05/03/2012
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 3, 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 Vice-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 2 and April 11, 2012
Member van Weezel moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February
2, 2012 and special meeting of April 11, 2012 of the Library Board, as submitted in written
summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2 – Library Director’s Reports
2.1. Countryside Library Update
Library Director Barbara Pickell said plans are in development to expand the 16,000
square-foot Countryside Library by 6,000 square-feet and increase parking. Future library uses
have been given careful consideration including fewer books and DVDs and increased turnover
of materials to meet public needs. The expanded space will include: 1) enlarged youth services
area moved to the front near staff; 2) children’s storytelling space; 3) spaces defined by shelves
and furniture; 4) meeting room; and 5) multipurpose room where content creation on computers
can be accomplished. Once visual plans are completed, public meetings will be scheduled for
input. Construction funds will be available in October; the library will relocate during
construction.
Discussion ensued with comments that one university is considering warehousing its old
collection in less expensive space and Safety Harbor considers its library to be a community
center, with space for group meetings. Ms. Pickell said the libraries’ 7:00 p.m. closing time
affects the community’s ability to use its meeting rooms. Discussion is underway to extend
hours for East and Countryside library meeting rooms beyond closing time; each meeting room
has an outside entrance and restroom access.
East Library Update
Ms. Pickell said funds to plan upgrades to the East Library will become available in
October. The City Council and St. Petersburg College president Dr. Law are considering a joint-
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use library project. St. Petersburg College has funding in place to replace its outdated library.
Many details need resolution, including separate circulation systems and check outs, parking
and access, the City’s focus on children (the college wants quiet for study), the college’s
dedication to circulation that supports curriculum, combining staff with differing compensation
and pension packages (college pays more for equivalent work), determining who is in charge of
the facility and who will control library computers, including maintenance and rules for use. The
East Library is heavily used, has the largest service area of any Clearwater branch, and its
circulation is that of all of St. Petersburg College libraries. In response to a question, Ms. Pickell
said the most successful joint-use libraries did not combine existing facilities. The proposed
location on Drew Street is on the edge of the campus.
Tampa Bay Library Consortium
Ms. Pickell said the cooperative program mandated by the State previously was funded
by the State. This year, the governor vetoed $1.5 million budgeted for the program which
distributes materials statewide. No State funds are available for continuing education programs
either. The Tampa Bay Library Consortium, integral to helping local libraries work
cooperatively, will operate this year on its reserves.
3 – Unfinished Business
:
Main Library Fence
Ms. Pickell said the proposed fence at the Main Library did not meet CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) requirements. The City Council directed staff to redesign the fence,
consider a water feature in the courtyard, and change outdoor surfaces. There are concerns
that metal decoration on the fence may be vandalized. She suggested library related quotes
could be integrated into the fence design.
Recommendations were made for the fence color to be the same as the library’s roof
and feature a patina similar to the wall hanging in the library’s conference room.
4 – New Business
4.1. Nomination/Election of Chair and Vice-Chair 2012/13
Member Murphey moved to appoint Judith McSwine as Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Murphey moved to appoint Mary van Weezel as Vice-Chair. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.2. Rules and Regulations - revision
Discussion ensued regarding revised Rules and Regulations with recommendations that
member terms be staggered and that Section 4 refer to the longest serving member, rather than
“senior” member. It was noted the Rules and Regulations do not indicate the number of terms a
member may serve.
Consensus was to table approval until information regarding terms and term limits is
clarified.
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Jan Regulski
As former Library Board member and chair Jan Regulski was unable to attend the
Volunteer Appreciation Day, it was hoped her service will be honored at the Advisory Board
Appreciation party.
5— Reports
5.1. Library Foundation
Ms. Pickell said the Library Foundation is designing a Florida Friendly Landscape for the
front of the East Library. The Parks & Recreation Department will remove old plants and it is
hoped volunteers will install new plantings on the berm.
5.2. Friends of the Library
Member Murray said Volunteer Appreciation Day was well attended and thanked Ms.
Pickell for serving as speaker. Gift cards and baskets were distributed; many merchants were
generous with their support of the Library. She reviewed scholarships awarded to student
volunteers and staff. The Friends of the Library spent more than $38,000 this year on the
Library; efforts are funded by the library stores and book sales. She requested donations for
next October's book sale and help unpacking books.
Ms. Pickell discussed the internship program and its benefits for children, staff, and the
interns. Friends of the Library was complimented for the generous scholarships.
6—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Next meeting will be on August 2, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
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Library Board
Attest:
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