Loading...
12/18/1998LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER December 18, 1998 Present: Judy Melges Vice-Chair Estelle Dunn Board Member William Raffaniello Board Member Tom Leavy Board Member Howard Adler Board Member Katherine Merriam Board Member Also Present: Arlita Hallam Quality of Life Administrator/Library Director Julie Lewis Library Foundation Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter Absent: Christine Morris Chair Glenn Garte Board Member Lois Martin Board Member The Vice-Chair 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 - Approval of Minutes Member Adler moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 1998, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Library Director’s Report a) Beach Library Grand Opening The beach library is closing its current site today and has a grand opening planned for 9:00 a.m. at Pelican Walk on January 4, 1999. The City is renting the space for $13 per square foot. Quality of Life Administrator/Library Director Arlita Hallam invited all to attend. b) Main Library Schematic Design and Site Selection Dr. Hallam said she is preparing for the City Commission a list of amenities that would be deleted from the Main Library project if the library’s size is reduced from 112,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet or to 70,000 square feet or to 55,000 square feet. This report will address which services, such as administrative, technical programs, and meeting rooms, could be moved to the Harborview Center should that plan move forward. The City Manager is working to get more money for the project. She is meeting with the architects for the library and Harborview Center projects. In response to a question, Dr. Hallam reviewed plans for the town pond which will be located behind one considered library site at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue. To maintain control of the collection, the new library will have only one entrance. The schematic design will be presented to the City Commission in March or April following the election. ITEM #4 - Unfinished Business Concern was expressed the board had received no feedback from the Commission regarding board concerns related to the donor policy. It was noted the City Commission confuses library related boards with one another. Library Foundation member Julie Lewis said she had spoken with each commissioner, except for Commissioner Clark, regarding the donor policy. She reviewed Commission input, noting comments regarding the donor recognition program. There was also confusion about the role of the “main library” versus a “downtown branch.” Few are aware of the complexity of operations at a Main or Headquarters Library As the City Commission’s agenda was full in December, Dr. Hallam recommended addressing library concerns after January 1, 1999. She said the schematic design will address function. It was requested the board review the library’s collection development and criteria at the January meeting. East/SPJC Joint Use Library In response to a question, Dr. Hallam said the City Commission had voted not to go forward with the project although there has been indication the City Commission will readdress this issue. Dr. Hallam noted the proposal is similar to one recently approved with the City of Seminole. It was recommended this project be delayed until Main Library plans have progressed. ITEM #5 - New Business - None. ITEM #6 - Reports a) Foundation Feasibility Report: Julie Lewis The Foundation Feasibility report will be complete after the first of the year. Donor Program Ms. Lewis distributed spreadsheet comparing City Commission opinions related to the donor program. She noted one Commissioner opposes the library sharing space with the Harborview Center, one does not think the main library needs to be downtown, and another wants to delay construction until enough Penny for Pinellas funds are available. Dr. Hallam noted the library was established in its present location 86 years ago and serves downtown government offices, businesses, and banking concerns. The County Seat is located downtown. If the main library is moved, other arrangements will have to be made to meet current service needs. In response to a question, she said the cost of razing the current structure has not been included in construction costs for the new library. Concern was expressed regarding one Commissioner’s recommendation that all funds collected by the foundation would replace City funding. It was noted that plan would undermine all foundation incentives to raise money. In response to a question, Dr. Hallam said while 22% of library users are non residents, the City receives $700,000 annually from the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative to cover related costs. It was stated a new library will attract downtown business. It was felt the library’s draw of out-of-City residents is good for downtown business. Ms. Lewis expressed concern a donor program is needed as Morton Plant/Mease Hospital is planning a public relations action to release at least $100,000 for a medical section and wants some name recognition. Currently, she can promise them nothing. The lack of policy inhibits the foundation’s ability to raise money. It was recommended the library boards hire a lobbyist to consolidate the views, reach consensus, and present the ideas to the City Commission. It was noted only the Friends of the Library can lobby. It was noted the Mayor has been a consistent supporter of a 90,000 square foot downtown library. February Cognoscenti Auction Ms. Lewis reported the Foundation’s February auction will feature a “library lovers” theme. She requested recommendations for the invitation list and reviewed some of the auction items. Ms. Lewis reported the Clearwater Community Woman’s Club will host a book sale fund raiser at the East Library tonight. Last year the event raised $4,000. b) Friends of the Library The annual Friends luncheon and reception is scheduled at Cove Cay on January 30, 1999. The bookstores need hardback versions of fictional books. ITEM #7 - Board Comments Happy Holidays! ITEM #8 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:41 a.m.