08/02/2012
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 2, 2012
Present: Judith McSwine Chair
Mary van Weezel Vice-Chair
Rosalie G. Murray Board Member
Barbara Ann Murphey Board Member
Paul F. Brown Board Member
Barbara Blakely Board Member
Absent: Judith Blanton Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director – arrived 10:55 a.m.
Jennifer Obermaier Asst. Library Director – departed 11:08 a.m.
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
– May 3, 2012
Member Murphey moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 3, 2012,
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
Assistant Library Director Jennifer Obermaier reviewed Countryside Library renovation
plans. The dramatic exterior will feature a sweeping roof line. After hours, the meeting room
will have access to bathrooms and the outside. Also planned is a staffed drive-thru adjacent to
a workroom, an outdoor seating area with garden, and a reduced collection. The interior will be
expanded and feature 1 or 2 10-person conference rooms, a 100-seat conference room, a
branch manager office, flexible seating, and separate spaces for computers, teens, tweens,
youth, story time, small group meetings, and Friends of the Library. Staff with tablets will be
able to help patrons in the stacks. The current building is structurally unsound. A second floor
was not considered. City Council approval is necessary as the project is estimated to cost $6.5
million; $5 million was budgeted. As planned, the library will shut down this December for 18 to
24 months. It is hoped the City Council will support a temporary relocation.
It was commented that the focus of libraries is changing and is more than a place to
pickup books. The proposed computer layout was complimented as it provides user privacy.
Suggestions were made that hurricane resistant glass be used, the Friends of the Library area
feature a half wall of glass, and stacks on rollers could be moved aside when additional meeting
space is needed. Concern was expressed the exterior lattice is costly but has no function.
Member Blakely moved that the Library Board supports the preliminary plans for the
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Countryside Library renovations and encourages the City Council to approve additional funds
for the project. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2.2. East Library Landscaping Project
Ms. Obermaier said due to erosion of the berm, the entrance to the East Library has
become an eyesore. She reviewed the landscape architect’s plans to repair the drainage and
improve the landscape’s appearance. The project is estimated to cost $6,000. In two weeks,
the City will begin to fix drainage issues, install an irrigation system, and prepare the land for
planting. Volunteers will be asked to plant low maintenance vegetation from the City’s nursery.
The next phase will address outer areas of the parking lot.
It was recommended that the library advertise its need for project volunteers and that the
Clearwater Garden Club and high school key clubs be contacted for planting and maintenance
assistance.
2.3. Main Library Courtyard Update
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported tonight the City Council will consider Main
Library plans for decorative fencing, which is estimated to cost $188,000. The building’s
architect, Robert Stern, indicated approval of the design. Modifications to the City’s sign
ordinance will allow the words “Clearwater Public Library” to be incorporated into the fence,
which will match the building exterior’s shade of green. Paving stones probably will not be
added due to high costs. A decision regarding a courtyard planter or artwork is anticipated.
In response to a question, Ms. Pickell reviewed City efforts to assist the homeless.
3 – Unfinished Business
: None.
4 – New Business
Library Board Presentation to the City Council
Ms. Pickell said Chair McSwine is scheduled to address the City Council on September
6, 2012 to provide an update of Library Board activities during the past year. Recommendations
were made to report on the board’s interaction with the Clearwater Neighborhood Association
and other civic associations, its outreach to the public, and to thank the City Council for their
support of the library. Members were encouraged to attend.
5 – Reports
5.1. Library Foundation: None.
5.2. Friends of the Library
Member Murray said the next Book Sale is scheduled for October 25 – 26, 2012. She
encouraged volunteers to help unpack boxes and display the books. Books will be reviewed for
value. The public can pay $10 to attend the presale day. The last sale raised almost $3,000.
Ms. Pickell said the library depends on Friends of the Library donations for programs,
such as the summer reading program.
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Chair McSwine thanked staff for ordering two display cases for the lobby, noting she will
be the first volunteer to create displays. She requested ideas and help with the venture.
6—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
Next meeting will be on November 1, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
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