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03/12/2009 LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 12, 2009 Present: Robert Brumback Chairperson Jan Regulski Vice-Chairperson Elizabeth O’Brien Board Member Judith Blanton Board Member Terrell Kirk, Jr. Board Member Rosalie Murray Board Member Bernard Ward Board Member Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director Holly Ausanio Administrative Analyst Chair Bob Brumback 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 a) New Member Introduction Chair Bob Brumback summarized the purpose of the Board and thanked the new members for offering their service. Rosalie Murray is Manager of the Friends of the Library bookstore at the Main Library; Bernard Ward served five years on the Palm Harbor Library Board, one year as Chairperson; Judith Blanton is a retired school teacher and media specialist, and member of the Woman’s Club; Elizabeth O’Brien is a real estate agent and retired director of the Tarpon Springs Library; and Terrell Kirk, Jr. is a strong supporter and user of libraries who home schools his children and wants to help promote libraries. 2. Approval of Minutes – December 11, 2008 Member Jan Regulski moved to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2008 meeting as motioncarried submitted. The was duly seconded and unanimously. 3. Library Director’s Report a)State Budget & Impact at PPLC Director Barbara Pickell reported the current year’s revenue is not what was expected, forcing additional cuts from the current budget. The Sate budget impact on the PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) eliminated its ability to provide State funding to member libraries. They receive less than $800,000 in funding to support member libraries including PALS (Pinellas Automated Library System) shared items’ fees, and delivery of materials. In response to questions, Ms. Pickell stated there isn’t any State funding specifically directed to individual libraries. We do receive county tax funding to serve unincorporated areas, which equals approximately Library Advisory 2009-03-12 1 $900,000 this year; however, next year it is expected to be 10-15% less. County tax revenue figures will not be available this year until July. b) City Council Budget Projections Director Barbara Pickell reported the City anticipates revenue reductions from $7-13 million for 2010. The last two years, the City cut $8 million and $4 million from the budget. Approval of a tax roll-up rate by the City Council should keep the necessary reductions at the $7 million level. The roll-up rate would provide the same level of property tax revenue by increasing the millage, but not increase the cost to property owners since property values are lower. Ms. Pickell stated she has not received direction to cut a specific dollar amount from the library budget, but to cut as much as possible. All departments will be affected. The City is considering offering retirement incentives, for those already eligible to retire, provided there aren’t huge up front costs. Management has also considered changing the work week from 37-1/2 to 40 hours, and incorporating unpaid furloughs. In response to questions, Director Pickell stated if a $13 million reduction is necessary, libraries would most likely close, particularly the East Library. The percent of usage at the branches is approximately 30% at Countryside, 29% at East and 33-34% at Main. c) Pennies III Funding Director Barbara Pickell stated the Pennies III funding has been reduced by $30,000. A proposal to combine Countryside and East libraries as a new eastside library on the Woodgate Park property is under consideration. A lot of library supporters are speaking out. Director Barbara Pickell stated Countryside serves more non-city users. There is not enough parking at East or Countryside for expansion. The biggest concern is whether we can hold onto East until a new facility is built. Main and Countryside cannot absorb the usage from East, which is up 6% even though hours were reduced. In response to a question regarding joint use with St. Petersburg College, Ms. Pickell stated all viable options are being considered. In response to questions, Ms. Pickell stated Pennies funding can only be used for capital improvement projects. CRA funding is for the east side of the downtown district, stopping at Osceola Ave. Director Pickell stated the City Council, at its meeting today, will discuss a new eastside library and the need for a new city hall. The second floor of the Main Library is being considered as an option for City Hall offices in the future. Concern was expressed regarding honoring the donations given to the new Main Library that provided funds for specific areas of the library. A new eastside library would be approximately 45,000 square feet, cost $11 million, and take 1-2 years to build. Member Judith Blanton moved to recommend construction of an eastside library at the Woogate Park location, and to continue the operations of Countryside and East libraries until the new consolidated facility is completed. Upon the vote being taken, Members Brumback, O’Brien, Terrell Motion passed and Blanton voted “aye”; Members Regulski, Murray and Ward voted “nay”. . Library Advisory 2009-03-12 2 In response to questions, Director Pickell stated the City Council has not officially decided to build the eastside library. More direction regarding the budget and eastside library is expected from the Council at its meeting today. Concern was expressed that the proposed Woodgate location will limit access by southeast Clearwater citizens. d) North Greenwood Branch/Recreation Center Joint Use It is likely the North Greenwood Library will be moved into the recreation center, which will save approximately $100,000 due to a reduction in utilities, maintenance, and staff. The African American collection will be relocated to the Main Library. Services will be focused on community needs, including after school operating hours. 4. Unfinished Business - none 5. New Business a) City Changes to Advisory Board Structure Director Pickell reported the City Council directed that advisory boards meet quarterly rather than monthly, with the ability to call special meetings as needed. Upon discussion, consensus was to schedule the meetings for 9:30 a.m. the first Thursday of the month in March, June, September and December. 6. Reports a) Foundation - no report b) Friends Member Rosalie Murray reported the Friends provided post cards for patrons to send to the City Council in support of libraries. 7. Board Comments Chair Bob Brumback reported he is resigning from the Board for family health reasons effective immediately. 8. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:21 p.m. ~,~ hair Library Advisory 2009-03-12 3