Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of May 11, 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 April 13th were approved as mailed.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Celebration of Dr. Darter’s 40 years as trustee.  The board agreed to hold the dinner on Thursday, August 25. Dr. Darter began his service in July, 1965!

 

Employee Performance Review.  The board reviewed the form developed by Larry.  One review has taken place to date; the advantages of the process in addition to meeting the mandate were outlined. 

 

Gift of Bronze Sculpture.  Thanks to an anonymous donor, the sculpture of two children reading has been placed in the entrance nook; its permanent home may be elsewhere.  It is attributed to “Larry Zach (2000)” and was made by the "lost wax process."

 

Architect to advise on internal improvements to efficiency.  Larry will meet with Cynthia Ripley, a Napa architect with extensive experience working with libraries, later this week.

 

Personnel change.  It is necessary to replace a part time circulation clerk.  Larry will advertise internally then externally for someone willing to work from 16 to 25 hours a week.

 

Development of Adams Street Property.  Lynda circulated a list of the 12 developers who submitted letters of intent.  Full proposals are due May 30th.   

 

The Tweed Trust.  Following Larry’s announcement that the proceeds may be received within months, the board discussed the advisability of establishing a foundation or tailoring the Friends organization to provide an unambiguous recipient for the bequests of others wishing to benefit the library. 

 

Friends of the Library.  Tom reported that there will be a book sale May 16th and 17th.  No meetings are scheduled for June or August; the general meeting and election of officers will be July 24th from 3 to 5 p.m.  A new treasurer is needed, preferably capable of computerizing the Friends’ financial activities.  The new president will be unable to attend trustee meetings, so the Friends propose to send other officers on a rotating basis.

 

Wine Library Association.  Dr. Darter, Bob, Lynda and Tom expressed interest in participating in the Wine Librarians Association’s  bi-annual meeting here in St. Helena Friday, May 20th, and particulars were distributed.  Library staff will conduct a “test run” to assess an outside organization’s capability to duplicate and transcribe the Heintz collection oral histories.  The ensuing project could be financed by a pending grant.      

 

St. Helena Historical Society.  Gwen reported that a two-day strategic planning session is scheduled for July.  Three candidates for a vacant board seat will be assessed according to the needs of the organization generated at that meeting.  Membership renewal notices will be mailed in July.  The new agreement between the society and the city should be completed by August, pending research on insurance issues.  A local storage locker has been rented, and materials transferred to it from the second floor of the library.   Upcoming programs will include a repeat of the Museum for a Day and possibly another antiques clinic.    

The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary