05/21/1999LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 21, 1999
Present: Christine Morris Chair
Judy Melges Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Katherine Merriam Board Member
Estelle Dunn Board Member
Jill Perrino Board Member
Tom Leavy Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
William Raffaniello Board Member
Also Present: Arlita Hallam Quality of Life Administrator
John Szabo Asst. Library Director
Juliet Lewis Foundation Executive Director
Susan Hackett Administrative Analyst
The 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 Howard Adler moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 16, 1999, 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
Donor Naming Policy update
Quality of Life Administrator Arlita Hallam reported the Donor Naming Policy as distributed to the Board was approved by the City Commission on May 6, 1999. Discussion ensued regarding
donations with strings attached. Those donations would not be accepted. Foundation Member Julie Lewis commented that Mayor Brian Aungst stated at the Commission meeting that the policy
could be looked at again in the future if needed.
Library Master Plan update
Dr. Hallam thanked everyone who attended the work session of May 17, 1999, and the City Commission meeting of May 20, 1999, regarding the Library master plan and site discussion. Discussion
followed on the subject of the proposed Request For Qualifications to be sent to developers to determine interest in developing the downtown area bordered by Ft. Harrison Ave., Drew
St., Pierce St., and the bayfront. The City can determine what restrictions will be included in
the RFQ with regards to a new Main Library, i.e. architect selection, size, etc. Dr. Hallam will work with Bob Keller of Economic Development, and Charlie Siemon, consultant, on the
RFQ preparation.
Dr. Hallam reported the City Commission has agreed to go forward with the East Library/St. Petersburg Junior College joint use facility project.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business
Election of officers for 1999-2000
The slate of officers nominated at last month’s meeting is as follows:
Judy Melges for Chair, Tom Leavy for Vice Chair. With no further nominations from the floor, Member Adler moved the slate of officers nominated at the April 16, 1999, Board meeting
be accepted for the offices of Chair and Vice Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #5 – New Business
Revise meeting room policy to charge profit organizations?
Dr. Hallam reported the Library is looking for new revenues to offset expenses in the operating budget. The Board discussed a proposed meeting room policy change to charge profit organizations
(commercial and private) for meeting room use. Board members recommended that staff revise the meeting room policy as proposed and bring a revision reflecting such changes relating
to fees back to the Board at the September meeting.
Internet Pornography
Dr. Hallam distributed copies of her memo to Library staff on the subject of Internet pornography issues describing how the Clearwater Public Library System handles this subject.
ITEM #6 – Reports
Foundation
Foundation Member Lewis reported a local student from Kings Highway Elementary School received a national Very Best in Youth award for being one of 30 national winners in the Reading
is Fundamental essay contest sponsored by the Foundation and Special Data Processing Corp.
In addition, the Clearwater Community Woman’s Club received the Florida Library Association’s Library Services Enhancement Award for their outstanding support of the Clearwater Public
Library System.
Friends
The Friends of the Clearwater Library’s newsletter, FOCL Point, received the Best Newsletter Award from the Florida Library Association at the annual conference in St. Augustine, Florida.
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Member Judy Melges questioned whether Robert A.M. Stern would have any interest in the RFQ discussed earlier. Dr. Hallam commented she had contacted Mr. Stern but had not received
a response on this issue.
Member Glenn Garte thanked Christine Morris for her hard work and dedication this past year as Chair.
Chair Morris asked the Board to be supportive during the summer months should a summer meeting need to be called. The Board does not normally meet during June, July, and August.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.