09/16/2005
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 16, 2005
Present:
Jan Regulski
Frederick Dunn
Katherine Merriam
Elizabeth Drayer
Marilyn Garte
Clorinda Gilreath
Lorelei Keif
Absent:
Also Present:
Barbara Pickell
Holly Ausanio
Rita Garvey
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
President, FOCL
Chairperson Jan Regulski called the meeting to order at 10:33 a.m. at the
Main Library.
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To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 - Welcome
Chair Regulski, on behalf of the Board, welcomed newly appointed Library
Director Barbara Pickell.
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Member Katie Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of May
20, 2005 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Nomination and Election of Officers
Chair Regulski opened the floor to accept nominations for the offices of
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
Member Gilreath nominated Member Regulski for Chairperson and Member
Drayer for Vice-Chairperson. Member Merriam nominated Member Dunn for Vice-
Chair. Member Drayer deferred to Member Dunn.
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With no further nominations from the floor, Chair Regulski called for the
vote. The motions were duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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ITEM #4 - Library Director's Report
a) Appointment of Assistant Director
Barbara Pickell, Library Director, reported Kathy Dort has been promoted to
the Assistant Director position. The responsibilities of the position have been
modified and now include management of the Main Library, Public Services,
Acquisitions and Technical Services divisions. Branch Managers now report to the
Director. The Division Manager position has been reclassified to a Librarian I, which
will be responsible for the 181 Floor Information Desk.
b) Amnesty Week and Hurricane Relief
Director Barbara Pickell reported Monday through Saturday of next week
patrons can return overdue items and have their fines forgiven. A donation box will
be available for patrons to make a donation to the Red Cross Hurricane Katrina
Relief Fund.
c) Budget Update
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Director Barbara Pickell reported City Council adopted the FY 05/06 budget
at its meeting last night. In response to a question, Ms. Pickell stated the Beach
Branch Library was discussed at budget work sessions as an example of "additional
services". The topic of discussion for the citywide budget was an increase in the
number of employees. No cuts were made to the budget and the millage stayed the
same.
In response to a question regarding custodial services, Ms. Pickell reported
the currently vacant full-time position at Main is being filled. In addition, the 05/06
budget includes custodial services contracts for Beach and North Greenwood
branch libraries. The part-time custodial position, currently at North Greenwood,
will transfer to Main October 1 .
d) Joffrey's Cafe
Director Barbara Pickell reported concerns with the cafe operation include
not enough business due to the cafe's location in the library, and inconsistency of
service. Wireless Internet access is now available in the cafe, which will be
publicized once the 3'd floor access is completed.
e) Procedural Changes
1. Reserving Best Sellers
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Director Barbara Pickell reported most other libraries in the area already
reserve best sellers. It will help track whether more copies are needed, though
fewer copies will be on the shelves.
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2. Phasing Out Videos & Cassettes
Director Barbara Pickell reported production of videos and cassettes will
discontinue after Spring 2006. The Library will not be adding any more items to the
collection in this format, unless an item cannot be purchased on DVD. Donations
received in these formats are given to the Friends of the Library.
ITEM #5 - Unfinished Business
Chair Jan Regulski reviewed the plan for a plaque naming present and all
past library directors. Vice-Chair Fred Dunn, who is spearheading the project,
stated there is one past director for which the complete name cannot be identified.
Assistant Library Director Kathy Dort will assist with determining style and location
of the sign.
Chair Regulski inquired about the status of the proposed plan for art in the
meeting rooms. Member Drayer expressed the need to enhance ambiance of the
rooms. A concern was expressed regarding liability for the security of artwork in
the rooms and whether it would negatively impact the needs of the meeting room
users. A suggestion was made to paint the walls a different color. Consensus was
no further action is needed.
ITEM #6 - New Business
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Questions were raised whether there is an employee dress code, and why
name tags are not used. Discussion ensued regarding pros and cons of staff
wearing name tags, including employee safety issues.
In response to a questions regarding meeting room use, Library Director
Barbara Pickell stated religious groups are included as non-profits unless they are
holding a fund-raiser or other special event. She stated the atrium, terrace and
rooftop are only available during the hours the library is closed. Director Pickell
reviewed current guidelines for free use and how it meets the Library's mission.
American Library association guidelines state meeting space can only be limited by
time, space and manner used, not content.
ITEM #7 - Reports
a) Foundation
Rita Garvey reported the Foundation will host a Jazz Soiree event on October
15. The Bonefish Grill will cater the event and tickets are $40.
b) Friends
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President Rita Garvey reported the Friends are doing very well and have
asked for a list of library needs that cannot be purchased from regular operating
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funds. They are also interested in funding more programs. Membership is currently
over 300, with a goal of increasing it to 500
In response to questions, Mrs. Garvey stated the Main Library bookstore is
open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. She estimates sales for all stores to be $30-40,000 annually. There are 70
bookstore volunteers for Main, 6-8 at Countryside and 2-3 at East. Book sales are
held twice a year at Main Library; the next one will be September 22. Over $1,000
is made at each sale.
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
The Clearwater Community Women's Club will host its annual fundraiser,
Evening with the Authors, on November 18, 7-9:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the
North Pinellas Women's Club, the event has been held for the past 15 years. There
will be 12-15 authors, and one of the prizes this year is a basket of books on local
history. The invitations will be out in mid-October.
ITEM #8 - Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :35 a.m.
~~ J 'AAAL'
hair
Attest:
~o-
tive Analyst
Library Advisory 2005-916
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