05/18/2001LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 18, 2001
Present: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Fred Dunn Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
Katherine Merriam Board Member
Absent: Rhonda Smith Board Member
Also Present: Ed Hart City Commissioner
John Szabo Library Director
Julie Lewis Foundation Executive Director
Tony Bacon Friends of the Clearwater Library President
Susan Doel Administrative Analyst
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
ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes
Member Katherine Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 20, 2001 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report
Main Library Project Update
Library Director John Szabo reported that staff and public meetings are scheduled during May for input on the schematic design of the new Main Library. Turner Construction Company
will be recommended as the construction management firm for this project at the City Commission meeting of June 7th. Turner Construction Company has a New York office in addition to
a local Tampa office and has experience working with Robert A.M. Stern.
An additional piece of property consisting of six retail units on Cleveland Street (approximately 14,000 sq.ft.) will be reviewed by staff next week for temporary Main Library quarters.
Main Library will be vacated around December-January with demolition planned in February 2002.
Lengthy discussion followed as Library Director John Szabo gave a presentation on the new Main Library’s schematic design. Comments included the following issues:
adequate parking availability; security with exterior café doors; distance of stairs/elevators from front door; laptop outlet availability at research tables; proximity of teens to children;
hurricane code requirements. Member Glenn Garte moved that subject to such modifications as may be deemed necessary in the future, the Library Board enthusiastically approves of and
endorses the design of Robert A.M. Stern. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
North Greenwood Library Project Update
The new North Greenwood Library project is currently at 50-60% construction
documents. Construction is anticipated to start mid to late summer with completion in spring 2002.
Interlocal Agreement/East Lake Update
The current interlocal agreement expires in July 2001. Pinellas County and the
city managers have discussed lowering the maximum percentage of Cooperative funding received from 17% to 16% which would affect Clearwater, one of only two 17% recipients along with
St. Petersburg.
FOCL Point Award
The FOCL Point newsletter won the statewide award for Best Newsletter from
the Florida Library Association for the second time. Bob Driver is the editor.
YAC Award
Clearwater Main Library’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) received the Betty
Davis Miller Award for outstanding library service to young adults. Jana Fine, Youth Services Manager, coordinated the group.
FY 01/02 Budget
Mr. Szabo met with Budget staff and the City Manager on next year’s proposed
budget. Requested in next year’s budget is an Assistant Library Director position. Countryside Sunday hours are included in the budget as well as the summer reading program interns
and the winter intern at Beach Library. 2.5 additional positions proposed for one-half year for the new North Greenwood Library were not approved. This need will most likely be met
temporarily by Main Library staff; however, ultimately these positions will need to be added. When asked about additional positions for the new Main Library, Mr. Szabo noted 10 additional
full time equivalent positions are projected and requested for FY 03/04.
Mr. Szabo announced the retirement of Linda Lange, Technical Services Division Manager, on June 1st after 30 years of service. Board members are invited to a farewell reception
for Linda hosted by the Friends of the Library from 2-4 p.m.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business – None
ITEM #5 – New Business – None
ITEM #6 – Reports
Foundation
Foundation Executive Director noted the announcement made of Jack and
Ruth Eckerd as a major donor to the capital campaign for the new Main Library. Ms. Lewis is receiving calls of pledges as the campaign is well under way.
Friends
Friends President Tony Bacon discussed his strong push for a membership
goal of 500 and reported several new life memberships among Library Board members and City Commissioners. Mr. Bacon noted Friends contributions of $2,400 in scholarship funds, $25,000
to the new Main Library capital campaign, and $7,200 for author programs.
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Member Garte complimented the design presentation and major donor announcement last week.
Chair Melges thanked Holly Ausanio and Susan Doel for their work with the Board during the year.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon. The Board will resume regular monthly meetings in the fall on September 21, 2001.