07/16/2009 - Special
LIBRARY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 16, 2009
Present: Jan Regulski Chair
Judith Blanton Vice-Chair
Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Bernard Ward Board Member
Mary Van Weezel Board Member
Absent: Terrell Kirk, Jr. Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Vice-Chair called the meeting to order at 9:39 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
– May 21, 2009
Member Murray moved to approve the minutes of the May 21, 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 reviewed the budget and millage rate process, the
reserve, proposed hours for City libraries, and Citywide efforts to reduce costs. In the City
Manager’s FY (Fiscal Year) 2009/10 budget, the proposed 9% millage increase to 5.155 would
reduce revenues by at least $7 million (8%). Under the City Manager’s budget, Main Library
hours would be reduced to 51 a week and the North Greenwood Library would be relocated to
the North Greenwood Recreation Center. Retaining the North Greenwood Library in its current
location would cost an additional $120,000 annually; the City Council will discuss that issue
tonight. Other uses for the library building are being considered. The Beach and North
Greenwood branches provide less service than other branches; overall library use and
circulation have increased significantly. There are concerns that revenues will be reduced
further in FY 2010/11. The Library is adopting technology to improve efficiencies. Some full-
time library positions may have to be downgraded to part-time.
Support was expressed for a millage increase with comments that per household costs
would be minimal and an increase to 5.3 mills, as allowed by Amendment One, would be
preferable to maintain current service levels. It was recommended that board members address
the City Council in support of higher taxes. Concerns were expressed that closing the North
Greenwood Library slighted significant community efforts to open the facility after only six years;
Library Special 2009-07-16 1
hard-working members of the Clearwater Women's Club had invested many hours raising
funds. The community march and history of the branch were discussed. Ms. Pickell said the
youngest users would be most affected by its closing. Moving the library would cost between
$60,000 and $80,000. It was suggested that the move would reduce the collection, not
services. Support was expressed for closing the Beach Branch instead as beach residents
have ready access to transportation.
It was noted that few residents are aware that the City Manager's budget would further
reduce services. Discussion ensued regarding the library's volunteer program and plans to
address the City Council. It was stated if the Main Library reduces its hours, the Friends of the
Library bookstore would follow suit, limiting its ability to raise funds. It was indicated that
residents need library services more when times are bad. Concern was expressed that further
cuts to library services would be detrimental to the entire community and especially hurt its
poorest residents.
4 - Board Comments
8 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11 :34 a.m.
Attest:
Next meeting - August 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
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Library Board
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