03/08/2007
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 8, 2007
Present: Jan Regulski Chairperson
Frederick Dunn Vice-Chair
Elizabeth Drayer Board Member
Marilyn Garte Board Member
Lorelei Keif Board Member
Michele Krentzman Board Member
Robert Brumback Board Member
Also Present: Barbara Pickell Library Director
Holly Ausanio Administrative Analyst
Chair 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
ITEM #2 – Minutes
Member Brumback moved to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2007 meeting as
motioncarried
submitted. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report
a) Budget Update
Director Barbara Pickell reported the Budget Task Force has completed their report of
recommendations for the City Council. The report included closing or relocating the Beach
Library, outsourcing lawn maintenance, and reducing wind insurance coverage.
Director Pickell stated the FY 07/08 Library budget reductions include closing of the Main
Library information desk, combining hours for Beach and North Greenwood branches, and
closing two nights per week at East and Countryside branches.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated East and Countryside branch libraries will
close opposite evenings. The additional cuts will not take place until the new fiscal year.
Director Barbara Pickell reported the State budget is being proposed at a rollback rate to the
2000 tax level. If approved as proposed, the City would be looking at a 15% reduction of the
budget. In response to questions, Director Pickell stated the State budget approval process
should be completed by the end of April.
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Chair Regulski suggested Board members contact their representative with concern about
the local impact on cities and schools.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated Library Days occurs March 19-20.
b) Facilities Update
Director Barbara Pickell reported lighting on the first and third floors at Main Library have
been replaced. The fourth floor casework has been completed, providing a lot of display
area and file space for the Clearwater Sun photo collection.
In response to questions, it was stated the framed news articles were moved to the first floor
concourse to bring attention to the history collection. The nautical Wickman collection has
been relocated from the Beach Library to Special Collections at Main, which also houses a
Pinellas Leadership collection.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business
Director Barbara Pickell reported she is working with staff to draft a business plan.
ITEM #5 – New Business
Chair Regulski requested that nomination and election of officers be scheduled for the May
meeting, as she will not be present for the April meeting. She advised members that her
term expires in December.
Director Pickell asked the Board if they would like to have a meeting at the Beach
Recreation Center to see how the Beach Library will be incorporated into the facility.
Consensus of the Board was to schedule the May meeting at the Clearwater Beach
Recreation Center.
ITEM #6 - Reports
a) Foundation – no report.
b) Friends
Director Barbara Pickell stated the annual Volunteer Tea is scheduled for Sunday April 1,
2:00-4:00 p.m. at Countryside Library.
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
In response to Member Liz Drayer’s question whether the City Council needs to approve the
Strategic Plan, Director Pickell stated it will be presented to them for acceptance or
approval. Member Brumback stated approval by the Council will facilitate future efforts to
acquire functions and funding necessary to complete the directives of the plan.
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In response to Member Marilyn Garte's question regarding completion of the Beach Library
relocation project, Director Pickell stated it should be done by March 2008. The greatest
impact will be the renovation of the restroom facilities necessary to bring them to code.
In response to a question from Vice-Chair Fred Dunn regarding usage of the Main Library
rooftop, Director Pickell stated there is occasional use. Parks & Recreation staff schedule
and coordinate all special events.
Chair Jan Regulski announced that Member Liz Drayer has been appointed to serve on the
Charter Review Committee.
ITEM #8 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :40 a.m.
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Attest:
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