04/11/2012 - Special Meeting
LIBRARY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 11, 2012
Present: Judith McSwine Vice-Chair
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Judith Blanton Board Member
Mary van Weezel Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Paul F. Brown Board Member
Barbara Blakely Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the special meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1 – Proposed Main Library Courtyard Improvements
– March 12, 2012
Library Director Barbara Pickell said now that the Main Library is eight years old, staff
has identified improvements that will address excessive wear and tear to the front courtyard and
rear terrace. An 8-foot fence is proposed to improve security and create a more welcoming
entryway courtyard which will feature artwork; the fence also will protect unattended doors in the
building’s rear. Staff will request project funds from the City Council next week.
In response to questions, Ms. Pickell said gates at the top of stairs on Osceola Street
and abutting the parking lot will be locked at night. There are no plans to install benches. The
Public Art and Design Advisory Board expressed interest in funding a permanent art piece in the
courtyard; public input will be gathered. While the Public Art board recommended decorative
fencing, the City Council determined it should be similar to fencing at Station Square Park. Staff
would be able to open the courtyard gate 30 minutes before the library opens.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that fencing provides a harsh unwelcoming
look and needs to be softened with layers of texture, such as art, plantings, a reading garden,
seating areas in the courtyard and rear terrace, and lighting. It was recommended that a gate
be added to the rear terrace fence to provide an emergency exit.
Member Murphey moved to recommend approval of the concept to fence the Main
Library’s front courtyard and rear terrace as a positive upgrade to the building’s aesthetics as it
will protect planned artwork and add security to this significant, signature downtown building.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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Discussion ensued regarding PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) funding
changes.
2—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 10:42 a.m.
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Chair
Library Board
Attest:
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:oard Reporter
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