10/21/2005
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 21, 2005
Present:
Jan Regulski
Frederick Dunn
Katherine Merriam
Elizabeth Drayer
Marilyn Garte
Clorinda Gilreath
Lorelei Keif
Absent:
Also Present:
Barbara J. Pickell
Holly Ausanio
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Chair 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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ITEM #2 - Minutes
Member Clorinda Gilreath noted on page 1 , to add Lorelei Keif to members
present. On page 3, Item #7, the Hogfish Grill should read Bonefish Grill and the ticket
price should be $40.
Member Katie Merriam moved to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Library Director's Report
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the City's Emergency Management
Coordinator is monitoring the path of Wilma; currently, the City will continue normal
operations.
Circulation was down system-wide in September, possibly due in part to parking
issues during special events in the park. A suggestion was made to open North
Greenwood during such events to provide an alternative for library patrons.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated the Beach Branch will continue its
month-to-month lease at its present location; the generator at Main is serviced monthly;
and effective October 1, best sellers can be reserved.
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ITEM #4 - Unfinished Business - none
Library Advisory 2005-1021
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ITEM #5 - New Business
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a) Review of Advisory Board Manual
Chair Regulski noted the manual was last revised in 1994.
Library Director Barbara Pickell summarized key duties and responsibilities of the
Board, stating the manual has a clear definition of purpose.
A question was raised whether summer meetings should be reinstated.
Consensus of the Board was to continue this item to the November meeting.
b) Pennies for Pinellas 3 - library needs
Director Barbara Pickell reported CIP projects are being sought for the Pennies 3
funding for the years 2010-2020.
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She suggested expansion of Countryside and East branch libraries. Both libraries
are currently 15,000 sq. ft. Discussion ensued regarding whether to add a second story
or look for different property to build new facilities. It was noted that that parking is a
current concern at East due to its use by those picking students up from the school on
the adjoining property. In response to a question regarding the need for expansion,
Director Pickell stated the current space for the collections at both branches is maxed
out.
Discussion ensued regarding the feasibility of a joint use library with Saint
Petersburg College, and the need for additional hours at Main and North Greenwood
libraries.
Additional projects Director Pickell proposed for inclusion in the Pennies 3 funding
include the Beach Library and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for all
facilities.
c) Meeting Room & Special Events policies
Director Barbara Pickell provided the Board with a copy of the proposed new
policies and procedures for meeting room use and special event use.
Meeting room use is free to all non-profit organizations for regular meetings,
provided the meetings are free and open to the public. Any paid use would be classified
as a special event, which would include for profit groups and private parties. For special
events, the Library incurs additional costs for staff time and additional utilities for after
hours events. These costs are covered in the base fee for an event. In addition to the
base fee, there are hourly charges for designated rental spaces. There is also a fee for
audio/visual equipment.
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Concern was expressed regarding the policy statement that "Library events take
precedence and may result in rescheduling" of another event. Consensus was to delete
that statement from the Special Events Policy.
Library Advisory 2005-1021
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10/21/05
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Concern was also expressed that the proposed fees are too high.
Consensus was to continue discussion of this item to the November meeting.
d) State Budget action request
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the Florida Library Association has
requested libraries and their support groups send letters to the Governor expressing the
need for increased State Aid funding.
Vice-Chair Fred Dunn moved to authorize Director Pickell to present a letter of
support from the Board to the Governor to increase State Aid allocations to libraries. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation
Jan Regulski reported there were 300 in attendance at the Jazz Soiree, an
increase from last year.
b) Friends
Friends President Rita Garvey reported the Friends Board approved expenditures of
$12,000 for Youth Services programs and $10,000 for author programs in 2006. Also,
there are plans to enhance the Beach and East bookstores.
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
Vice-Chair Dunn inquired whether a tour of the Largo Library could be arranged for
the Board. Director Barbara Pickell will make arrangements.
Member Katie Merriam expressed concern regarding the lack of protection from
the weather in the front drive where handicap persons would be let out of vehicles. She
also noted that there aren't any power doors on the south side of the building.
ITEM #8 - Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:08.
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Attest:
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Administrl't ve Analyst
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Library Advisory 2005-1021
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