01/21/2000LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 21, 2000
Present: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
Katherine Merriam Board Member
Jill Perrino Board Member
Rhonda Smith Board Member
Absent: vacant Board Member
vacant Board Member
Also Present: Juliet Lewis Foundation Executive Director
Susan Hackett Administrative Analyst
Pat Jones and guest Public Relations Director,
Church of Scientology
Chair Judy Melges 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
New Board Member Rhonda Smith was welcomed to the Board replacing Christine Morris.
ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes
Member Katherine Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 17, 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
Library Director John Szabo was unable to attend the meeting due to a delay in shooting a public service announcement on the Library scheduled earlier in the morning.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business - None.
ITEM #5 – New Business - None.
ITEM #6 – Reports
Foundation
Foundation Executive Director Julie Lewis reported the first meeting on the
fundraising drive for the North Greenwood Library was held with Ms. Lewis and Shirley Hunt representing the Foundation, North Greenwood Library Manager Marlene Mitchell, and Library
Director John Szabo in attendance. A committee of business leaders from North Greenwood is being assembled, and from that a fundraising committee will be formed to approach businesses
in the area for the enhancements for the new North Greenwood Library. A timeline of two months has been determined to reach half of the goal of $85,000 to $100,000 through major donors
before going out to the community as a whole for donations. Harvard Jolley Architects will work with an interior designer on donor recognition ideas. Enhancements may include a computer
lab, opening day book collection, enhanced children’s materials, multi-cultural mural, public art for outside, i.e. bronze statue.
Ms. Lewis noted the Foundation will benefit from proceeds of Representative John Morroni’s appreciation dinner honoring law enforcement and fire fighters on January 28, 2000, at the
Sheraton Sand Key.
Friends of the Clearwater Library
Member Merriam reported on Director Szabo’s presentation to the Friends Board regarding the current status of library projects.
The Friends of the Clearwater Library’s Winter Luncheon will be held on February 19, 2000, at Cove Cay Country Club. Guest speaker, Dr. Madison Mosley, is President of the Florida Library
Association. Checks and entrée selection should be mailed to Susan Hackett at the Main Library.
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Due to changes in site availability, Member Glenn Garte questioned whether the site selection committee should reconvene. Discussion followed on the concern that the Main Library might
be left in the hands of the bluff developers. Board members expressed concern that a referendum vote against development of the bluff would also defeat the Main Library project, unless
the Main Library stands alone.
Board members discussed the recent news coverage on Clearwater’s policy regarding long overdue materials.
Member Howard Adler inquired when the glitches would be worked out of the new computer system.
Chair Melges encouraged the Board to attend the January 31, 2000, meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers for presentations by prospective bluff developers.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.