05/21/2009
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 21, 2009
Present: Jan Regulski Vice-Chair
Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Judith Blanton Board Member
Terrell Kirk, Jr. Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Empty Seat Board Member
Absent: Bernard Ward Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order at 9:51 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes
– March 12, 2009
Member Murray moved to approve the minutes of the March 12, 2009, Library Board
meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Library Director’s Reports
3.1 Budget Update
Library Director Barbara Pickell distributed proposed changes that reflect a $350,000
budget reduction for the Library system and eliminate 6.8 FTEs. Key priorities: 1) maintain a
level of operation at all locations; 2) insure daily public access to some location; 3) reduce
operating costs and staffing requirements; and 4) sustain programs and services most important
to the public.
Additional plans would: 1) add self-checkout as first step toward RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) to reduce circulation staff (Penny for Pinellas funding for RFID scheduled in FY
2011/12); 2) outsource web page maintenance, custodial services at East/Countryside, and
delivery to Public Communications (City transports materials among Clearwater libraries -
Pinellas Public Library Cooperative to outsource delivery services among member libraries -
State funds Tampa Bay System delivery services); 3) develop volunteer coordinator position to
help volunteers serve effectively - volunteers not capable of running libraries - funded by
Clearwater Woman’s Club, Friends of the Library, and Library Foundation; 4) cut newspaper,
magazine, database subscriptions (much of this material available online); and 5) reduce book
and library material purchases (provide fewer copies without reducing quality). No changes to
Beach branch.
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Next year’s City budget will be reduced by $7 million to $13 million, depending on the
City Council’s decision regarding a millage increase. Without the increase, additional cuts to the
library’s budget will be necessary. The City Council will decide on a millage rate on July 9,
2009. Additional budget meetings are scheduled for August 3 and 4, 2009.
Ms. Pickell said the City has a hiring freeze. The proposed budget reduces Library staff
to 78 FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents). If further cuts are necessary, decreasing Thursday hours,
closing the East Library, and eliminating more positions would have to be considered. Part-time
positions, with fewer benefits, will replace full-time workers.
Member Murray moved for the Library Board to send the City Council a formal letter
protesting library budget cuts. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding a revenue neutral millage rate increase that would avert
larger cuts to library services. It was stated that library computers are crucial for public internet
access to submit applications for jobs, Social Security, etc.
3.2 Facility Updates
a) North Greenwood
As proposed, the North Greenwood branch would be downsized and relocated to the
North Greenwood Recreation Center. Staffing would be reduced to the same level as the
Beach branch. The change is estimated to save up to $125,000 annually. The 20-hour/week
schedule would be maintained with the branch open Monday to Thursday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
and Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Very few residents visited the branch on Saturdays;
Mondays are much more popular. Sharing staff with the Beach branch was not efficient.
Sadness and opposition were expressed to the proposal. The significant public
donations and efforts supporting the branch’s construction were noted. There were concerns
regarding the cost of maintaining the empty building and the future of the bricks that reflect $50
contributions and donated front counter, which will not fit into the new space. In response to a
suggestion to eliminate the $100,000 relocation cost by having volunteers move the books and
shelving, Ms. Pickell discussed other related costs for furnishings, construction, and wiring. The
branch’s sculpture may be relocated to the Main Library. The City Council is aware of the
Library Foundation’s grave concerns. It was suggested that plaques could be displayed in the
new space to recognize community contributions.
Ms. Pickell said decisions are not final. The North Greenwood community is opposed to
the change. Unless the branch is relocated, $100,000 will have to be cut elsewhere from the
library’s budget. It was recommended that board members and interested parties meet
individually with Councilmembers to voice their concerns.
Consensus was to schedule a Special Meeting on July 16, 2009, at 9:30 a.m.
b) Main
As proposed, the Main Library would reduce its hours to 51 per week and be open
Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
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In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said City Council has expressed little interest in relocating
City Hall to the Main Library building.
c) Eastside
As proposed, a sixth day would be added to the East and Countryside branch
schedules, with each location open four days from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and two days from
12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Countryside would close on Friday and East would close on Sunday. The
six-day schedule would smooth workflow for staff and improve public access. Penny for
Pinellas III funds are budgeted for East Library renovations in FY (Fiscal Year) 2011/12. The
Council is considering combining the eastside libraries to one facility at Woodgate Park.
4 – Unfinished Business
4.1 Schedule for Future Meetings - February, May, August, November
In addition to the July 16 Special Meeting, board meetings are scheduled for August 6
and November 5, 2009. Future Library Board meetings will be on the first Thursday of
February, May, August, and November at 10:00 a.m.
4.2 Recruit to Fill Open Position
It was requested that board members encourage library supporters to apply for the open
seat.
5 – New Business
5.1 Nomination and Election of Chair and Vice-Chair 2009/2010
Member O’Brien moved to appoint Jan Regulski as Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Murray moved to appoint Judith Blanton as Vice-Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
6 – Reports
6.1 Library Foundation
Ms. Pickell reviewed Volunteer Coordinator responsibilities and indicated that the Library
Foundation will employ the position and Summer Interns.
6.2 Friends of the Library
Member Murray said Friends of the Clearwater Library had earned $47,100 at the
bookstore and reviewed resulting contributions. She said 5,000 postcards had been printed to
protest budget cuts. Ms. Pickell said a significant number of cards have been mailed and are
stacked in the Council’s mail room. Additional cards are available.
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7 - Board Comments
It was noted that Largo Library has a pickup window. Mr. Pickell said staff had
considered library lockers for patron pickups.
8 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11 :16 a.m.
Next meeting will be on July 16, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
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Library Board
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