01/21/2005
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 21, 2005
Present:
Jan Regulski
Glenn Garte
Katherine Merriam
Manoj Shewa
Vacant
Vacant
Absent:
Frederick Dunn
Also Present:
John Szabo
Laurel Gustafson
Holly Ausanio
Chairperson
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Vice-Chair
Library Director
Assistant Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Chair Regulski called the meeting to order at 10:35 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
Member Katie Merriam moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Announcement of New Board Appointees
Library Director John Szabo reported the City Council reappointed Frederick
Dunn to a second term, and appointed Marilyn Garte, Clorinda Gilreath and Elizabeth
Drayer to fill the three additional vacancies. In response to a question, he stated the
terms are for four years beginning February 1, 2005.
ITEM #4 - Library Director's Report
a) East Library - carpet and tile installation
Assistant Library Director Laurel Gustafson reported the library was closed from
December 27 through January 10 for installation of carpet and tile. Some of the
shelving was shifted and additional shelving installed. Mrs. Gustafson stated rave
reviews have been received from customers. She commended staff and Building &
. Maintenance for their assistance in the process.
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To clarify an issue highlighted in a recent St. Petersburg Times article, Director
John Szabo reported when carpet was replaced in the East Library meeting room in
September 2003, mold was found in the concrete and determined to be the likely
cause of an ongoing odor problem. The recent carpet replacement in the remainder of
the library was part of a capital improvement plan replacement schedule of the City's
Building & Maintenance Department. The carpet was last replaced approximately eight
years ago.
Mrs. Gustafson reported installation of new carpet at Countryside Library would
begin January 24. This will be done after hours and will take 10-14 days to complete.
b) Posting and Distribution Policy
Director John Szabo reported the current Bulletin Board Policy conflicts with the
Meeting Room Policy. Staff has provided input on a new policy addressing both
posting and distribution in the libraries.
In was suggested the policy specify that only event information can be posted,
and that a closing date should be included on the notice. It was also suggested a
statement be noted on the bulletin boards that posting of materials does not infer
support of the Library or the City of Clearwater.
Director John Szabo reported the West Orange, NJ Public Library
selected Robert A.M. Stern Architects for their project.
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He reported old North Greenwood Library has been officially turned over to
Le'azon Technologies, with the Library continuing as the City's liaison department.
ITEM #5 - Unfinished Business - none.
ITEM #6 - New Business
a) Plaque featuring names of library directors
Director John Szabo reported information on past library directors was provided
to Mike Sanders, a Clearwater historian and author, who will seek input from the
Clearwater Historical Society. Mr. Sanders, Board Member Dunn and Mr. Szabo will
be meeting this afternoon (1/21/05). Upon final review with Mr. Sanders and Board
Member Dunn, a recommendation will be brought back to the Board.
ITEM #7 - Reports
a) Foundation
Executive Director Judy Melges reported officers were sworn in at the last
meeting. Alex Job was elected President for two more years, with Rita Garvey as
Vice-President, Felicia Leonard as Secretary and Joe Critchley as Treasurer. Mrs.
. Melges also noted many new board members.
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Mrs. Melges reported a "Back in the Stacks" fundraiser to benefit the Main
Library 4th floor local history area is scheduled for April 30.
b) Friends
Chair Regulski reported the Friends Board, at its January 13 meeting, supported
the proposed expenditures of the $17,000 donation to the Library.
The Friends' Winter Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, February 18 at the Main
Library with speaker Fawn Germer, author of Mustang Sallies.
In response to a question regarding the contribution, Library Director John
Szabo stated the Friends Board recommended an approximate dollar amount for each
branch. Library managers made recommendations to the director for items that are
not funded in the budget and would be appropriate to purchase with donation dollars.
Some items to be purchased include a typewriter, television, podium, media display,
custom shelving, art wall treatment, furniture for staff lounges, Book Page publication
and additional materials.
ITEM #8 - Board Comments
Sentiments of appreciation to Glenn Garte for his dedication and service to the
Library Board were expressed.
In response to a question about citizen access to information on library
programs, Director John Szabo reported up-to-date information is listed on the Library
website. In addition, quarterly calendars are printed and placed at service desks and in
brochure racks at the libraries; children's programs are also promoted through the
school system; some programs are promoted on Clearwater's Channel 15; patrons can
sign up for C-news which automatically em ails them with new press releases; local
community newspapers often list programs; or a citizen can just call the library and
ask what programs are coming up.
ITEM #9 - Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :28 a.m.
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1/21/05