Minutes of Regular Meeting

February 11, 2003

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Board President Hope Furth. On a MOTION by Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Smith, Trustee Elmiger was appointed Secretary Pro-Tem. In attendance were Trustees Janet Elmiger, Campbell Geeslin, Lynn Oliva, Nancy Smith, Library Director Sandy Miranda, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, Head of Internal Operations Kurt Hadeler and Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors, Cox-Burns, Martinez and Simmons.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the regular meeting of January 15,2003 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Geeslin and seconded by Trustee Smith.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

January 31, 2003 report not received in time for meeting.

Bills 2002/03 Budget: #13, #14

The payment of bill vouchers #13 and #14 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

Report of Library Administration

Trustee Elmiger commended Rosemary Rasmussen on the Children’s Room Seuss Up program. Director Miranda reported that work on the HVAC capital project to replace the chiller unit and cooling tower is underway. Leaks from the third floor to first floor public areas are under repair, some caused by the construction. Mrs Miranda reported that work on a final design for the new Children’s Room is proceeding; children’s staff are participating in meetings with the architects. Mr. Hadeler and Mrs. Thorsen brought the Board up to date on steps taken to improve security of materials circulated from the first and second floors. Mrs. Miranda was pleased to report that two new full time staff members have started: Robert Cataldo, Electronics Services Specialist, and Dawn Lavalle, Librarian I Adult Services with some responsibilities in Technical Services. Although there are still seven vacancies remaining, these two positions help fill a critical gap, and we are grateful to the City to be able to fill them at this time.

Trustee Reports and Business

WLS

Trustee Furth did not attend the last WLS meeting, but reported that concerns about the WLS budget are serious, given the new cuts adopted by the County and proposed cuts by the Governor. Mrs. Furth noted that the African American Tea was a wonderful success, and the Book and Author Luncheon will be held on April 8, 2003 at Tappan Hill.

Friends

Trustee Elmiger reported that the next Friends meeting is scheduled for February 13, 2003.

Foundation

Mrs. Miranda handed out the new Foundation Board list and reviewed items distributed to the Board. These included status of the annual appeal and an outline of programs the Foundation is currently funding. Among its upcoming activities, the Foundation Board intends to follow-up on lapsed donors, approach a few new or recently new companies in town and plan a special event for the Fall.

Advocacy

Mrs. Miranda shared information on budget cuts from County and State and encouraged Board members to be active in asking state officials not to impose cuts of this magnitude on libraries. She gave out information on a bus trip for library supporters to Albany on 3/18 and has suggested to the current NYLA President, who is Director of the Larchmont Public Library, that an opportunity be created for advocates to rally here in Westchester as well.

Board Vacancies

Trustee Smith said she has decided not to request another term on the Board, but will serve until a replacement is found. Trustee Furth expressed, and all agreed, that the Board will miss Trustee Smith, as her perspective and intelligence are welcome in every discussion. Mrs. Miranda let the Board know that she passed an inquiry from an interested resident along to the Mayor.

Library Budget

Mrs. Miranda reviewed the Library budget recommended for Board approval to be submitted to City Hall on February 14^th. There was a discussion about the budget and its implications. No increases are possible for library programs or materials, and only two of seven vacancies can be funded. On a MOTION from Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Oliva, the Board approved the budget.

Sculpture Garden

In response to a renewed request for consideration of a sculpture garden proposed for the Library Plaza, the Board agreed that its priorities are managing the best library service for the community and working closely with the City to make this happen. The Board wishes there could be an interdepartmental effort to plan the best future uses of the Plaza, but understands if the City decides that this project is a priority.

Capital Improvement Program

Library projects in the approved 2003/2004 Capital Improvement Program were distributed for information and Board review.

Personnel: Report on Executive Session

This agenda item was postponed to the next meeting.

Proposed Amendment to Westchester Library System Direct Access Plan

This agenda item was postponed to the next meeting.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Smith.

Janet Elmiger, Secretary Pro-Tem

Library Board of Trustees