05/05/2011
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 5, 2011
Present: Jan Regulski Chair
Judith Blanton Vice-Chair
Elizabeth M. O’Brien Board Member
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Mary van Weezel Board Member
Judith McSwine Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1 – Approval of Minutes
– February 3, 2011
It was stated that Member Murphey was present and the first sentence under 5.2 should
read “Member Murray said Friends of the Library raised more than $20,000 . . .”
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2011, Library Board
meeting, as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2 – Library Director’s Reports
2.1. Budget Direction
Library Director Barbara Pickell said none of the $3 million in identified budget cuts
comes from the Library. Another $900,000 in reductions is anticipated. The City Manager’s
budget is released in June. Police and Fire department budgets include reductions. Should
additional cuts at the library be necessary, the East branch will need to close, resulting in
layoffs. Currently, the Library hires only temporary and emergency personnel. If there are no
additional cuts, the status of these hires can be converted. Leadership positions are being filled
from within. With ongoing reductions in State and local funding, PPLC (Pinellas Public Library
Cooperative) reserves are running low.
Ms. Pickell said the libraries will close on October 10, 2011, for staff appreciation day.
Friends of the Library provide gift cards and fund the food and prize incentives. The Friends
also fund a $50 monthly employee of the month recognition. The importance of supporting staff
was noted due to budget cuts, staff reductions, changes to operational hours, and related
anxiety and worry. It was stated the Friends are happy to show staff their gratitude.
Appreciation was expressed for Councilmembers who visit and familiarize themselves
with City library operations. It was stated the League of Women Voters lobbied daily for library
funds. It was recommended that State and City elected officials be thanked for their efforts on
behalf of the library.
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3— Unfinished Business: None.
4— New Business
4.1. Nomination/Election of Chair and Vice-Chair 2011/2012
Member O'Brien moved to reappoint Jan Regulski as Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Blanton declined reappointment.
Member O'Brien moved to appoint Judith McSwine as Vice Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4.2. Email addresses
An updated list of member email addresses was collected.
5— Reports
5.1 Library Foundation
Ms. Pickell complimented the efforts of the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, funded by
the Library Foundation, at the East Branch. The Library Foundation and Friends of the Library
were thanked for hosting Alexander McCall Smith, who attracted approximately 500 people to
his presentation.
5.2 Friends of the Library
Member Murray encouraged members to patronize the Friends of the Library bookstore.
The Friends made more than $2,700 at its March book sale. Another sale is planned for
October; donations are welcome. The Friends also are funding 7 library interns this summer to
work with children programming, and a scholarship program for volunteers.
Items not on the Agenda
Refresh Café
Ms. Pickell reported the Refresh Café will remain open during the summer; the café
closes for school holidays. It was commented the students are helpful and the food is good.
6—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:06 a.m.
Ne - ing will be • 'August 4, 2011 at 10:15 a.m.
Attest: /
A10. Zhair,
Board Report Library Board
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