03/18/2005
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 18, 2005
Present:
Jan Regulski
Frederick Dunn
Elizabeth Drayer
Marilyn Garte
Clorinda Gilreath
Katherine Merriam
Also Present:
John Szabo
Kathy Dort
Holly Ausanio
Paula Chaplinsky
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Library Manager
Administrative Analyst
Senior Staff Assistant
Chairperson Jan Regulski 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.
ITEM #1 - Welcome
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Library Director John Szabo introduced Library Manager Kathy Dort. City
Manager Bill Horne has appointed Kathy as Interim Director. She has been with the City
of Clearwater for over 3 years, formerly Assistant Director at the Largo Library. Assistant
Library Director Laurel Gustafson has accepted a position in the St. Petersburg Library
System. The City will conduct a nationwide search for the Library Director vacancy. This
is done through professional websites, such as The American Library Association and
Florida Library Job Line, and newsletters such as The Library Hotline. Resumes and
applications are due by mid-April.
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Chairperson Katherine Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the February
18, 2005 meeting as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Library Director's Report
a) Interim Organization
Kathy Dort has been appointed as Interim Library Director, Ann Scheffer has
been appointed Interim Coordinator for Branches, and Eleanor Scharf has been
appointed Acting Main Library Manager.
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b) Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Awards
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Library Director John Szabo stated the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
holds an annual Future of the Regional Awards ceremony, and the new Clearwater Main
Library was awarded first place in the category of Public Education. This is the sixth
award the building has won in the past year. Mr. Szabo has presented the award to the
City Councilmembers.
c) Tracey Reed, Systems Analyst - TBLC
Library Director John Szabo stated Tracey Reed, Systems Analyst, has resigned
and accepted a position with the Tampa Bay Library Consortium where she will be the
head of their training continuing education programs. She will also continue with her
education and will receive her Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) later this year.
d) Death of Barbara May, Library Assistant (part-time)
Library Director John Szabo informed board members of Barbara May's passing.
Prior to her appointment with the City of Clearwater, she was a President in the
Synagogue Library Association. She will be greatly missed.
e) PPLC LSTA grant request - Books-by-Mail
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Library Director John Szabo informed board members of the Books-by-Mail
program for homebound patrons. Our library system will participate in a grant-funded
program initiated by the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative. This is a means of providing
homebound patrons access to books ordered by Internet, phone, or kiosk stations.
f) FY 05/06 budget process
Library Director John Szabo reported the budget process has begun and the
Beach Branch will be a part of that discussion, which should take place in the summer
months. The Beach Branch contract for 3300 sq. ft. is currently on a month-to-month
basis. If the property manager wants to end the contract the City Council will determine if
the branch will be relocated.
g) Visits from Darrien, CT and Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System
Library Director John Szabo reported visits from Library Staff and Director from
Darrien, Connecticut, whom have also visited the Library in Columbus, Georgia. We've
also had visitors from Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System. All visitors enjoyed the
opportunity to tour our new facility.
ITEM #4 - Unfinished Business
a) Plaque featuring names of library directors
Vice-Chair Dunn indicated research is still being done to determine the first name
of the third director, and plaque costs. Member Regulski and other board members
would like a high quality plaque. Library Director John Szabo suggested Kathy Dort
review the draft before it is presented to the Friends.
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ITEM #5 - New Business - none
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ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation - none
b) Friends
Invitations for The Volunteer Tea have been sent. This event will be held April 24,
2005 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. coinciding with National Volunteer Week & National
Library Week. This is sponsored and organized by the Friends.
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
a) Letter of Thanks and Appreciation
Chairperson Jan Regulski read and presented John Szabo with a letter of thanks
and appreciation recognizing his service and accomplishments for the Clearwater Public
Library System. Board Members wished John well. John thanked the Board for their
support.
b) Wheelchair Access
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Chairperson Jan Regulski stated the restroom doors make it difficult to open for
persons in walkers. Clorinda suggested an automatic door. Library Director John Szabo
mentioned we would have needed a second vestibule and this would have affected the
architectural plan.
ITEM #8 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
~o~'
Attest
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