10/18/2002LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 18, 2002
Present: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Frederick Dunn Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
Katherine Merriam Board Member
Absent: Rhonda Smith Board Member
Also Present: Laurel Gustafson Assistant Library Director
Susan Doel Administrative Analyst
Chair Judy Melges called the meeting to order at 10:35 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 – Minutes
Member Frederick Dunn moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 18, 2002 as corrected to reflect the presence of Tom Leavy. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Library Director’s Report
In the absence of Library Director John Szabo, Assistant Library Director
Laurel Gustafson reported the following:
a) Main Library Project Update
The Main Library construction project remains on schedule with the
beginning placement of structural steel. A link to the Library’s website enables the public to view updated pictures of the construction process.
North Greenwood Branch Library Project Update
The North Greenwood Branch Library project continues on schedule with
carpeting and cabinetry being installed. The grand opening date is still tentative and
contingent upon furniture delivery. Board members discussed improvements to the immediate area surrounding the Library including streetscaping along N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
(formerly North Greenwood Avenue) and apartment refurbishing north of the Library.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business
Chair Melges will send Board members a copy of a letter sent to the City Commission regarding suggestions to improve attendance at annual Advisory Board Dinners.
ITEM #5 – New Business - None
ITEM #6 – Reports
Foundation
Chair Melges provided an update on the progress of the Capital Campaign.
Cortlandt Fingler of John Brown Limited, a fundraising consulting firm, will be coordinating major donor appointments with Jim Harper. Efforts are now being made by the Foundation’s
Main Library Community Campaign to reach out to service organizations.
One hundred and one engraved bricks will be ready for placement in the circular drive channel at the front entrance of the North Greenwood Branch Library. The Foundation is now in the
second phase of the brick campaign. A total of 200 additional bricks are available for engraving at $50 per brick. Plaques recognizing Christine Morris, Pastor Mac Williams, Jeanette
S. Bacon, and the Clearwater Woman’s Club are being designed for specific interior areas as well as a history plaque for the foyer.
Friends
Friends Board member Georgia Eason celebrated her 99th birthday at the
most recent Friends Board meeting in October. The Friends revamped their Scholarship Program. A Holiday Gala dinner and dancing event is planned for December 12, 2002 at the Carlouel
Yacht Club (black tie optional).
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Member Howard Adler noted more kids are present on Sundays doing homework at the Countryside Library.
Board members discussed the importance of having representation from younger citizens and from all areas of Clearwater on the Board. Mrs. Gustafson will research protocol for staff
and Board involvement in filling Board vacancies.
ITEM # - Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.