10/20/2006
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LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 20, 2006
Present:
Frederick Dunn
Marilyn Garte
Lorelei Keif
Elizabeth Drayer
Michele Krentzman
Robert Brumback
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Jan Regulski
Chairperson
Also Present:
Barbara Pickell
Holly Ausanio
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Vice-Chair Dunn called the meeting to order at 10:40 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
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Member Marilyn Garte moved to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2006 meeting as
submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Announcements
a) Welcome new board members
Vice-Chair Fred Dunn welcomed new members Michele Krentzman and Robert Brumback.
b) Cookie Gilreath
1. Resignation letter
Member Elizabeth Drayer read Ms. Gilreath's August 30 letter resigning from membership
on the Board due to illness. It was noted Ms. Gilreath has since passed away.
2. Book memorial donation
A suggestion was that the Board members donate a book to the Library System in memory of
Ms. Gilreath. All members were in agreement.
ITEM #4 - Library Director's Report
a) "Penny 3" projects update
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Director Barbara Pickell reported several citizens spoke at the City Council meeting last night
requesting budget cuts and reduction in property taxes. A citizens advisory committee will be
appointed to discuss budget cuts for FY 07/08. Also discussed was the possibility of amending
the "Penny 3" projects list to provide more funds for stormwater projects, thereby reducing the
assessment to property owners.
City Council questioned the need for five libraries, agreed the Countryside Branch expansion is
necessary, and questioned the need for expansion or joint use with SPC for the East Branch.
In response to a questions, Director Pickell stated the Pennies 3 funds are tagged for expansion
or joint use facility with SPC, but they are not available until 2010-2014. Neither branch has
enough property for a large expansion and parking. In response to a suggestion for the Board
to rally support from the East Branch patrons, Director Pickell stated the time to mobilize
support for the library would be when the initial budget is presented to the Council for review in
June.
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of a more centrally located library, with the Long
Center property being suggested. In response to a question regarding from where the East
patrons come, Director Pickell stated that information will be compiled and provided to the
Board.
Director Pickell reported a citizen survey regarding library services will be included in the City's
annual report.
b) City Budget update
Director Barbara Pickell reported the FY 07/08 budget may see 10% cuts. Budget cuts usually
relate to reduction in staff and materials. It will be necessary to define the library's core
services and what services can be cut, i.e. children's programming may not be cost effective
since it serves a limited number of children.
Other potential budget savings may include combining Beach Library with the Beach Recreation
Center, and sharing hours and staff between Beach & NG.
In response to a question regarding patron comments, it was stated patrons want more of what
is currently offered. 70% of citizens have library cards, and the Library System is the highest
rated City department regarding public satisfaction, receiving a rating of 8.5 on a 1-10 scale.
The Library System comprises only 1-2% of the overall City budget, of which approximately 1/6
comes from County funding.
The Board will be updated as staff receives more specific direction over the next few months.
c) New staff appointments
Director Barbara Pickell reported Bonnie Potters, from Largo, is the new manager over
Acquisitions and Technical Services. Jennifer Obermaier, from Tampa/Hillsborough, is the new
Youth Services manager replacing Jana Fine, who retired.
ITEM #5 - Unfinished Business - none
. ITEM #6 - New Business
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a) Board advocacy role
As an advocate for the library system, discussion ensued whether the Board should send a
letter to the City Council recommending the East Library be kept as is if they decide not to
expand. Consensus was to wait for updated information.
A request was made that the Library Director bring to the Board a new master plan for the
library system. Included in the plan would be proposed services, branch expansions and
relocation, hours of operation, and survey and demographics information.
Director Barbara Pickell stated she can come back to the Board with plan following a planning
session with library managers.
Member Elizabeth Drayer moved to agenda a master plan presentation to include discussion of
library activities, joint use facility, North Greenwood hours of operation, and relocation of the
Beach Branch for the January 2007 Board meeting. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
b) N. Greenwood Branch - hours of operation
Director Pickell reported North Greenwood is currently open five days a week, and two nights
until 7 p.m. Patrons regularly request weekend hours, but there is not enough staff to cover the
additional hours. A suggestion was made for that branch to open Saturday instead of Monday.
Consensus was to address at a later time.
Director Pickell also reported staff has discussed the possibility of changing Main Library hours
from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to 8 a.m.-8 p.m. to provide access for downtown workers prior to reporting to
work.
c) Beach Branch - location
Director Barbara Pickell reported they are moving forward with discussions for relocation of the
Beach Library. There is strong support from City staff for the Library and Parks & Recreation to
share space at the Beach Recreation center. An additional room would be added onto the
existing recreation center at the north end. Pursuant to FEMA regulations, the cost of the
construction cannot exceed 50% of value of existing property, which equates to approximately
$350,000. Staff is currently looking at grant funding, including State funds, which provide for
library construction. In response to a question regarding the Board sending a letter of support to
the City Council, Director Pickell stated the time for that will be when staff goes to the Council
prior to submittal of the grant request.
Consensus of the Board is to support the Beach branch relocation plan, as presented, provided
the City decides to keep this branch open.
d) Board appointments - posting notices
Director Barbara Pickell reported a link to the City's board membership application has been
added to the Library webpage. In response to a request, a notice will also be posted at the
Library.
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Discussion ensued regarding the difficulty getting volunteers for the Board, that perhaps a
meeting later in the day would make it easier for working people to volunteer. Consensus was
to wait and see if there is a need.
e) Board member suggestions
A suggestion was made that the monthly meetings be held at a different branch each month so
that board members can become familiar with the branches.
Vice-Chair Fred Dunn moved to schedule Board meetings at different library branches each
month. The motion was seconded. Upon the vote being taken, motion failed.
A request was made to change the Board's regular meeting time, with a consensus for the
second Thursday of the month.
Robert Brumback moved to change the regular meeting time from the third Friday to the second
Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #7 - Reports
a) Foundation
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the Foundation's annual Jazz Holiday Soiree will be
held this Saturday. Tickets are still available through the Foundation office.
. b) Friends - no report this month
ITEM #8 - Board Comments
Member Elizabeth Drayer stated the Clearwater Women's Club will be holding their annual
Evening with the Authors event on Friday, November 17.
Member Lorelei Keif reported she had several people request the Library add railroading
magazines to the collection.
ITEM #9 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
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