Minutes of Regular Meeting

May 20, 2003

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Board President, Hope Furth. In attendance were Trustees Janet Elmiger, Campbell Geeslin, Timothy James, Nancy Smith, Library Director Sandra 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, Martinez, Oliva and Simmons. Trustee Elmiger was appointed Secretary Pro-Tem on a MOTION by Trustee James, seconded by Trustee Smith.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the regular meeting of April 15, 2003 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Elmiger, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports for month ending 4/30/03.

Bills 2002/03 Budget: #20 & #21

The payment of bill vouchers #20 and #21 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee James, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed written administration reports, and Library Director Miranda mentioned that Kurt Hadeler’s report would be made next month, as he was presently on vacation.

Trustee Reports and Business

WLS

Trustee Furth, WLS liaison, reported WLS finances will be in a state of flux over the next few years; Briarcliff & New Rochelle libraries continue to face problems; and New Rochelle will vote on their Library’s budget on June 3, 2003.

Friends

Trustee Elmiger reported that the annual meeting on 5/18 was well attended and successful. She noted the Friends annual membership drive was underway and urged Board members to join .

Foundation

On a MOTION by Trustee Elmiger, seconded by Trustee Smith, the Board approved the Foundation Budget Draft Proposed 5/16/03 as presented.

Volunteer Recognition

No report from the committee, but Assistant Director Thorsen noted that she had assembled a current list of the Library’s volunteers for the committee’s use.

Long Range Plan Committee

Library Director Miranda reported the committee held its first meeting and plans to schedule another meeting shortly.

Library Board Meeting Dates

Trustee Furth reminded the Board that their next meeting will be held on June 11, and suggested the Board’s regular meetings be scheduled on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month. There were no objections from the Board, and they agreed to schedule the July meeting for Wednesday, July 9, 2003.

Executive Session - Law Enforcement Matters

On a MOTION by Trustee James, seconded by Trustee Elmiger, the Board went into Executive Session to discuss matters under investigation. On a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee James, the Board ended Executive Session.

Patriot Act

The Board reviewed pro information on the Patriot Act, and Assistant Director Patricia Thorsen thanked Tim Baird for his diligent research. Trustee James asked questions pertaining to library practice regarding collection development and public Internet use. Mrs. Miranda referred to the Library’s written, Board approved policies.

NYS Annual Report for Public & Association Libraries - 2002

Copies were provided for Board information. Library Director Miranda noted the report included comparative information for 2001 and 2002.

Reciprocal Services

a) Action on Request for Variance - On a MOTION by Trustee Elmiger, seconded by Trustee Geeslin, the Board approved the Variance Request as presented. Trustee James expressed concerns, and the Board extensively discussed the pro’s and con’s of this action.

b) Report on Direct Use Committee - Library Director Miranda noted that over the years, various committees and task forces have tried to address non-resident use issues, but with very limited success. This Direct Use committee is recommending that regardless of how much money is available for distribution, the formula be revised for equity to all "net lender" libraries. Also, it is recommending the that amount for distribution be increased.

However, with its budget limitations, WLS is increasingly hard pressed to continue existing services. State funding is in jeapardy, and County funding is discretionary, not mandated. Mrs. Miranda reported that to create a stable source of County-based funding for WLS, Mitch Freedman has begun to advocate formation of a county wide tax district. Mrs. Miranda reported that in fact the state is encouraging localities to form tax districts because they generally generate better local funding. Also, better local funding would take the onus off the state to increase its funding to libraries. Creation of a county-wide tax district raises some pros and many cons, such as taxpayers having to pay both local and county taxes for library service. Mrs. Miranda reported that PLDA wants the issues discussed fully before any action is taken, and that preliminary discussions among the directors indicate strong opposition. Trustee Furth asked the Board for feedback on how to raise a "red flag" on this issue at the next WLS meeting. Mrs. Miranda suggested that Mr. Freedman be asked to provide information, as there is currently no description of what is being proposed. Trustee James suggested asking for the formation of a subcommittee to study Mr. Freedman’s proposal for formation of a county wide tax district.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Elmiger, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

Janet Elmiger, Secretary Pro-Tem

Library Board of Trustees