05/03/2018 LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 3, 2018
Present: Chair David Loyd, Vice Chair Barbara Blakely, Board Member Barbara Ann Murphey,
Board Member Rosemarie Kibitlewski, Board Member Amy Wallon, Board Member Donna
Dennis
Absent: Board Member Elizabeth W. Folk
Also Present: Jennifer L. Obermaier— Library Director, Patricia O. Sullivan — Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 —Approval of Minutes
2.1. Approve the minutes of the February 1, 2018 Library Board meeting as submitted in
written summation.
Member Murphey moved to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2018 Library Board meeting
as submitted in written summation. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 —Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
4— Library Director's Reports
4.1 East Branch/SPC Joint-Use
Library Director Jennifer Obermaier said the East Community Library's grand opening in April
attracted a large turnout. Traffic will increase as community members become familiar with the
new location. The public art project, a stainless steel sculpture adjacent to the pond, will be up lit
and visible from Drew Street; a time line for installation will be determined. Staff was working
with St. Petersburg College on interior signage and enhancements.
Discussion ensued re the grand opening with concerns expressed that the children's area was
dark and parking lot striping colors were confusing, The celebration event was complimented,
including the caricature artist.
Ms. Obermaier said the parking lot was finished the day before the grand opening. The second
floor, closed for exams during the event, was dedicated college space usually open to the
public. Parking lot colors, consistent campus wide, were not really enforced at the library's lot
unless a driver was heading to class. Parking should be adequate.
Largo Library and Miscellaneous
Ms. Obermaier said the Largo Library had won the Florida Library of the Year award. The
Library plans to apply for the award next year, highlighting the joint-use library and new maker
spaces which have been successful. The library always was looking for opportunities to
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preserve Clearwater's public history; staff was continuing to digitize the Historical Society's
special collection. It was noted the Main Library was one of the largest in the country not
attached to a university. The library was complimented for preserving reading skills.
4.2 Imagine Clearwater
Ms. Obermaier said the architects soon will submit a final report with associated costs re
Imagine Clearwater recommended changes to the Main Library. Staff will discuss the
recommendations before it is presented to City Council. Staff was awaiting direction from City
management to schedule a public meeting for additional input.
4.3 Main Library Enhancements
Ms. Obermaier said technology improvements to Meeting Rooms A and B were almost
completed. Staff was reviewing the budget to replace the rooms' worn furniture. The recarpeting
project should begin in December. As Building and Maintenance Department efforts to spot treat
the termite infestation were unsuccessful, the building will be tented in late May. Wood doors,
end panels, door jambs, and art frames were damaged. Treatment will take up to 5 days.
4.4 Summer Reading Program
Ms. Obermaier said in conjunction with the summer reading program, "Build a Better World,"
JWB (Juvenile Welfare Board) will fund free lunches and afternoon snacks on weekdays in the
cafe area for children 17 and under. The lunch program was wildly successful last year.
4.5 PPLC Interlocal Agreement
Ms. Obermaier said the PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) Interlocal agreement
expires at the end of September. The PPLC Board was reviewing the agreement line by line for
revisions. She hoped the Board would approve an amended agreement by July, forward it to
County library directors for review, and then present it in September to member City Councils/
Commissions for approval. The agreement will adopt the State library funding formula and
remove fixed capital expenses such as new construction. Following significant discussion re
sharing electronic materials, it was determined that members will share all circulated materials.
It was noted the PPLC Board had no city officials previously. Ms. Obermaier said city and
county officials are currently represented on the Board.
5— Unfinished Business
Imagine Clearwater
Concerns were expressed that Imagine Clearwater changes, library vendors, and the proposed
nearby boutique hotel will limit Main Library parking. It was recommended that library parking lot
spaces be restricted for library patron use only.
Ms. Obermaier said parking was always an issue during community meetings at the library and
large events at Coachman Park. The City was working on a parking plan; the library will have
approximately 88 parking spaces. In response to a question, she said the architect was aware
of the issue. It was recommended that parking be addressed at the public forum. Coachman
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Park changes were planned over a 10 year span. Board members were welcomed to attend
City Council meetings re this issue.
Complete Streets
It was reported the City's website linked to the Complete Streets Advisory Committee which was
requesting public input. It was said that according to the site, downtown had almost 2,500
parking spaces. It was noted the committee was reviewing wayfinding signage for bicyclists. It
was recommended that the City provide information on the cost and location of parking during
large Coachman Park events. It was stated the wayfaring program link listed downtown parking
locations.
6 — New Business: None.
7 — Reports
7.1 Library Foundation
AND
7.2 Friends of the Library
Ms. Obermaier said the Friends of the Library had a book sale in March. She will report on the
Main Library bookstore's annual return. The Library was grateful to both organizations for their
support and funding of teen interns to help with the 8 -week summer reading program which
begins the first week of June,. It was stated the internships provided great opportunities for local
youth.
8 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Attest:
Chair — Library Board
Board Reporter
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