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, Julie Dickson, and Bonnie Long were present, as were Friends of the Library representative Jeanne Forde, Bob Brownscombe, and Library Director Larry Hlavsa. 

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of January 10 were approved as submitted.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Interior re-design project.  Larry had duplicated the current “footprint” plan submitted by Page + Moris incorporating our suggestions, and the group reviewed it and exchanged comments.  It appears to achieve the needs specified, being workable for the staff and user-friendly for the public foremost.  Bob expressed the hope that donor recognition would be discreet and accurate.  Larry anticipates another internal comment period of several weeks, then the posting in the library of the plan, with an explanation, for public perusal.   

 

Tweed Trust Chiles Valley property.  A copy of the confidential appraisal obtained for the city was shared with the trustees.

 

Maintenance issues.  Larry noted that the exterior was sorely in need of repainting, and he has asked this project be included in the budget now being prepared.  Lynda urged that replacement of flooring be considered; the group agreed that resolving mold/dampness damage due to the low water table of the area be given high priority, and that the HVAC system originally designed for the 1979 building should be replaced.  Larry reported that progress was being made on current maintenance concerns, but that the Public Works Department was still short-staffed.  He was thanked for re-instituting the monthly Maintenance Report.  Due to plugging of the drain and subsequent chlorine build-up, the spring crop of tadpoles in the Vasconi fountain may have been decimated. 

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  The subcommittee addressing the formation of a foundation (Bonnie and Lynda) will meet to draft a simple RFP so that Larry may continue to seek a qualified consultant.  He will ask Page + Moris if they have encountered such a person in their work with libraries.  Lynda has identified a resource in the state attorney general’s office to provide sample bylaws of organizations supporting libraries. 

 

FY 2007-2008 Preliminary Budget.  Larry’s preliminary budget for the library was reviewed and discussed.  It substantially retains the status quo, with the addition of the request for two microfilm readers and replacement of staff computers.   The total is up just under 5%, with the increase being covered by a combination of state and Wood Trust funding (not the city’s general fund).

 

Friends of the Library.   Jeanne reported no current items in addition to the Friends’ supportive role in the interior re-design project.

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie reported that three directors of the association were retiring from the board, and that two new directors had been identified.  On Tuesday evening, March 20th, the association will host a reception in the library to honor the high school students who have completed video interviews of members of pioneer local winemaking families.  Also invited will be those family members, the school board, the library trustees, and representatives of the Historical Society.

 

Historical Society.  Gwen described the “Discover Hidden Treasures” event scheduled for this coming Sunday, February 18th, at the Native Sons Hall.  On March 6th, the society offers a textile conservation and preservation class at Napa Valley College.  Gwen is considering assuming the oral history responsibilities. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

 

                                                            Julie Dickson, recording secretary