Minutes of the Meeting of April 13, 2005

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Dr. Darter at 5 p.m.  Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Gwen Becker, Bob Brownscombe, Lynda Burton, and Julie Dickson were present.  Friends of the Library President Tom Burke was present, as was Library Director Larry Hlavsa.

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  Minutes of the meeting of March 9th were approved with one correction.

Library Director’s Report

Weekly reports to City Council.  Reports were reviewed, with particular attention given to the addition of book talks to the schedule of public events, to the payment by Randy Fischer of approximately $120/month for electrical service, and to the project undertaken by Larry to document the history of the St. Helena Public Library.

Development of Adams Street Property.  Trustees reviewed the official “Request for Proposals” and its timetable and determined that the board should be kept apprised of which developers submit letters of intent and be prepared – probably in June – to review proposals submitted to assure that they incorporate appropriate provisions for protection of the library and its interests, pursuant to the directive stated in the RFP.  

City Budget.  Larry reported that at this stage of the city’s deliberation there is a significant shortfall, and that the City Manager has gone on record that a deficit budget will not be submitted this year.  There was a general discussion of the nature and history of the Transaction Based Reimbursement (“TBR”) system and accounting related to these payments from the State of California.  The historical role of the County of Napa in support of the St. Helena Public Library and the St. Helena Public Schools was also reviewed.

The Tweed Trust.  Larry has received communication that the St. Helena Public Library, as co-beneficiary with the Pacific Union College Nursing Department, may soon receive funds as a named beneficiary.  He will be in touch with lawyers administering the trust and report further concerning issues surrounding the distribution, including possible sale of real property.  

Friends of the Library.  Tom reported that the Friends’ survey as to the demand for and potential structure of a system to deliver books to homebound patrons has commenced, and trustees suggested additional locations and avenues to elicit public comment.  

Wine Library Association. Julie advised that the NVWLA will host the Wine Librarians Association for its May 20th bi-annual meeting and invited trustees to participate in the day if they wish; details will be circulated.      

St. Helena Historical Society.  Gwen reported that strategic planning continues and should be completed in July.  Since the collection will belong to the society rather than the city under the revised arrangement, insurance is being researched.  The April 5th tour at Edgehill was a success, with Colin McPhail as guide.  The May 3rd gathering at Nicheliini will be a potluck.  Sites for meetings for the remainder of the year are being confirmed.  There will be a membership/renewal drive in July, and officers have been visited other historical societies in Healdsburg and Sebastopol. 

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary