01/10/2008
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 10, 2008
Present:
Robert Brumback
Frederick Dunn
Elizabeth Drayer
Marilyn Garte
Jan Regulski
Elizabeth O'Brien
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Lorelei Keif
Board Member
Also Present:
Barbara Pickell
Holly Ausanio
Library Director
Administrative Analyst
Chair Robert Brumback called the meeting to order at 10:32 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
Board members welcomed new appointee Elizabeth O'Brien.
ITEM #2 - Minutes
Member Jan Regulski moved to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2007 meeting
as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Announcements - None.
ITEM #4 - Librarv Director's Report
a) Recommendations for East-side Libraries:
1. Expand and renovate existing locations
2. Consolidate in one larger location
3. Joint use with St. Petersburg College
4. Joint use with Morningside Recreation facility
Director Barbara Pickell stated the need for community libraries, a decision made by a
previous council, is now being questioned. East and Countryside branch libraries have
been approved for expansion with Pennies 3 funds at $6.5 million each. Once the new
City Council is in place, the City Manager will present choices for future plans for the
library system. At that time, the Library Board can provide its recommendation for the
best option to serve library users under budgetary constraints.
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In response to questions, Director Pickell stated discussion for a joint use library with St.
Petersburg College continues. Patrons of other joint use libraries love them; however
there are management issues. To pursue expansion of Countryside and East on the
existing properties is a problem for the East Branch due to lack of space for parking.
The largest population is on the east side of the City.
Discussion ensued regarding combining the Countryside and East branches into a
centrally located library on the east side of the City. Concern was expressed that
patrons of both libraries will fight against loss of their library.
Director Pickell suggested service would improve with all the librarians at one location,
enabling Youth Services librarians to focus on those services. Currently, they are
spending half their time at the reference desk. She stated other options include a joint
use with the Morningside Recreation Center, scheduled to be constructed at the same
location. In response to a question, Director Pickell stated the least expensive option
would likely be one library for the east side of the city. Keeping both libraries would be
the most expensive option.
A request was made for data on each library including square footage, number of
cardholders - adult vs. children, and demographics by zip code. A written presentation
was also requested detailing options and projected costs.
In response to a concern expressed regarding the possibility of closing a library due to
budget constraints while the City continues to fund the Jazz Festival, it was stated the
festival is not budgeted with taxes. The only costs to the City are services provided by
other departments such as trash pick-up.
Beach Library
Director Barbara Pickell reported award of the contract for expansion and renovation of
the Beach Recreation Center is scheduled for the City Council meeting on Thursday.
The project is being phased to complete renovation of the Beach Library space by May
or June.
In response to a question, Director Pickell stated there have not been any security
issues at the current location.
Countywide system
Director Barbara Pickell reported the first eight libraries participating in the countywide
system should be operational by May. The rest of the libraries are scheduled to join in
September. Discussions continue to standardize policies and guidelines.
In response to a question, Director Pickell stated residents of non-participating cities pay
a fee for a library card, many of whom are reimbursed by their city. There is no plan to
increase the non-resident fee.
ITEM #5 - Unfinished Business - None.
ITEM #6 - New Business - None.
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ITEM #7 - Reports
a) Foundation - No report.
In response to a question, it was stated the new Foundation President is expected to
report at the February meeting.
b) Friends - No report.
ITEM #8 - Board Comments - None.
ITEM #9 - Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :35 a.m.
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