05/14/2004
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 14, 2004
Present:
Judy Melges
Tom Leavy
Howard Adler
Frederick Dunn
Glenn Garte
Jan Regulski
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Katherine Merriam
Board Member
Also Present:
John Szabo
Susan Doel
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Chair Judy Melges called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. at the Main
Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
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ITEM #1 - Welcome
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Vice Chair Tom Leavy asked that the minutes be corrected to reflect his
absence from the April 16, 2004 Board meeting. Member Fred Dunn moved to
approve the minutes of the April meeting as corrected. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Library Director's Report
a) Legislative Issues Update
Library Director John Szabo reported that overall State Aid remains the same,
but due to more libraries receiving money from the same fund, funding will be
lower. The filtering issue mentioned at a previous Board meeting did not reach a
vote on the floor.
b) Main Library Cafe
Mr. Szabo reported that Joffrey's Cafe opening is delayed due to
plumbing/permitting issues.
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c) Arthur F. Rail Bequest
Mr. Szabo reported the Library has received a bequest from the Arthur F. Rail
estate in the amount of $5,000 plus one percent of the remainder of the estate.
Mr. Szabo noted another bequest is also forthcoming. Bequests are deposited into
a special program fund and do not displace operating budget funding. In response
to inquiries regarding bequests, Library staff encourage people to make
contributions directly to the Foundation whenever possible.
d) Beach Branch Library
Mr. Szabo stated the Beach Branch Library may be part of the City Council's
budget discussions over the summer. Discussion with the property owner for a
multi-year lease includes the owner bearing the cost to reinforce the floor of the
second floor former Burger King units.
ITEM #4 - Unfinished Business - none
ITEM #5 - New Business
a) Election of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson 2004/2005
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Member Glenn Garte moved to accept Jan Regulski as Chair and Fred Dunn as
Vice Chair for the slate of officers for 2004/2005. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
This is Vice Chair Leavy's last meeting as his term expires in August. Chair
Melges' term expires in October.
ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation
Chair Melges stated the capital campaign continues. The Donor Recognition
Wall is underway. Ira Brown from The Painted Fish Gallery is the ceramic artist for
this project. The Foundation is hosting a wine gala on October 5 at The Fresh
Market.
b) Friends
The Friends bookstore is now open at Main under Rita Garvey's supervision.
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
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In response to Member Howard Adler, Mr. Szabo explained the process of
receiving and evaluating donations of materials. Member Adler suggested that the
quit claim deed provided for donated materials be placed on the public counters.
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Member Jan Regulski expressed concern with parking at Main Library during
events at Coachman Park. Mr. Szabo acknowledged that parking is an issue.
Member Adler suggested the exterior entrance area at Main Library needs
something to point out that it is the entrance. Mr. Szabo commented that that
space as well as others in the building are possibilities for public art.
Mr. Szabo distributed the guide map of Main Library and the new patron
folder that is also available in Spanish. Mr. Szabo noted the Library provides some
programs in Spanish, a Spanish language collection, and a few Spanish-speaking
staff members.
Chair Melges thanked Board members for their support for the past three
years and thanked Vice Chair Leavy for his six years of service. Mr. Szabo also
extended thanks and appreciation on behalf of the City.
ITEM #8 - Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :30 a.m. Board members were invited to
the computer lab for a powerpoint presentation by Tracey Reed on the Clearwater
Public Library System's history.
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air
Attest:
,
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tive Analyst
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