Minutes of Regular Meeting

February 13, 2008

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Board President Julie Trelstad. In attendance were Trustees Denise D’Ambrosio, Hope Furth, Jeane Garment, Howard Hawkins, Timothy James, P. Lynn Oliva, Paul Schwarz, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, and Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen. Absent with notice was Trustee Connors.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 15, 2008

The minutes of the regular meeting of January 15, 2008 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Oliva, seconded by Trustee Garment.

BUDGET

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed reports for month ending 12/31/07. Trustee James asked about timing of budget expenses. Mrs. Miranda explained that some items, such as utilities, are spent out later in the year. Trustee Furth asked about the expense report that was included in the Board packet, and Library Director Miranda noted that it will be given to the Board twice a year. Several Board members commented that they found the list useful.

Bills 2007/08 Budget

Payment of bill vouchers #14 and #15 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee James, seconded by Trustee Furth.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed Administrative reports. Children’s Manager Rosemary Rasmussen noted how busy it has been at The Trove, and mentioned a visit by Swedish librarians. Trustee D’Ambrosio asked about the fire regulations, i.e. how many people can occupy The Trove. Mrs. Miranda said that only the individual meeting rooms had posted occupancy limits. Trustee Hawkins asked about an activity with the Junior League mentioned in Ms. Rasmussen's report. Ms. Rasmussen said it is a Literacy Day with the theme "Anytime is a good time to read" that will take place at the Library for 150 Head Start families, but open to all. There will be a follow-up Spanish language program later in the Spring. The Library has applied for a mini-grant from WLS for book bags to give to each family.

Regarding ongoing problems with public internet access, Trustee Oliva asked whether router replacement was a capital project and subject to that time line. Library Director Miranda responded no, and that the router would be replaced as soon as possible.

Trustee Furth asked about Homework Help survey responses. Mrs. Miranda noted that she had questioned this also, and found that only a few students responded to the survey, which skewed the figures. However, she also discovered some quality control and technical issues that the vendor pledged to address. In addition, there was some misuse by students who harassed tutors or just wanted answers instead of learning to do the homework.

Library Director Miranda was pleased to report that Nancy Kunz, Public Relations Librarian, has completed the newsletter in a timely manner and is beginning to plan adult programs.

Trustee Reports & Business:

WLS

Trustee Furth reported that at its last meeting, the Board met John Sexton, the new YA coordinator, and there was discussion about summer reading grants, revamping ILL procedures, the new WLS website, and a database study that made her more aware of the various databases. She noted that there is still a misconception that the WPPL is not a member of WLS, and wondered how can we overcome this. She noted frustration that WLS has not undertaken any interface between the two catalogs. Mrs. Miranda reported that the Directors Association approved a change several months ago that would be a step in this direction, but WLS had yet to implement it.

Advocacy

Mrs. Miranda will continue to send Board advocacy materials, and she encouraged Board members to attend Lobby Day in Albany on March 11, 2008.

Friends

Library Director Miranda reported that the Friends would be meeting tomorrow and she would request continuation of support for Museum Gallery exhibits. She reported that the Friends are searching for an author for their annual meeting, and Trustee Trelstad offered a suggestion. Trustee Furth noted that she can attend the monthly meetings beginning in the Fall.

Foundation

Library Director Miranda reported that the Foundation’s annual and regular meetings will be held on February 27. The slate of officers will be Jeanne Garment, President; Yuki Haynes,Vice President and Eileen Bradley, Treasurer. She reported that the invitation and raffles were sent out for Trumble in Trove, and she asked Board members to contact her or Pat Thorsen if they would like to volunteer. Library Director Miranda also announced that the Foundation will host a dessert/coffee reception on the evening of May 8 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. honoring its past three presidents.

NEW BUSINESS:

Proposed Library Fund Budget FY 2008-2009

Library Director Miranda reviewed with the Board. She noted that requests had been included to permit use of a collection agency and increased security guard coverage in order to phase in self-check on the main floor and control costs for security supplies. Trustee Oliva asked if the Library was given any parameters, and Mrs. Miranda noted that the goal was no increase, except in lines such as utilities. She noted that the budget as presented was complete, but would be revised somewhat to include collection agency fees and any other final changes. President Trelstad questioned whether the request for additional funds for books was enough, and Mrs. Miranda assured that it was. On a MOTION by Trustee Schwarz, seconded by Trustee Oliva, the Board approved the 2008/09 Library Fund Budget Request as of 2/13/2008 in principle. Mrs. Miranda will send the Board the final version with any revised figures.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee Oliva.

Timothy James, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees