01/17/2003LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 17, 2003
Present: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Frederick Dunn Board Member
Absent: Glenn Garte Board Member
Katherine Merriam Board Member
Vacant position 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
ITEM #2 – Minutes
Member Frederick Dunn moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 15, 2002 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 the Main Library construction project
continues on schedule. Concrete was poured on the fifth floor and south half of the second floor this past week. Library managers recently toured the site. Mr. Szabo will try to schedule
a tour for Board members in February. An agenda item for a $2.4 million construction authorization goes before the City Commission next week. The GMP contract is scheduled for approval
by the City Commission in February. Furniture specification has begun. Substantial completion is scheduled for October 31. Furniture and shelving will be installed in phases during
October, November, and December. The actual move is planned for November and December, with a grand opening anticipated in January 2004.
North Greenwood Branch Library Project Update/Grand Opening
Grand opening of the new North Greenwood Branch Library will be Saturday,
January 18, 2003. Mr. Szabo commented on the extra special touches in this beautiful new facility thanks to the Clearwater Library Foundation’s successful campaign for enhancements
for this library.
State Library of Florida – Transition/Reorganization
Mr. Szabo noted the newly appointed Secretary of State Glenda Hood will
take office on February 27, 2003. Mr. Szabo reported concern from the library community for this future of the State Library with rumors of plans to reorganize. The three existing
bureaus in the State Library, namely Archives & Records Management, Library Development, and Library Network Services, may be split apart. Concerns from the library community include
the integrity of archival records, the future of State Aid funding, and the future of the State Library. Mr. Szabo and Dick Fitzgerald serve on the State Library Advisory Council.
The Florida Library Association Legislative Committee is developing a strategy which will be discussed in Tallahassee on January 30.
Code of Conduct
Mr. Szabo distributed and reviewed the revised Code of Conduct approved
by the City Manager and posted in all Clearwater libraries.
“…try denting it.” Grant
The TDI youth group at Countryside Library sponsored by Librarian Julie
Hudson has been awarded a $920 grant from YAR (Youth As Resources, Pinellas). Grant funding will assist TDI members volunteering at Ronald McDonald House and The Haven spouse abuse
shelter.
Beach Branch Library – Lease
A one-year lease for the Beach Branch Library has been approved through
December 31, 2003. Mr. Szabo noted there may be discussion on the need for the Beach Branch Library once the new Main Library is completed.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business – None
ITEM #5 – New Business
Recommendation to City Commission re: Board size
As a result of discussion at a special City Commission work session for
Advisory Boards, Board members were asked to make a recommendation on Board size and length of time off between appointments. After discussion, Board members agreed that the current
size of seven (7) members is appropriate after two previous reductions from the original eleven (11) to nine (9) and again from nine (9) to seven (7). Board members were also in favor
of a reduction in time off between appointments from the present two (2) terms to one (1) year. Chair Melges will state these recommendations in a letter to the City Commission.
Bylaws
There are no bylaws for the Library Advisory Board. No discussion.
Question on USA Patriot Act – Member Dunn
Member Dunn questioned the USA Patriot Act with regard to patron usage
records. Mr. Szabo explained this federal law overrides Florida’s Library Records Confidentiality statute. Discussion followed on the availability of records in our circulation system
pertaining to a patron’s checkout history.
Question on meeting room use – Member Dunn
Member Dunn questioned Clearwater’s policy on meeting room use by
political or religious groups in light of the recent issue on restrictions at both Dunedin and Tarpon Springs public libraries. Mr. Szabo noted Clearwater does not have such restrictions.
ITEM # 6 – Reports
a) Foundation
Chair Melges reported the Foundation is looking forward to the North
Greenwood Branch Library grand opening.
b) Friends
The Friends Winter Luncheon will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 21 at Harborview Center.
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Chair Melges noted Member Katherine Merriam fell during the holidays and is in rehabilitation at her Regency Oaks residence.
Due to other commitments on Friday, February 21, 2003, Board members agreed to change the February Board meeting to Friday, February 14 at the same time and location.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.