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04/17/1998LIBRARY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER April 17, 1998 Present: Christine Morris Chair Judy Melges (arrived 9:05) Vice Chair Estelle Dunn Member Glenn Garte Member William Raffaniello Member Tom Leavy Member Howard Adler Member Lois Martin Member Julie Lewis Library Foundation Dr. Arlita Hallam Library Director Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Marshall Bennett Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. in Countryside Branch Library. For continuity, items are listed in agenda order, although not necessarily discussed in that order. Minutes Approval — March 20, 1998 Member Leavy moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the board reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Melges was not present. Member Melges requested minutes amendment later in the meeting. She said page 3, second paragraph should read, “...it is hoped to align this year’s Friends’ scholarship program Savings Bond campaign with National Library Week...” Member Garte moved to rescind minutes approval, and to approve the minutes as amended by Member Melges. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Library Director’s Report A. Main Library Architect Selection Update B. Library Construction Timelines and Funding Dr. Hallam submitted minutes of three Selection Committee meeting in April, summarizing presentations by three architects and reporting their ranking as scored by the committee. The selection committee agreed by a 9-1 vote (Dr. Hallam voting for Paul Gowan Associates), for the City Commission to begin negotiating with the architectural firms in the following order: 1) Robert A.M. Stern/ Harvard Jolly Toppe Clees; 2) Paul Gowan Associates (Gene Aubry, design architect); and 3) Richard Meier/Gee & Jenson. Experience and credentials of each architect were discussed. Library Board, Friends, and Foundation members who viewed the presentations talked about the experience. Dr. Hallam responded to questions regarding the contract negotiations process. Discussion ensued regarding the architect’s role in the site selection process, potential library sites, construction costs, and the need to create construction time lines that coincide with availability of Penny for Pinellas and grant funding. Discussion ensued regarding grant availability, timing, and groundwork for filing grant applications. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the architects’ rankings, rationale for choosing design architects, and how architects’ various approaches, background, and experience could benefit Clearwater. City Commission selection approval is scheduled for May. The board received and reviewed handouts regarding Library Policies amendment approval, and a report of library branch cardholders by ZIP code. Discussion ensued regarding library locations, numbers of people served, and effectiveness of existing locations. Reports — Friends, Foundation Friends representative Christine Morris reminded board members of the Volunteer Tea at Countryside Library on Sunday, April 19, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Althea Andersen will speak. Foundation representative Julie Lewis briefly highlighted background of four new Library Foundation members who replaced retired members. Board Comments In response to a question, Dr. Hallam said the greatest need in new libraries is enlarged children’s departments because population is getting younger. Programs are geared toward preschool, elementary, middle and high schools. The City also has a teen Library Board. Brief discussion ensued regarding effectiveness of the North Greenwood Branch Library location. Chair Morris shared a letter from the Library Foundation, thanking the Library Board for their contribution in memory of Shirley Hunt’s daughter. Staff will inquire whether advisory board reports to the City Commission are scheduled for 1998. Chair Morris asked for copies of the revised Charter amendment stating that the Library Board has 9 rather than 11 members. New Business A. Library Board Officer Nominations Chair Morris opened the floor for nominations of members to serve as 1998/99 Library Board Officers. Member Leavy nominated Christine Morris and Judy Melges for reelection as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. Members Morris and Melges accepted the nominations. The nominating committee, consisting of Members Raffaniello and Garte, approved the nominations. Any additional nominations and the vote will be taken at the May meeting. B. Call of the Next Meeting Dr. Hallam said the May 15 meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. in the Clearwater Beach Branch Library, Causeway Boulevard, Civic Center Auditorium. Tour of Countryside Library/Programs After a brief tour of the Countryside Branch Library, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.