05/10/2007
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 10, 2007
Present:
Jan Regulski
Frederick Dunn
Elizabeth Drayer
Marilyn Garte
Lorelei Keif
Michele Krentzman
Robert Brumback
Also Present:
Barbara Pickell
Holly Ausanio
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Chair Jan Regulski 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 Brumback moved to approve the minutes of the April 12 meeting as submitted.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Announcements - none.
ITEM #4 - Library Director's Report
a) City Budget update
Library Director Barbara Pickell reported the City's budget, anticipating the worst case
scenario, was submitted with all proposed Library cuts including the reduction of one
Library Assistant position at North Greenwood Library, and closing the Beach Branch,
Information Desk at the Main Library, and two nights each at the Countryside and East
branch libraries.
In response to questions, Director Pickell reported City Council has approved the City
Manager recommendation of $7.5 million in cuts plus directed an additional $4.5 million
in cuts to cover a 2003 rollback rate. The Council does not officially approve the budget
until September after several public hearings, which begin in July. The millage rate, set
in July before the budget is passed, cannot be increased once it is set. The City is
forced to make cuts based on anticipated State cuts. Due to the City's strong
commitment to relocate staff in positions slated for cuts, a hiring freeze is in effect.
There are nine Library positions that will be cut, 5-1/2 of which are currently vacant.
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Discussion ensued regarding providing one centrally located library to save money, with
concern expressed that the system was built to serve neighborhoods.
In response to questions, Director Pickell stated there are currently two shifts of staff to
operate the facilities. There is more activity in four hours on Sunday at the Countryside
branch than eight hours on Friday, and sometimes more than 12 hours on Thursday.
Changing hours to accommodate to busier times of the year would only confuse people;
it is best to keep the hours uniform year-round. The proposal to close on Monday would
allow staff to have two days off consecutively. Even being closed on Monday, usage is
expected to increase.
Regarding the use of volunteers, Director Pickell stated we could not use them in the
same capacity as paid positions. Also, volunteers are not as committed to a specific
schedule. We currently have over 200 volunteers working mostly on special projects
and for the bookstores.
Concerns were expressed that the addition of Sunday hours sends a mixed message to
citizens at a time when cuts are being made. Director Pickell expressed concern that we
may lose staff and have difficulty recruiting good candidates due to weekend hours.
Director Pickell stated the Main Library is the resource library for the system. It also has
the heaviest Youth Services usage.
Member Robert Brumback moved to approve a change in hours to include Sunday hours
at the Main and East libraries provided the recommended budget cuts to the Library are
approved by the City Council. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
b) Beach Branch update
Director Pickell reported the Beach Branch library will be closed since the Beach
Recreation Center is also planned to be closed except for rental events.
In response to a question, Director Pickell stated Beach residents have not been as
verbal about keeping the Beach Library as in previous years.
c) Action Plan update - no discussion.
Director Barbara Pickell reported the East and Countryside libraries have been approved
for use as employee storm shelters.
ITEM #5 - Unfinished Business - none
ITEM #6 - New Business
a) Nomination/Election of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson 2007/2008
Chair Jan Regulski reported her term ends in December, and opened the floor for
nominations for the offices of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
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Member Bob Brumback nominated Member Drayer as Chairperson. Member Drayer
declined the nomination.
Member Michele Krentzman nominated Member Bob Brumback as Chairperson and
Vice-Chair Fred Dunn for another term for the slate of officers for 2007/2008. With no
other nominations from the floor, the vote was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
ITEM #7 - Reports
a) Foundation - no report.
b) Friends
Director Barbara Pickell reported the annual Volunteer Tea was well attended, including
the City Manager and three City Council members.
ITEM #7 - Board Comments
Discussion ensued regarding the impact the budget cuts will have on libraries.
Consensus was to send a letter from the Board to legislators expressing great concern
regarding the negative impact property tax reduction to the 2003 level will have on
community libraries.
Chair Jan Regulski expressed concern regarding the new teen volunteer requirement for
police background checks and the burden the process places on the parents. Director
Pickell stated the Sheriff's Office requires that minors be accompanied by a parent or
guardian to acquire the background check.
ITEM #8 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :50 a.m.
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Chair
Attest:
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