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, Lynda Burton,  and Julie Dickson were present, as well as new trustee Bonnie Long, warmly welcomed.   Friends of the Library President Dolores Torrigino was present, as was Library Director Larry Hlavsa.

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  Minutes of the meeting of July 13th were approved as mailed.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Development of Adams Street Property.  Public meetings are scheduled for the afternoons of Thursday, September 22nd and Thursday, October 6th, with three of the six participating developers to be questioned at each meeting.  Lynda plans to attend the September session, and encouraged another board representative to attend the October one.  Dr. Darter directed that the memo with our comments be submitted in each case. 

 

Tweed Trust update.  Larry has met with John Collins, representing co-beneficiary Pacific Union College. He described their meeting and conversation. Following lengthy discussion among the library board, a motion was seconded and passed recommending that the board hire its own attorney (seeking a recommendation from Diane Price with fees to be paid from Wood Trust) to perform the following; (1) analyze Tweed Trust document to determine if it specifies how proceeds are to be used, specifically if the funds should/could be held separately from city funds, (2) explore ramifications of sale vs. non-sale of the property from our point of view, (3) research and make a recommendation concerning the formation of a foundation for receipt of Tweed and similar future gifts to the St. Helena Public Library. Larry will also poll other libraries concerning their experience/advice regarding foundation formation.

 

Proposed security gate for second floor.  The board supported Larry’s plan to spend approximately $500 to install a gate between the upstairs work and storage rooms.

 

History of Carnegie Library.  Larry distributed a sheet he prepared with text and graphics detailing our library’s establishment and tenancy of the Carnegie Building and then the present building on Library Lane.  Lynda suggested that a form of acknowledgement be given the Daly heirs.

 

Competing ILL systems.  Larry discussed the LSTA-funded and OCLC-based "California Catalog" explaining there is confusion about the implementation of this program since the California State Library has not provided any plans. He will work with other NBC directors in pushing for a planning meeting.

 

“Thin clients” replacing PC catalog workstations.  Randy Fischer, library technology consultant, will be installing the new system shortly, which is smaller, less expensive and easier to repair and replace. The first of the stations will be installed shortly.

 

Signage.  Gwen recommended that Larry enlist Bobbie’s assistance to develop proposals to erect signage promised during the building campaign to recognize donors.  Dolores reminded the board that the Friends have agreed to finance whatever signage plan is chosen.

 

Behavior Policy.  It was moved, seconded and passed to adopt Resolution No. 2005-4, Establishing a Library Behavior Policy.

 

Friends of the Library (Dolores Torrigino).  Dolores reported that a new vice president is being sought. A book sale will be held October 5-7. The Friends co-sponsored Dr. Darter’s enjoyable 40th anniversary celebration dinner on August 25th and are financing the computer tech classes to be held during the next nine months. The Friends are also sending books to troops in Afghanistan.   

 

Wine Library Association (Julie Dickson).  Julie reported that the author of the upcoming book “Judgment of Paris” will be featured at a signing at Stag’s Leap Winery on October 8th to which association members will be invited.  The association’s final event of the year will be the Harvest Seminar October 22nd featuring the St. Helena district, with lunch at Fulton Mather’s winery adjacent to the library.

 

St. Helena Historical Society (Gwen Becker).  Gwen reported that strategic planning for the Society continues with outreach proposed in January. The SHHS board hopes to establish a museum by 2010.  The Ink House meeting was successful and architectural history will be featured at the BV house October 4th.  Insurance issues are still being researched vis-à-vis the agreement with the city.  Babe Learned is offering to donate valuable historic equipment and artifacts, which again raises the issue of storage.   

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

 

Julie Dickson, recording secretary