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03/23/2001LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 23, 2001 Present: Judy Melges Chair Howard Adler Board Member Fred Dunn Board Member Glenn Garte Board Member Katherine Merriam Board Member Absent: Tom Leavy Vice Chair Rhonda Smith Board Member Also Present: John Szabo Library Director 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 Chair Judy Melges welcomed former Board member Fred Dunn, returning to the Board replacing Jill Perrino. ITEM #2 – Minutes Member Glenn Garte noted he was not indicated as present at the last meeting. Chair Melges noted that correction had been made to the official minutes. Member Katherine Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 16, 2001 as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report Main Library project update Library Director John Szabo reported that contracts were approved on March 1st by the City Commission and signed with Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe Architects for architectural services and State of Florida, Department of Management Services for project management services. Mr. Szabo noted that Robert A.M. Stern Architects is subcontracted through Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe. The schematic design phase will take 90 days (through end of May). The 1997 building program is being revised to reflect changes from 112,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet. The Department of Management Services has set an April 2, 2001 deadline for construction management firms to submit their qualifications. Firms on the shortlist will be interviewed in early May, and a recommendation is expected to be made to the City Commission at the June 7th Commission meeting. Mr. Szabo noted the process of finalizing the design of the new Main Library is being discussed. The City Commission will have final approval. Board members Fred Dunn and Glenn Garte stressed the importance of a preview of the preliminary schematic plans for the project. North Greenwood Library Mr. Szabo reported we are currently in the schematic design phase for the new North Greenwood Library with plans to start construction in July. The library project is currently ahead of two other closely related projects for that area: a recreation center and corridor enhancements on North Greenwood Avenue. Mr. Szabo commented the present North Greenwood Library facility is temporarily closed for ceiling repairs by the City’s Building & Maintenance Division and will re-open on March 26, 2001. Pinellas Public Library Cooperative has funded a $25,000 grant to purchase new African American materials for the North Greenwood Library. Countryside Library – Sunday hours update Hourly circulation averaged 153 items at Countryside Library on Sundays compared to an hourly average of 141 items Monday through Saturday. Statistics show Sunday hours are doing very well, as expected. Legislative issues update Mr. Szabo reviewed legislative issues to be addressed with legislators in Tallahassee on March 26-28, 2001 when participants attend Library Day. Representing Clearwater this year will be Judy Melges, Fred and Estelle Dunn, Dr. David Berry, Mr. Szabo, Tony Bacon, and Dick Fitzgerald. Mr. Bacon and Mr. Fitzgerald are members of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative Board. Mr. Fitzgerald is also a recently appointed member of the State Library Council. Coachman Park concerts/Library closings Mr. Szabo discussed the need to close Main Library periodically during certain concerts/events in Coachman Park. Complaints are received whether the library closes or remains open due to parking concerns. Mr. Szabo hopes event scheduling will be reviewed to better accommodate library hours when the new Main Library opens. Mr. Szabo also discussed the following issues: Mr. Szabo reported that Heartland County Library System has joined our reciprocal borrowing agreement which brings the number of library facilities Clearwater cardholders may now use to 80. Pinellas Park Public Library will re-open on Sunday, April 1st. The design of the new Pinellas Park Public Library was a Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe Architects project. Mr. Szabo distributed an article from the March 15, 2001 issue of Library Journal, “Libraries Score Big with Voters”, which reviewed referenda on operating and building initiatives from across the country. Clearwater’s Main Library project was included. ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business - None ITEM #5 – New Business – None ITEM #6 – Reports Foundation In Foundation Executive Director Julie Lewis’ absence, Chair Melges distributed buttons for the capital campaign. Dean Young has agreed to do the artwork for the giant garage sale. The preview party before the garage sale will include a silent auction. Donated items are needed for the sale. Friends Member Merriam reported Rex Clark is home from the hospital and recovering nicely. Tony Bacon is the new Friends President. ITEM #7 – Board Comments Member Garte will display notices or posters in every condominium complex on Sand Key to promote the giant garage sale. Member Garte also suggested a piece of the Carnegie building be salvaged and passed on. Mr. Szabo commented that art work and plaques will be salvaged as well. ITEM #8 – Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.