03/21/2003LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 21, 2003
Present: Judy Melges Chair
Tom Leavy Vice Chair
Howard Adler Board Member
Frederick Dunn Board Member
Glenn Garte Board Member
Absent: 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 10:34 a.m. at the Main Library.
ITEM #1 – Welcome
ITEM #2 – Minutes
Member Frederick Dunn moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2003 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 roofing contractor is on site at the
new Main Library. Masonry work is 85-90% complete. Discussion has begun on the process of phasing in the collection and furniture. It is anticipated the building should be dried in
by June.
North Greenwood Branch Library Transformation – Award
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council presented a very prestigious
award to the City of Clearwater for the North Greenwood Neighborhood Transformation Project of which the North Greenwood Branch Library is a part, along with the Clearwater Recreation
& Aquatics Center, corridor enhancements along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, and the North Greenwood Apartments/Bank of America partnership. Of the fifty applicants, only one award
was presented. Mr. Szabo commented that the new North Greenwood Branch Library is heavily used.
Beach Branch Library – Developer Proposal
In response to discussion last month regarding a Beach developer’s interest
in providing free space for the Beach Branch Library, Mr. Szabo discussed this subject with City staff. At this time the developer is showing interest and addressing some of the issues
and needs on the Beach. Such discussion is very preliminary.
Member Glenn Garte raised concern over the future of the Beach Branch Library.
ITEM #4 – Unfinished Business
State Library of Florida – Update
Mr. Szabo reported the Senate budget has provided no funding for the
transfer of the State Library collection to Nova University and does provide funding for 106 of 120 staff positions showing support for Florida Library Association’s position. The House
did approve funding for the transfer of the collection and provides funding for 102 of 120 staff positions. The State Aid to Libraries recommendation remains approximately the same
as the current year. As president-elect of the Florida Library Association, Mr. Szabo will speak on the State Library issue at a press conference on March 25 in Tallahassee.
ITEM #5 – New Business
Mr. Szabo commented on a recent article in the newspaper on local library meeting room policies. Clearwater does not prohibit use based on views or affiliations as long as policy is
followed with respect to being free and open to the public. Clearwater does not charge non-profit organizations for meeting room use and does not book meeting rooms after hours. Discussion
followed on additional meeting rooms and event space in the new Main Library.
Chair Melges reported four candidates will be considered at the City Commission meeting of April 3 for one Board vacancy.
ITEM #6 – Reports
Foundation
Chair Melges reported the capital campaign is moving quickly and smoothly.
The Foundation will be hosting an event at the Fresh Market on Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. for $25.00 admission. All benefits will go to the capital campaign. Fresh Market store
discounts will be available that evening.
Friends
The Friends Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Tea is Sunday, April
6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the East Library.
ITEM #7 – Board Comments
Chair Melges reported Member Katherine Merriam is improving and looking forward to returning to Board meetings.
Member Howard Adler commended the library on the increased number of Gale databases appealing to people of all ages available remotely to patrons. A link to these sites can be found
on the library’s webpage.
Mr. Szabo noted a recent article in the City’s advertisement in the St. Petersburg Times features the brick campaign at the North Greenwood Branch Library. Also featured is the partnering
program with AARP and the IRS to provide tax assistance in our libraries.
ITEM #8 – Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m.