08/06/2009
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 6, 2009
Present: Jan Regulski Chair
Judith Blanton Vice-Chair
Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Bernard Ward Board Member
Absent: Terrell Kirk, Jr. Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Mary Van Weezel Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:05 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
– July 16, 2009
Member Blanton moved to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2009, Library Board
special 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 said residents sent 1,500 postcards and many spoke at
the City Council budget meeting in support of City libraries. She said at this time, there is little
Council consensus regarding the FY (Fiscal Year) 2009/10 budget, the future of the North
Greenwood Library, and the millage rate, which cannot exceed 5.155 mills. The City anticipates
further revenue reductions next year. Support was expressed for the City Manager’s budget as
it would increase taxes minimally while helping to retain Clearwater’s quality of life. Ms. Pickell
said the City Council will adopt the budget at Public Hearings on September 3 and 17, 2009.
Due to budget cuts, the Library has reduced its staff, service hours, book budget, etc.
Ms. Pickell expressed concern that the expertise of Librarian specialists will be lost at the same
time library patronage is increasing. Several Councilmembers had directed staff to submit a list
of $2.3 million in additional budget cuts, which mostly would impact Library and Parks &
Recreation facilities. With system wide staffing cuts, it would be difficult for other branches to
absorb additional usage if a proposal to close the East Branch is adopted. This uncertainty is
difficult for staff. It was noted that a substantial portion of City residents would lack library
services if the East Branch is closed.
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Ms. Pickell said constructing a library that combines the East and Countryside branches
would take at least two years. The City anticipates that Penny for Pinellas 3 funds will be $30
million less than originally forecast. Concern was expressed that residents do not understand
that Capital Improvement Projects and operational costs are funded by separate revenue
streams.
Discussion ensued. It was noted that some resident comments to the Council indicated
that decisions to live in Clearwater are based on quality of life issues, which now are being
reduced or eliminated. Concern was expressed that Clearwater’s image is being tarnished and
will result in a loss of sporting and other events that enhance the local economy. Members
were encouraged to contact Councilmembers in support of City libraries and to persuade their
friends to do the same
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said staff morale is down. She said library
services are not mandated; retaining libraries requires the voice of the public. Residents use
library services because they provide something of value. For Staff Appreciation Day, she
suggested the board send a letter of encouragement to staff, recognizing their hard work and
the positive difference they make in people’s lives. The Chair will write a letter.
3.2. Service Hours Update
Beginning September 26, 2009, Library services hours will be reduced to meet budget
cuts and modified for consistency: 1) Main Library - Monday through Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday - 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.; 2) North Greenwood Branch -
Monday through Thursday - 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; 3) Beach Branch
- Monday through Friday - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; 4) East Branch - Monday through Thursday - 10:00
a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday/Saturday – 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.; and 5) Countryside Branch -
Monday through Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday/ Sunday - 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Countryside Branch is busiest on Saturdays. The Main Library has two-thirds of
library system space and two-thirds of the collection. Since 2007, Main Library circulation has
increased by 17% while hours are being reduced from 68 hours/week to 51. Decreased City
hours will affect libraries in neighboring communities.
4 – Unfinished Business
- None
5 – New Business
- None
6 – Reports
6.1. Library Board - None
6.2. Friends of the Library - None
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7 - Board Comments
Ms. Pickell was complimented for her professional demeanor and extensive knowledge.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell said the Library cafe had closed; the proprietor
was unable to earn a profit. The cafe location lacks easy public access. The Friends of the
Library declined to use the space to sell prepackaged food and drink.
8 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11: 1 0 a.m.
Next meeting - November 5, 2009,10:15 a.m.
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Library Board
Attest:
Library 2009-08-06
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