of a special taxing district to support a countywide system. All city managers
in the county have been consulted and have expressed interest, with Clearwater pushing
the hardest to pursue this option. A countywide system would still be affected by the
economy, so the level of funding would not be guaranteed. It could take more than five
years to complete the process, and a new taxing district would preclude the current PPLC
funding. An estimated 10-15% would be saved if purchasing collection materials was
done countywide.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated although 40% of the usage at
Countryside Library is from residents, only 20% of revenue comes from the County. The
balance is more equal system-wide. Clearwater has the largest usage, funding, and
collection, and is the biggest net lender in the County. Everyone seems to love the
countywide catalog system, known as PALS (Pinellas Automated Library System). Fines
received are kept by the library that collects them.
4. Unfinished Business
a) Meetings Schedule – summer months
Member Jan Regulski expressed concern that the Board does not meet during the
summer when important tax and budget issues are discussed.
Discussion ensued whether to modify the nine-month schedule or to schedule
meetings all year.
Member Liz Drayer moved to hold monthly meetings year-round. Upon the vote
being taken, Members Drayer, Regulski and Garte voted “aye.” Vice-Chair Dunn voted
Motion carried
“nay.” .
Director Barbara Pickell was asked to check with the Legal Dept. to ensure this
change could be instituted without additional action.
5. New Business
a) Advisory Boards - appointments
Director Barbara Pickell reported the City Council is discussing different parameters
of the advisory boards, including whether the Library Board should be reduced from seven
to five members. Consensus of the Board was to keep it at seven members, and for the
Library Director to request the current vacancies be filled as soon as possible.
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Director Pickell reported the PPLC is seeking applicants from the unincorporated
areas of District 2 to serve on their Board of Directors. The Board meets monthly and
appointments are for three years. Current Library Board members are not eligible
6. Reports
a) Foundation
Member Jan Regulski stated the Foundation annual meeting is scheduled for
November 20, 2008.
Director Barbara Pickell reported she has requested the Foundation look into the
possibility of hiring a Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, hire, train, and monitor volunteers for
the library. Areas of need include the first floor Information Desk and the Teen Room.
Executive Director Judy Melges is seeking multiple sources of funding for the position, and
will make a proposal to the newly elected Foundation Board.
b) Friends
Member Jan Regulski reported the Friends made over $3,500 at the book sale in
October.
Director Pickell reported the Friends provided funding for the E.L. Doctorow
program and book signing on Friday.
7. Board Comments - None.
8. Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
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