Loading...
10/16/1998LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 16, 1998 Present: Christine Morris Chair Judy Melges Vice-Chair Estelle Dunn Board Member William Raffaniello Board Member Tom Leavy Board Member Howard Adler Board Member Glenn Garte Board Member Katherine Merriam Board Member Absent: Lois Martin Board Member Also Present: John Szabo Assistant Library Director Julie Lewis Library Foundation Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 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 The Library Advisory Board welcomed Assistant Library Director John Szabo. ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes Library Foundation Executive Director Julie Lewis requested copies of Library Advisory Board minutes be forwarded to her. Member Garte moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 10, 1998, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Capital Campaign Ms. Lewis said it is important the City Commission approve a donor policy before a capital campaign to raise funds for a new library can begin. The Library Advisory Board’s committee, formed to consider the donor policy, had spent significant time and effort on this issue. The item, however, never has been listed on a City Commission agenda. Ms. Lewis said without a written policy, the Library Foundation cannot begin the campaign in January. The Foundation’s feasibility study is underway with the consultant contacting City officials, community leaders and members regarding how much private money is available for this project and the public’s feeling about some private or religious donations. The interim report is due at the end of November and the final report will be completed by year’s end. It was noted a donor policy must cover all potential gifts to the City, including park land. Mr. Szabo said an established donor policy will avoid future misunderstandings and identify potential “strings” that may accompany a contribution. He did not know the City’s intent regarding the receipt of donations for other projects. It was suggested a library-specific policy be adopted first if a City-wide policy cannot be determined quickly. The Mayor’s recommendation to establish a committee was noted. Frustration was expressed arduous efforts to address this issue by an advisory board committee had proved fruitless as no item ever was agendaed by the City Commission. It was felt exceptional efforts by board members to take tours and form recommendations are not considered by City officials. Involving the City Manager was recommended. Mr. Szabo emphasized the importance of a donor policy. It was noted the Library Board had offered recommendations in April 1997. Concern was expressed donations may be redirected to other causes while this issue awaits Commission resolution. It was stated a donor policy is a complex issue that must consider possible felonious backgrounds as well as religious creeds. Ms. Lewis said, as a private citizen, she will share the results of the interim report with the Mayor. She reiterated the Library Foundation cannot raise funds until the City formally accepts a donor policy. The naming of rooms is an important consideration. Concern was expressed regarding the downsizing of the Main Library project. It was recommended the Commission review the Board’s site committee selection report. To expedite construction by 8 years, a referendum for citizen approval of a $12-million bond for the project is scheduled for March 4, 1999. The City Commission is expected to approve a contract with a project architect in November 1998. In response to a concern, Mr. Szabo said the referendum will request an advance on future Penny for Pinellas funds, not more money. Copies of the April 1997 donor report will be distributed to board members. It was hoped these efforts would open discussion with the City Commission regarding this issue. Member Garte moved to reconfirm the Library Advisory Board’s April 2, 1997, donor report, and to forward it to the Commissioners, Mayor, and City Manager with a cover letter from the Chair expressing the board’s hope to accelerate action on this issue and emphasizing the importance of adopting, as soon as possible, a donor policy so that the Library Foundation can canvas for and accept donations for the new Main Library and requesting that the City Commission accept or augment the report and address the issue via a City Commission agenda item in the near future. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #4 - Folk Arts Festival Community Services Library Jan Nickols displayed a poster and distributed information for the Folk Arts Festival scheduled November 13-14, 1998. Tickets for the dinner buffet, hosted by the Friends of the Clearwater Library, are limited and must be purchased by November 9, 1998. Planned events include story-telling, a folk arts festival, regional foods, a fund-raiser, pre-dinner entertainment by Bonnie Whitehurst, and concerts featuring Trout Fishing in America and Richie Havens. The City cosponsors the event which is advertised nationally. ITEM #5 - Library Director’s Report a) Comparative Data Chart Mr. Szabo distributed the chart which compared Clearwater with library systems throughout the country. Clearwater is doing an outstanding job and rates well in all categories. He indicated different systems base expenditure information on different factors. It was noted Clearwater’s high marks improve Pinellas County’s rating. b) Branch Fact Sheets Mr. Szabo distributed the fact sheets for board review. University of South Florida/Harborview Center Article Mr. Szabo stated the recent newspaper article on USF (University of South Florida) interest in the Harborview Center as a branch campus was an exaggeration. Informal discussions with the university regarding the use of a few Harborview Center rooms have occurred. Concern was expressed the City could lose control of large segments of the Harborview Center as universities tend to appropriate all common space. ITEM #6 - Reports The Chair reported the Friends of the Library will have a table at the Folk Arts Festival to attract new members. The organization is updating its membership list. ITEM #7 - Board Comments Member Melges noted the board’s duties of responsibilities includes presentation of an annual report to the City Commission and public. Quality of Life Administrator Arlita Hallam will be asked to comment on this issue. The November 20, 1998, meeting, and all future meetings will begin at 10:30 a.m. It was requested members recruit young people to apply for appointment to the board. ITEM #8 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.